Mark Hansen wrote:

On 8/15/2005 11:21, Peter wrote:

FAR 61.65 details this

(A) A distance of at least 250nm along airways or ATC directed
routing;


I was told to measure the map distance between the airports, but
I'm not sure this is correct. I was also told no to count the distance
flown in, for example, a procedure turn, etc.

For example, I was told that if during the leg that was to be at
least 100NM, I had to divert to a different airport (due to weather)
and the alternate was not 100NM from the start of that leg, then I
do not meet the 100nm minimum.


There is no requirement for a leg of at least 100NM. Just that the
total of all the legs is 250NM. This is the requirement in its entireity:

(iii) For an instrument -- airplane rating, instrument training on
cross- country flight procedures specific to airplanes that includes at
least one cross-country flight in an airplane that is performed under
IFR, and consists of --

(A) A distance of at least 250 nautical miles along airways or
ATC-directed routing;

(B) An instrument approach at each airport; and

(C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems;