Cross-country flying (a.k.a. XC 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 (paraglider, hang glider or sailplane) 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.[1]
Official definitions by country
Canada
Transport Canada does not provide a definition of "cross-country" flight in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs),[2] 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:
the requirement to file a flight plan beyond 25 nautical miles of the departure aerodrome for "cross-country flights,"
the stipulations in the Commercial Licence Requirements for travel between two different airports.[3][4]
In many cases, however, there are conflicts of opinion as to the definition; if, for example, a pilot flew from Langley Airport (CYNJ) to Abbotsford Airport (CYXX), the distance would be only 12NM. 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.
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 (EU) No 1178/2011,[5] 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".[6] 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 (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Instrument Rating (IR).
Regulatory Requirements (e.g., for pilot training)
For obtaining a private pilot license (PPL),[7] commercial pilot license (CPL),[8] or instrument rating (IR),[9] 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.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): Cross-country flight requirements may vary but typically include multiple legs and landings at aerodromes other than the departure airport.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): For certain certifications, a cross-country flight must include: A landing at an airport that is more than 50 nautical miles from the departure point.
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."[10]
Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3)(ii) through (b)(3)(vi) of this section, time acquired during a flight—
Conducted by a person who holds a pilot certificate;
Conducted in an aircraft;
That includes a landing at a point other than the point of departure; and
That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical experience requirements (except for a rotorcraft category rating), for a private pilot certificate (except for a powered parachute category rating), a commercial pilot certificate, or an instrument rating, or for the purpose of exercising recreational pilot privileges (except in a rotorcraft) under Sec. 61.101(c), time acquired during a flight--
Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
That includes a point of landing that was at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical experience requirements for a sport pilot certificate (except for powered parachute privileges), time acquired during a flight conducted in an appropriate aircraft that-
Includes a point of landing at least a straight line distance of more than 25 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
Involves, as applicable, the use of dead reckoning; pilotage; electronic navigation aids; radio aids; or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical experience requirements for a sport pilot certificate with powered parachute privileges or a private pilot certificate with a powered parachute category rating, time acquired during a flight conducted in an appropriate aircraft that -
Includes a point of landing at least a straight line distance of more than 15 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
Involves, as applicable, the use of dead reckoning; pilotage; electronic navigation aids; radio aids; or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical experience requirements for any pilot certificate with a rotorcraft category rating or an instrument-helicopter rating, or for the purpose of exercising recreational pilot privileges, in a rotorcraft, under Sec. 61.101(c), time acquired during a flight--
Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
That includes a point of landing that was at least a straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical experience requirements for an airline transport pilot certificate (except with a rotorcraft category rating), time acquired during a flight—
Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
That is at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems.
For a military pilot who qualifies for a commercial pilot certificate (except with a rotorcraft category rating) under Sec. 61.73 of this part, time acquired during a flight—
Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
That is at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems.
↑ Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011: annex I.[5]
↑ (EASA Part-FCL) FCL.210.A (Private Pilot License — Aeroplane): Requires a solo cross-country flight with a total distance of at least 150 NM, involving full-stop landings at two aerodromes other than the departure aerodrome.
↑ (EASA Part-FCL) FCL.310.A (Commercial Pilot License — Aeroplane): Requires a cross-country flight as part of the experience-building phase, including flights over a specified distance.
↑ (EASA Part-FCL) FCL.615 (Instrument Rating): Requires a cross-country flight under instrument flight rules (IFR).
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