Under what condition may a recreational pilot act as pilot in command at night?

A recreational pilot may act as pilot in command at night while obtaining an additional certificate under instruction with specific visibility conditions. This situation highlights that a recreational pilot typically does not hold the necessary night flying privileges on their own due to the limitations placed on the certificate. However, when they are training for an additional certification, they can fly at night as long as they are accompanied by an instructor and meet certain visibility requirements.

This rule underscores the importance of proper training and supervision in allowing less experienced pilots to operate under conditions typically outside their certification privileges. The specific visibility requirements serve to enhance safety by ensuring that the pilot can see and avoid obstacles, as well as to navigate effectively during nighttime operations.

In contrast, options regarding flight instructors or previous night flying experience do not adequately address the necessary conditions needed by the recreational pilot to act as pilot in command at night under regulations. While visibility being 3 miles or greater is important for safe flying at night, it alone does not fulfill the requirements for a recreational pilot to act as pilot in command without proper instruction or certification.