How to Make Sure Your Cross-Country Hours Count

Measure twice, and it's best if the distance is a bit past 50 nm.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, April 03, 2024 at 11:55 AM ET

Verified

There are some tips you can follow to make that first dual cross-country flight a smooth one. [Credit: Stephen Yeates]

Key Takeaways:

For cross-country flight time to count, a landing must be made at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nm from the original departure point, measured with a plotter and paper sectional.
While various navigation methods like GPS, VOR, and pilotage are allowed, Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) often test fundamental skills, so always carry and be proficient with a paper sectional.
It is legal to reposition an aircraft to a different airport to use it as a starting point to meet the 50 nm cross-country distance requirement.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Question: I’m a student pilot about to start my solo cross-country flights. I keep hearing horror stories about private pilot applicants who find out during their check ride that their cross-country time doesn’t count because they measured wrong, or navigated by GPS only, or because they repositioned the aircraft to another airport to give them a 50 nm leg, and that is not allowed.

Is there a particular way the FAA wants the pilot to measure distances, navigate, and pick a route?