What is required for carrying passengers at night?

To carry passengers at night, the pilot is required to have current night currency, which means the pilot must have logged a certain number of takeoffs and landings during night hours within a specified period. This ensures that the pilot possesses the necessary recent experience to operate the aircraft safely when visibility is reduced and the challenges of nighttime flying are present.

Having current night currency acts as a safeguard against the unique risks associated with flying at night, such as reduced depth perception and limited visual references. The requirement for recent takeoffs and landings indicates a practiced familiarity with nighttime flying conditions, which enhances safety for both the pilot and the passengers.

While specific training and certifications, night instruments and equipment, and medical certification are all important in aviation, they do not directly address the requirement for carrying passengers at night. Thus, current night currency specifically pertains to the experience and competency needed to ensure safe flight operations after sunset.