You intend to carry passengers for hire on a night VFR flight in a single-engine airplane within a 25-mile radius of the departure airport. What certification is required?

The requirement for carrying passengers for hire, especially at night under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), is critical in ensuring safety due to the increased risks associated with night flying. A Commercial Pilot Certificate with a single-engine and instrument rating is necessary in this scenario because it indicates that the pilot has met the higher standards of training and knowledge required to operate for hire.

A Commercial Pilot Certificate is essential for any flight for compensation or hire. Additionally, having an instrument rating provides the pilot with the skills necessary to manage aircraft under various weather conditions, enhancing safety during night flights when visibility can be more limited.

While having a Private Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating might seem adequate for some operations, it does not allow the pilot to carry passengers for hire, as it does not meet the legal requirements. This need for compensation explicitly necessitates the Commercial rating. Therefore, choosing the option of a Commercial Pilot Certificate with both the single-engine rating and an instrument rating properly satisfies the certification requirements for the planned operation.