I'm just getting started on my commercial SEL.

I've got 270tt and already meet all of the flight experience requirements for the certificate excluding the 10hrs of instruction in a Complex aircraft.

My question is regarding the following:
(iii) One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;
(iv) One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;


Must these two flights be perfomed solo/PIC or as dual with an instructor?


If it is solo time, I've got it covered. I've heard conflicting info with some people saying that those flights must be with an instructor and logged as dual.


Can anyone shed some light?


Thanks

These two cross countries should be Dual with an instructor. If you look a few paragraphs up it says

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in 61.127b1 of this part that includes at least-....

It needs to be logged as dual to count as training.

I used to combine these two flights with my students. We would leave during the day for the 100nm leg one way (you may need to go a further distance to make it 2hrs), have a break until sunset, then fly back at night.

Thank you!

Yep, that's the deal. Additionally, you will probably be needing to pull the power back to make the two Hrs. While you are waiting for Civil Evening Twilight... you could also use that time wisely by buying your instructor a descent meal...

AZ,

I thought to offer some additional, random, pointers that can help with your long solo X county which is probably coming up as well. If you are IFR current you will have that option on the trip. You do not need to use a complex aircraft on the trip, however you can. Make sure you know the operating hours of the FBO's you will use, in advance of departure (so you can access your aircraft when you need to) Many FBO's close during the late evening hours. Bring adequate spending power; not just fuel and food money. Many light aircraft flights have met with disaster because a pilot did not have money for a motel, Etc. so decided to fly home when tired or during unfavorable Wx. Good luck.

Sorry, I just re read your original post, it seems you have already got that covered...

Yep. Still appreciate the advice.

I have never thought of it in those terms.

I have never understood this. While I have a great respect for what flight instructors do they are being paid to do this by students who are probably broke off their ***. Why should a student buy their instructor's meal when they are already paying upwards of $40/hour of instruction?

Gesture of appreciation? Tradition? For all the things the good instructors have taught me that have saved my butt more than once, I don't mind buying them a meal every day!

...but then as a CFI, I'm biassed.