FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

If the official sunset is at 1900 CST, what is the latest time passengers can be carried if a pilot does not meet night flight recency requirements?

1. 2000 CST

2. 1945 CST

3. 1959 CST

4. 1900 CST

The correct answer is: 1959 CST

When considering the regulations surrounding carrying passengers during night flight operations, it's essential to understand the definition of night flight. Night is defined as the time period between sunset and sunrise. Since the official sunset is at 1900 CST in this scenario, that marks the start of night flight operations. For pilots who do not meet the recency requirements to operate at night, they are prohibited from carrying passengers after sunset. The latest time they could have passengers on board while still respecting the regulations would be just before night officially begins. Thus, the last moment a pilot could legally carry passengers would be at 1959 CST, which is one minute before 2000 CST. This timing ensures that the pilot has not entered into the night flying period where they lack the required proficiency, and it adheres to the regulations set forth in aviation guidelines regarding night operations.