Under what condition must each occupant of an aircraft wear an approved parachute?

Each occupant of an aircraft must wear an approved parachute when an intentional maneuver exceeds 30° nose-up or nose-down. This requirement is in place because such extreme attitudes can significantly increase the risk of a loss of control or a stall, which could lead to a crash. By using a parachute, occupants have a safety measure available should the aircraft enter an uncontrollable descent or experience a critical in-flight emergency. This regulation is designed primarily for safety in aerobatic flight operations, where the risk associated with steep maneuvers is heightened.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the conditions under which parachute use is mandated. For instance, requiring parachutes during all solo flights or solely during takeoff and landing does not account for the specific increased risks associated with extreme maneuvering. Similarly, flying at night does not inherently elevate the need for parachutes, as night flying by itself does not necessitate such safety gear regardless of the aircraft’s flight attitudes. Hence, the specified condition of exceeding 30° in pitch is the critical factor that prompts parachute use among occupants.