How long before and after sunset must a PIC have performed 3 takeoffs and landings to be current at night?

The requirement for a pilot in command (PIC) to perform three takeoffs and landings to be considered current for night flying is specifically addressed in the regulations. According to 14 CFR 61.57, in order to carry passengers at night, a pilot must have completed these takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days.

The correct answer about the timing is that a pilot must perform these takeoffs and landings within one hour before and one hour after sunset. This timeframe ensures that a pilot is prepared to operate at night, when visibility is reduced, and familiarizes them with the specific conditions they will encounter shortly after sunset and before dawn.

The rationale behind requiring a performance window that encompasses one hour before and after sunset is to ensure that a pilot gains adequate experience in actual nighttime conditions. It supports the idea that night operations can be significantly different from day operations due to factors like limited visibility, different environmental conditions, and altered perceptions of distances and heights.

This regulation promotes safety by encouraging pilots to practice during periods that closely simulate potential operational conditions they will face, thereby maintaining their proficiency and ability to operate under the unique challenges presented during nighttime flight.