What is required for a Private Pilot to carry passengers?

To carry passengers, a Private Pilot must have completed at least three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days. This requirement ensures that the pilot maintains current skills and is proficient in operating the aircraft, particularly in practicing essential maneuvers such as takeoffs and landings, which are critical during passenger flights. The emphasis on the 90-day period helps maintain a recent level of flying experience, enriching safety during operations with passengers onboard.

While other options may seem plausible, they do not reflect the regulations set forth by the FAA for passenger carrying authority. For instance, the requirement of five takeoffs and landings in the past year may not be sufficient to ensure recent proficiency. Alternatively, no specific additional training course or approval from an instructor is mandated solely for carrying passengers under the current regulations, as long as a pilot meets the necessary flight experience requirements. Thus, the correct answer aligns with the regulatory standards for safe and effective operation of an aircraft with passengers.