This article needs additional citations for
verification. (July 2007) |
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]
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:
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.
![]() | This article possibly contains
original research. (October 2023) |
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]
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]
![]() | This section may contain an excessive amount of intricate detail that may interest only a particular audience.(May 2023) |
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--
This article needs additional citations for
verification. (July 2007) |
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]
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:
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.
![]() | This article possibly contains
original research. (October 2023) |
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]
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]
![]() | This section may contain an excessive amount of intricate detail that may interest only a particular audience.(May 2023) |
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--