Instrument X-C

The so-called “long” cross-country in instrument training requires three different approaches. Defining “different” and what approaches qualify has been a process.

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Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 08:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The FAA's interpretation of "three different kinds of approaches" for the IFR long cross-country flight has significantly evolved, initially focusing on distinct navigation systems and excluding radar approaches.
Latest guidance from September 2022 clarifies that approaches are considered "different" based on "various lines of minimums" found on an approach plate, regardless of the navigation system utilized, and now includes radar approaches (ASR/PAR).
This change broadens the acceptable options, allowing, for instance, multiple GPS approaches to count if they use different lines of minimums (e.g., LPV DA, straight-in MDA, circling MDA).
While the rules are more flexible, instructors are encouraged to provide diverse training, including precision, non-precision, and circling approaches, to ensure students are thoroughly prepared for check rides and future flying.

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Any pilot who got an instrument rating in the last 25 years knows that part of the training requires a 250 NM (for airplanes) cross-country flight under IFR. It is called the “long cross-country” flight, although there’s no “short cross-country” flight. That flight requires three approaches, but which three has been confusing.

Confusion History

When Part 61 was rewritten in 1997, the IFR cross-country flight included “three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems.” There’s similar language for helicopters. Instrument instructors were unsure how to interpret the language.