Notwithstanding the eligibility requirement in § 61.123(f) of this chapter, an applicant who does not meet the cross-country aeronautical experience requirements specified in § 61.129(e) of this chapter will be considered eligible for a commercial pilot certificate with a powered-lift category rating as specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(a) An applicant who does not meet the cross-country aeronautical experience requirements specified in § 61.129(e)(3)(ii) and (iii) of this chapter will be considered eligible for a commercial pilot certificate with a powered-lift category rating, provided the applicant has logged at least three cross-country flights consisting of—

(1) One 2-hour cross-country flight in a powered-lift in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(2) One 2-hour cross-country flight in a powered-lift in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

(3) An additional cross-country flight with landings at a minimum of three points, with one segment consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure. Except for the original point of departure, this additional cross-country flight must include landings at different points than the cross-country flights specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section.

(b) An applicant who does not have the cross-country aeronautical experience specified in § 61.129(e)(4)(i) of this chapter will be considered eligible for a commercial pilot certificate with a powered-lift category, provided the applicant has logged at least two cross-country flights with landings at a minimum of three points, with one segment consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure. Except for the original point of departure, the second cross-country flight must include landings at different points than the first cross-country flight.