What is required for a pilot to act as pilot-in-command when carrying passengers?

To act as pilot-in-command while carrying passengers, the key requirement is recent flying experience, which ensures that the pilot possesses the necessary skills and capabilities to operate the aircraft safely. This experience is critical because it relates directly to the pilot’s ability to handle various scenarios that may arise during the flight, especially those involving passenger safety.

Having recent flying experience means that the pilot has logged a certain number of flight hours or completed specific maneuvers sufficiently close to the operation date. This provision can vary depending on regulatory authorities, but generally, it requires a pilot to have engaged in flying activities recently to maintain proficiency.

While a valid medical certificate is certainly important for ensuring the pilot's fitness to fly and a valid license is necessary for legal compliance, recent experience specifically addresses the practical ability to manage a flight with passengers on board. Additionally, approval from an aviation authority is not typically required for individual flights; rather, it pertains to the operational status of airlines or aircraft operators, making it less relevant in this context.