Cross-country flying. Cross-country flying ( 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.

Cross-country flight time is required by many countries for the issuance of various pilot licences. For example, in EASA states, all pilot licences and instrument ratings have minimum cross-country flight time requirements.

Official definitions by country

Canada
Transport Canada does not provide a definition of "cross-country" flight in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), 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 Licence Requirements for travel between two different airports.

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.

European Union (EU) countries

General Definition
In the context of aviation regulations, such as EASA or FAA, a cross-country flight often has specific definitions and conditions depending on the purpose. In Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, cross-country flight is defined as "a flight between a point of departure and a point of arrival following a pre-planned route, using standard navigation procedures". It is mentioned in the context of requirements for pilot training, licensing, and certification. Specifically, it is included as part of the criteria for obtaining various licenses, such as the Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Instrument Rating (IR).

Regulatory Requirements (e.g., for pilot training)
For obtaining a private pilot license (PPL), commercial pilot license (CPL), or instrument rating (IR), cross-country flight requirements often include minimum distances, flight time, and landings at designated points. Cross-country flying emphasizes navigation skills, including map reading, chart plotting, GPS usage, and handling en-route airspace transitions.
 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): Cross-country flight requirements may vary but typically include multiple legs and landings at aerodromes other than the departure airport.
 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): For certain certifications, a cross-country flight must include: A landing at an airport that is more than 50 nautical miles from the departure point.

United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, cross-country flight is defined as "any flight during the course of which the aircraft is more than three nautical miles from the aerodrome of departure."

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) Cross-country time means:

References

External links
 Cross Country Flying 101

General aviation
Aircraft operations
Flight planning