FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

Before carrying passengers at night, what must the pilot in command have accomplished?

1. Required takeoffs and landings in a simulator

2. Required takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type of aircraft

3. Required instrument proficiency checks

4. Required training in night navigation

The correct answer is: Required takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type of aircraft

The requirement for a pilot in command to have accomplished the necessary takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type of aircraft before carrying passengers at night is grounded in ensuring safety and competence in low-visibility conditions. Night flying presents unique challenges, including reduced visibility and depth perception issues. By having completed these takeoffs and landings, the pilot demonstrates a level of comfort and proficiency with the aircraft's handling characteristics, specifically in nighttime operations. This requirement ensures that the pilot is familiar with the aircraft's response during crucial phases such as takeoff and landing, which are inherently complex and vital phases of flight. Additionally, practicing these maneuvers at night allows the pilot to adapt to the different environmental conditions and to hone their awareness of landmarks and navigation aids that are less visible or entirely obscured in darkness. The focus on the same category, class, and type of aircraft is critical, as different aircraft can have distinct operational characteristics, equipment configurations, and performance profiles, all of which can affect how they perform during night operations. Thus, ensuring that pilots have recent experience in the specific aircraft they will fly contributes to overall passenger safety during night flights.