Final answer:
To qualify as pilot-in-command at night with passengers, a pilot must have completed 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop at night within the preceding 90 days, using the same category of aircraft.
Step-by-step explanation:
To act as pilot-in-command at night while carrying passengers, the pilot must have conducted at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise, and that must have been done in the same category, class, and type (if required) of aircraft that the pilot intends to use. This requirement ensures the pilot maintains proficiency in nighttime operations, which have distinct challenges from daytime flying due to factors like reduced visibility and difficulty in spotting potential hazards during landing and takeoff. In summary, this regulation is designed to promote the safety of both passengers and the pilot by guaranteeing that the pilot has recent nighttime flying experience before carrying passengers after dark.