What must a pilot complete if flying under IFR at night?

To operate an aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at night, a pilot must comply with specific regulatory requirements that ensure they are proficient and capable of handling the aircraft safely in such conditions. One of the critical requirements is that the pilot has to complete three instrument approaches and a proficiency check within the previous six months. This requirement is in place to ensure that the pilot maintains their skills in instrument navigation and approach procedures, particularly in low visibility and nighttime flying environments.

Flying at night presents additional challenges due to reduced visibility and the reliance on instruments. Therefore, confirming proficiency through recent practice is essential to ensure safety. The completion of three instrument approaches demonstrates that the pilot is not only familiar with the aircraft systems but also comfortable executing approaches—key components for safe IFR operations during nighttime.

Maintaining an instrument license is essential for flying under IFR, but it does not address the specific currency requirements for night operations. A night currency check may help in ensuring skills for night VFR flying, but it doesn’t meet the regulatory requirements for IFR flight. Similarly, while six IFR flights may contribute to a pilot's experience, they do not specifically satisfy the current requirements as laid out for nighttime IFR operations. Thus, focusing on the specific requirement of completing three instrument approaches and