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

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

Key Takeaways:

Cross-country flights for private pilot certification require a landing at least 50 nm straight-line distance from the departure point, best measured with a plotter and paper sectional, aiming slightly over 50 nm.
While various navigation methods (including GPS) are allowed, Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) often test proficiency in traditional skills like pilotage and dead reckoning, expecting pilots to use paper sectionals for navigation and diversions.
It is legal to reposition an aircraft to an airport other than its home base to serve as the starting point for a cross-country leg to meet the 50 nm distance requirement.

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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?