Why can a pilot not simultaneously credit cross-country and night flight time?

The correct reasoning for why a pilot cannot simultaneously credit cross-country and night flight time is fundamentally tied to the need for accurate record-keeping for ratings. Each type of flight time—cross-country and night—serves different purposes in a pilot's logbook and is used to meet specific training and licensing requirements.

Cross-country flight time is crucial for meeting certain aeronautical experience requirements for various pilot certificates and ratings, while night flight time is needed specifically for night endorsements. If a pilot were allowed to credit both types of flight time simultaneously, it could lead to confusion and inaccuracies in their logbook. These inaccuracies might affect a pilot's compliance with the regulatory requirements established by aviation authorities, ultimately impacting their qualifications and endorsements necessary for operation in those environments.

Maintaining clear distinctions in flight time logged is essential for both the pilot's safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring that they meet all the necessary flight experience requirements while accurately reflecting their operational capabilities.