The short answer
Legally, staying current to carry passengers requires three takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (with night-specific requirements after dark); instrument currency has its own recent-experience rules. But legal currency is a minimum — most pilots should fly more regularly to stay genuinely proficient and safe.
The Legal Minimums
Two common recency requirements: to carry passengers, you need three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category and class (with a full-stop-landing, night-specific requirement to carry passengers at night). To fly IFR, instrument recent-experience rules apply (approaches, holding, and tracking within a set window, or an instrument proficiency check). A flight review every 24 months is also required to act as pilot in command. These are the legal floors.
Currency vs. Proficiency
Meeting the legal minimum isn't the same as being proficient. Skills — especially instrument flying and emergency handling — degrade without regular practice. Most pilots and safety experts recommend flying more often than the legal minimum, and treating recurrent training as ongoing. For owners, this also protects the airplane: idle airplanes develop problems, so flying regularly benefits both pilot and aircraft. See how often you should fly your plane.
Figures in this article are illustrative for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval. Tax and legal information is general; consult a qualified professional.
Related Questions
What's the difference between currency and proficiency?
Currency is the legal minimum recent experience; proficiency is being genuinely sharp and safe. Meeting the legal floor doesn't guarantee proficiency — fly more to stay proficient.
How often do I need a flight review?
A flight review is required every 24 calendar months to act as pilot in command, in addition to any currency requirements.
Does flying regularly help my airplane too?
Yes — idle airplanes develop problems (corrosion, seals, batteries). Regular flying benefits both your proficiency and the aircraft's health.
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