How to Make Sure Your Cross-Country Hours Count

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

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

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While modern avionics make cross-country flight easier, carry a current paper sectional with you and make sure you can read it. [Credit: Stephen Yeates]

Key Takeaways:

Cross-country flights must include a landing at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nm from the original departure point, preferably measured with a plotter and paper sectional to be slightly over 50 nm.
While various navigation methods like GPS are permitted, student pilots should also master traditional skills (dead reckoning, pilotage) using paper sectionals, as examiners often test these fundamental techniques.
It is legally permissible to reposition an aircraft to an airport other than its home base to serve as the starting point for a qualifying 50+ nm cross-country flight.

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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?