Cross-country flying
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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.
Official definitions by country[]
Canada[]
Transport Canada does not provide a definition of "cross-country" flight in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs),[1] 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 License Requirements for travel between two different airports.[2][3]
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."[4]
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[5] (3) Cross-country time means--
- 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.
References[]
- ^ "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.
- ^ [1] Archived July 6, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "FAR Part 61 Sec. 61.1 effective as of 07/15/2013". Rgl.faa.gov. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
External links[]
- General aviation
- Aircraft operations