FAR/AIM and General Operating Rules
What you must know
This domain rewards precise recall of regulation structure rather than vague familiarity. Know the difference between Part 91 (general operating rules) and Part 135/121 (commercial), the currency requirements in §61.57 (three takeoffs and landings in 90 days for passenger currency; night currency requires a full-stop landing), and the medical certificate classes and their durations. Understand right-of-way rules (§91.113), minimum safe altitudes (§91.119), and the AIM's non-regulatory guidance versus regulation.
Traps
Questions love the words "always," "never," and "may." A regulation that says "should" in the AIM is advisory; one that says "shall" in the FAR is binding. Distinguish currency from proficiency: legal currency does not equal competence. Watch for altitude traps: over congested areas, 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 2,000 ft horizontally; elsewhere, 500 ft above the surface. Also know that a pilot may deviate from any rule in an in-flight emergency ( §91.3 ), but must report it if requested.
Rule of thumb
For passenger currency: three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days, in the same category, class, and type if required. Night: same, but landings must be to a full stop. If you can recite the 90-day clock and the full-stop caveat, you clear most currency questions.
Worked example
A pilot's last flight was 95 days ago, but had three landings 100 days ago and two 80 days ago. Total in 90 days = 2, so the pilot is not current. Recount from today backward, not by calendar month.