Quote Originally Posted by Frank Giger View Post
First, it's three cross country flights, the same as for Private Pilots.
Frank,

Just so we don't lead people down a wrong path, I want to make a correction to your above statement. The aeronautical experience required for a sport pilot certificate is found in 14 CFR 61.313. Regarding cross-country flights, the reg contains the following requirements:

"(i) 2 hours of cross-country flight training". Note that it doesn't mention the number of flights. It only says 2 hours of cross-country flight training (aka "dual instruction).

"(iii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations."

The reg thus specifically states that ONE solo cross-country is all that is required. So there is no requirement for 3 cross-country flights. Per these regs, you could meet the requirement with just two cross-country flights, one dual and one solo. Of course most students will do more than just one dual and one solo cross-country, but it would be legal to do it with just two.