FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsMedium
An applicant for an instrument-airplane rating logs a cross-country flight under IFR that covers a total distance of 260 nautical miles along airways or ATC-approved routing. During the flight, the applicant flies a VOR approach, an ILS approach, and an RNAV (GPS) approach at three different airports. Does this flight satisfy the cross-country requirement of 61.65(d)(2)?
- AYes, but only because RNAV approaches do not count as a distinct type of approach
- BNo, because the flight must be conducted entirely off airways using direct GPS routing
- CYes, it meets the distance, routing, and three-different-approaches requirements
- DNo, because only two different kinds of approaches are required, not three
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Yes, it meets the distance, routing, and three-different-approaches requirements
61.65(d)(2) requires a cross-country flight of at least 250 nm along airways or ATC-directed routing, with an instrument approach at each of three different airports using three different kinds of approach procedures with different navigation systems. This flight meets all elements of that requirement.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. RNAV (GPS) approaches do count as a distinct kind of approach under this requirement.
- B. The rule requires flight along airways or ATC routing, not exclusively direct GPS routing.
- D. The requirement specifies three different kinds of approaches, not two.
Instrument Cross-Country Requirement (61.65(d)(2))
An instrument rating applicant must log a cross-country flight of at least 250 nm along airways or ATC-directed routing, including an instrument approach at each of three different airports using three different approach types.
- Minimum distance: 250 nautical miles.
- Must be flown along airways or ATC-directed routing.
- Requires approaches at three different airports.
- Must use three different kinds of approach procedures with different navigation systems.
Memory trick: '250 miles, 3 airports, 3 approach flavors.'