Cross-country flying


Cross-country flying is a type of distance flying which is performed in a powered aircraft on legs over a given distance and in operations between two points using navigational techniques; and an unpowered aircraft by using upcurrents to gain altitude for extended flying time. Cross country is distinct from purely aerial work in a small defined area requiring little navigation.
Cross-country flight time is required by many countries for the issuance of various pilot licences. For example, in EASA states, all pilot licences and instrument ratings have minimum cross-country flight time requirements.

Official definitions by country

Canada

Transport Canada does not provide a definition of "cross-country" flight in the Canadian Aviation Regulations, however, a general consensus among pilots is that, in order to log "cross-country time" in a pilot's logbook, the pilot must have demonstrated some kind of navigational ability during the logged period of time. This is substantiated by references to:
In many cases, however, there are conflicts of opinion as to the definition; if, for example, a pilot flew from Langley Airport to Abbotsford Airport, the distance would be only 12 NM. In this instance, calling the flight "cross-country" seems not to fit within the requirement to use "navigational ability" since the two airports are within sight of one another even from very low altitudes.

European Union (EU) countries

General Definition

In the context of aviation regulations, such as EASA or FAA, a cross-country flight often has specific definitions and conditions depending on the purpose. In Commission Regulation No 1178/2011, cross-country flight is defined as "a flight between a point of departure and a point of arrival following a pre-planned route, using standard navigation procedures". It is mentioned in the context of requirements for pilot training, licensing, and certification. Specifically, it is included as part of the criteria for obtaining various licenses, such as the Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, and Instrument Rating.

Regulatory Requirements (e.g., for pilot training)

For obtaining a private pilot license, commercial pilot license, or instrument rating, cross-country flight requirements often include minimum distances, flight time, and landings at designated points. Cross-country flying emphasizes navigation skills, including map reading, chart plotting, GPS usage, and handling en-route airspace transitions.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, cross-country flight is defined as "any flight during the course of which the aircraft is more than three nautical miles from the aerodrome of departure."

United States

Under Title 14 of the code of federal regulations part 61, the Federal Aviation Administration, defines cross-country flight time with specific conditions that vary depending on the type of pilot certificate being sought.
Generally, it refers to a flight conducted by a certificated pilot in an aircraft that includes a landing at a point that differs from the departure point, using navigational methods such as pilotage, dead reckoning, or electronic aids.
Different certificate levels and aircraft categories have varying minimum distance requirements for what counts as cross-country ''flight time'':