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.

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Hang gliding

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 requirement to carry an Emergency Locator Transmitter for "cross-country flights," and
  • 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 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.

Europe

European Union (EU) countries

The Official Journal of the European Union for European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) members provides a definition of cross-country flight as "a flight between a point of departure and a point of arrival following a pre-planned route, using standard navigation procedures."[5]

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."[6]

United States

Per title 14 of the code of federal regulations (14 CFR), a.k.a. the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), part 61, section 1.b.3[7] (3) Cross-country time means--

  1. Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3)(ii) through (b)(3)(vi) of this section, time acquired during a flight—
    1. Conducted by a person who holds a pilot certificate;
    2. Conducted in an aircraft;
    3. That includes a landing at a point other than the point of departure; and
    4. That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
  2. 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--
    1. Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
    2. 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
    3. That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
  3. 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-
    1. Includes a point of landing at least a straight line distance of more than 25 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
    2. Involves, as applicable, the use of dead reckoning; pilotage; electronic navigation aids; radio aids; or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
  4. 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 -
    1. Includes a point of landing at least a straight line distance of more than 15 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
    2. Involves, as applicable, the use of dead reckoning; pilotage; electronic navigation aids; radio aids; or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
  5. 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--
    1. Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
    2. 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
    3. That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
  6. 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—
    1. Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
    2. That is at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
    3. That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems.
  7. 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—
    1. Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
    2. That is at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
    3. That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems.

References

  1. ↑ "EASA Part-FCL" (PDF). Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  2. ↑ "Part I - Subpart 1 - Interpretation - Part I - General Provisions - Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) - Regulations - Aviation Safety - Air Transportation - Transport Canada". Tc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  3. ↑ Archived July 6, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ "Part IV - Standard 421 - Flight Crew Permits, Licences and Ratings - Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) - Regulations - Aviation Safety - Air Transportation - Transport Canada". Tc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  5. ↑ "The Official Journal of the European Union- Regulations - COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 1178/2011 of 3 November 2011 - laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to civil aviation aircrew pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council - ANNEX I - SUBPART A - FCL.010 Definitions , page 8". eur-lex.europa.eu. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  6. ↑ "Air Navigation Order 2009, Schedule 7, Part B, Section 1". Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  7. ↑ "FAR Part 61 Sec. 61.1 effective as of 07/15/2013". Rgl.faa.gov. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
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