Cross-Country Adventures

Whether you’re pursuing your Private, Instrument, Multi, or Commercial rating, lets make the experience an unforgettable part of your aviation journey! Explore these ideas, or let us know what you would like to design, for your cross-country flight.

Two orcas in the water with a large plume of water spray behind them.

~450 NM Round Trip

Orcas Island

This trip to Orcas Island (KORS) offers the chance to log a cross-country experience, all while exploring one of Washington’s most breathtaking destinations. Beyond the cockpit, Orcas Island offers endless activities including fishing, kayaking, biking, whale watching, and hiking. In addition, you can tour art galleries, cafés, and local markets to get a taste of the island lifestyle. If you want to explore more of the island, accommodations vary from boutique hotels and spa experiences to a variety of camp grounds depending on the experience you are after.

Neon sign for Reno, Nevada with cityscape background

~750 NM ROUND TRIP

Reno

Experience the excitement of a true cross-country adventure with a flight to Reno, Nevada (KRNO). This trip is ideal for Instrument, Commercial, or Multi-Engine training. Once you arrive, Reno offers a surprising mix of entertainment, dining, and outdoor recreation from exploring the vibrant downtown and casinos to hiking and boating in nearby Lake Tahoe. This long-distance route challenges your navigation skills while rewarding you with the thrill of visiting a dynamic destination, making it an unforgettable training experience for advanced pilots.

Winding road along the Oregon coast landscape with ocean waves and greenery.

~240 NM Round Trip

Oregon Coast Tour

Embark on a majestic Oregon Coast cross-country flight. This trip offers an excellent opportunity to log day or instrument cross-country experience. Along the way, explore iconic coastal destinations such as the Tillamook Air Museum, Newport’s museums, an array of local cuisine, or the Salishan Lodge, and enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing or beach combing. Is there a place you would like to explore more, spend the night in a unique coastal hotel or set camp where the tide meets the trees. This route combines valuable flight experience with the breathtaking beauty and unique attractions of Oregon’s coastline.

Colorful hot spring in Yellowstone with concentric circles of orange, yellow, and blue in a natural setting.

~1,250 nm round trip

Yellowstone

Experience one of the most breathtaking training adventures with a long cross-country flight to Yellowstone National Park. This trip offers pilots the chance to log valuable flight time while taking in the majestic sights and natural beauty of one of America’s most iconic destinations. Once there, you can camp under the stars or stay in a cozy lodge, all while exploring Yellowstone’s incredible geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain scenery. Perfect for those working toward advanced ratings, this journey combines hands-on navigation and planning experience with the unforgettable adventure of flying into the heart of the American wilderness.

The Golden Gate Bridge going into San Fransico during sunset with a clear blue sky.

~1,000 nm roundtrip

San Francisco

Choose your route for an unforgettable cross-country flight to San Francisco. Either inland over the stunning blue waters of Crater Lake, or down the breathtaking coastline above the towering Redwoods National Forest. Each offer incredible views and valuable flight experience. Touch down at Half Moon Bay Airport, just south of the city, and spend some time exploring San Francisco’s world-famous attractions, from the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf to its vibrant neighborhoods and coastal dining. This trip combines challenging navigation, beautiful scenery, and big-city adventure!

City skyline with the Space Needle and Mount Rainier at sunset.

~300 nm round trip

Seattle

Elevate your training with a dynamic flight into the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Navigating into Seattle’s Boeing Field (KBFI) offers invaluable, real-world experience communicating and flying within complex Class B airspace. After touching down, step out to explore iconic sights such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the vibrant downtown waterfront. Whether flown day or night, this ~300 NM round trip perfectly satisfies the requirements for long Commercial or Instrument cross-country flights, making it a thrilling and highly productive milestone for pilots at any stage of their training.

Sunlight filtering through clouds over the lake at Sand Point with mountains in the background

~630 NM Round Trip

Sandpoint

This trip to Sandpoint, Idaho (KZST), offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, boating, and exploring the scenic beauty of northern Idaho. This route is ideal for pilots looking to combine instrument and commercial long cross-country training, providing both challenging navigation and the reward of visiting a vibrant destination. It’s an unforgettable way to gain real-world flight experience while enjoying the outdoors.