What is required for a pilot to act as PIC under Visual Flight Rules (VFR)?

To act as Pilot in Command (PIC) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), a pilot must have completed three takeoffs and three landings in the last 90 days in the same aircraft category that they intend to operate. This requirement ensures that the pilot is familiar with the specific handling characteristics of the aircraft, which is crucial for maintaining control during takeoffs and landings—key phases of flight where operational proficiency is vital. Additionally, this experience reinforces the pilot's ability to safely operate the aircraft in varying conditions and demonstrates recent practice, which is particularly important for the pilot's confidence and skills.

The other options do not meet the regulatory requirements for acting as PIC under VFR. Logged hours of cross-country flight do not directly relate to the immediate skill needs for takeoffs and landings in this context. Completion of an online course might be beneficial for knowledge but is not a regulatory requirement. A type rating is necessary for operating certain aircraft but does not address the need for recent experience in takeoffs and landings for VFR operations. Thus, having three takeoffs and landings within the past 90 days is the primary requirement that ensures the pilot maintains practical familiarity and readiness for safe flight operations.