Can you carry passengers at night in a single engine aircraft in a commercial operation?

In commercial operations, carrying passengers at night in a single-engine aircraft is not permitted without specific qualifications. The regulations require pilots to have a night rating to act as pilot-in-command during night operations. This ensures that they are adequately trained to handle the unique challenges associated with flying at night, such as reduced visibility and different navigational considerations.

While some choices might suggest having an instrument rating is necessary, this is typically a requirement for flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) rather than solely for conducting night operations. However, without a night rating, the pilot does not meet the essential regulatory criteria to carry passengers at night, regardless of their other qualifications. Thus, the restriction on carrying passengers at night stems primarily from the need for appropriate training and certification for nighttime flight operations.