CPL QXC Route Recommendations?

[Lew747]

Hi all,

I'm based out of Lydd (EGMD) in Kent and want to complete my CPL qualifier before I start my CPL next year. Has anyone got any recommendations for airfields to visit (of course the route has to be longer than 300nm). Also I don't wish to transit the length of the UK as I unfortunately rent at very high prices so want to keep flight down (not to an absolute minimum but to be realistic with my budget- 4- 4.5 hours total flight time say?).

Looking to visit places that will be friendly and accommodating

Thanks!

[malcolmf]

I would find out first if a XC done before you even start a course will be accepted. Surely the whole point is to demonstrate what you have learned during the training?

[BillieBob]

Surely the whole point is to demonstrate what you have learned during the training?

Not at all. Completion of the 300nm cross-country does not require any of the navigational skills taught in the CPL syllabus, it is merely an experience requirement for licence issue.

[360BakTrak]

So would a flight I did a few years back from the UK to Murcia, Spain, count if I did my CPL next year for example?

[Mariner9]

So would a flight I did a few years back from the UK to Murcia, Spain, count if I did my CPL next year for example?

Yes, provided it met the requirements which are;

At least 300 miles in a single day
Landing at at least 2 airfields en route.

Lew747 - I see nobody has actually suggested a route to you yet, so how about:

Lydd-Cherbourg-Jersey-Lydd. Round about 330nm (depending upon route) and as Meldex suggested above, you can can claim drawback on your outbound fuel, buy some cheap wine from Luc at Cherbourg, and then fill up with cheap fuel at Jersey for the return journey

[360BakTrak]

Landing at at least 2 airfields en route.

Does your destination count for an airfield 'en route'. I went EGBJ-LESO-LEMU. Over 300 miles, but only 1 airfield 'en route'. Does it have to be departure, 2 landings then your arrival aerodrome?

Sorry for the questions!

Just googled.....

CAA states

20 hours must be of cross country flights as Pilot in Command, which must include a cross country flight of at least 300NM in the course of which full stop landings at two aerodromes different from the aerodrome of departure must be made.

So I 'think' the flight I made as described would qualify........?

[Mariner9]

It would appear to qualify.

Nothing to stop you (or anyone) doing several more in advance of the CPL of course - would give far more experience over the minimum 150 hours with 20 XC than say 130 x 1 hour local and 20 x 1 hour "mini XC" flights. It would also be much more enjoyable too

[360BakTrak]

Glad it qualifies. I've done the route 5 times so plenty of experience at long nav routes. A mid-life crisis is prompting a career change into commercial aviation!

[Level Attitude]

Also note that the X-Country requirements are as PIC.

This does not mean Solo is required.

If you already hold a valid Licence then take a Passenger, they can even be another pilot who can help out if you wish (they could not, of course Log anything).