Block Time starts and ends when?

• A. Starts when breaks are released and pax door is locked (OUT time) & ends w/ opposite
• B. Starts when brakes are released; ends when the aircraft stops
• C. Starts when taxi clearance is received; ends on arrival
• D. Starts when engines start; ends when brakes are applied

Answer: (A)

Block Time measures the entire ground portion of a flight, from when the aircraft first begins to move until it’s ready for the next phase at the arrival gate. It starts when the brakes are released and the passenger doors are closed for departure (the OUT time). It ends at the opposite condition on arrival—when the aircraft is parked and ready for passengers to disembark (the IN time). This captures the full taxi-out, flight, taxi-in, and parking period on the ground. It’s not tied to engine start or just taxi clearance, and it doesn’t end at the moment the brakes are reapplied during taxi; it ends when the aircraft has completed its ground stop and is set for disembarkation.