Solo cross-country flight requirements

Before a student pilot flies solo more than 25 NM from the departure airport — or lands solo anywhere other than the departure airport — they must be specifically trained and endorsed for cross-country.

The instructor must first give ground and flight training in the make and model on the cross-country maneuvers the rule lists: VFR navigation by pilotage and dead reckoning, using performance and weather products, emergency procedures, traffic-pattern and collision-avoidance practices, radio navigation and communication, short/soft/crosswind takeoffs and landings, and basic control by reference to instruments. The student must demonstrate proficiency in those items.

Two kinds of endorsement are required for each cross-country: a one-time logbook endorsement for the category and make/model, plus a per-flight endorsement after the instructor reviews the student's planning for that specific trip — confirming the planning is correct, the weather allows the flight to be completed under VFR, and the student is prepared.

Limited exceptions let an instructor authorize repeated local flights within 25 NM, or repeated specific routes within 50 NM, without re-endorsing every flight.

Summary: A student needs cross-country training plus endorsements before any solo flight beyond 25 NM or a solo landing away from home; each trip generally needs a per-flight endorsement after the instructor reviews the planning, with narrow exceptions for repeated short routes.