Yes as I said that is one application of the GFPT. however, as the requirement is 5 hours solo cross country this can be achieved in 2 flights of around 2.5 - 2.8 hours each. If any flight is longer than three hours the student is having to do much more than the 5 hours required. 2.5 is plenty on a hot bumpy day.
In my estimation the GFPT, just the test itself can add close to $1000 to the cost of getting the PPL. Then add things like having to get the 2 hours IF done prior to GFPT rather than doing some of it during navigation learning how to navigate out of a poor visibility situation etc..it can cost more. Better to make sure they don't get sent on a nav where they would do a diversion that would make it longer rather than shorter??
Each to their own but there are a lot of misunderstandings surrounding it. No doubt it is a nice little earner for the flying schools. Instead of a GFPT we use that time to revise all exercises in the aircraft they will use for navs...unlike some who invent "5 hour C172 endorsements" prior to starting navs AS WELL AS the GFPT!!
