DT
quote:‘Cross-country flight’ means any flight during the course of which the aircraft is more than 3 nautical miles from the aerodrome of departure.
but this is for the purpose of defining the privileges of the AFI/FI(R) nothing more!
All circuits should fit into the ATZ, if they don't, you lose the protection of the ATZ and in accordance with Rule 39 (3)(b) you must report on the radio your position and height on entering the zone and immediately prior to leaving it! With a standard 2nm ATZ the final leg cannot exceed 1 mile (nm).
If the aircraft ahead flies out of the ATZ don't follow it! HE'S WRONG NOT YOU. Fly a propper circuit and if necessary go arround, you can do that from anywhere in the circuit. Maybe then the bomber circuit brigade would get the message.