Mini Lesson: Pilot Currency

You’ve done your homework on the aircraft.

✔ARROW documents? On board.

✔Inspections? Logged and current.

✔Required equipment per 91.205? Check.

✔Squawks? Addressed.

The aircraft is ready, but now it’s time to ask: are you?

A lot of pilots forget that airworthiness of the aircraft is only half the equation, and the other half is the pilot. Being legal to act as PIC and carry passengers means meeting your own currency and recency requirements:

✔ Flight review completed within the past 24 calendar months? (FAR 61.56)

✔ Three takeoffs and landings in the same category and class within the last 90 days if carrying passengers? (FAR 61.57)

✔ Three full-stop landings between one-hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise in the last 90 days, if flying passengers after sunset?

Don’t forget about your medical certificate:

Whether you’re flying under BasicMed or a medical certificate, make sure it’s valid and appropriate for the type of flying you’re doing.

The aircraft can be 100% legal and airworthy, and the pilot may still not be legal to fly it. PIC responsibility means knowing your own limitations, not just the aircrafts! Staying current isn’t just a checkbox, it’s part of being a safe and responsible pilot.