Which statement defines Flight Time?

• A. Time from engine start to shutdown
• B. Time from taxi to gate
• C. Time that commences when aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight and ends when it comes to a rest after landing
• D. Time from wheels leaving the ground to wheels on the ground

Answer: (C)

Flight Time equals the total duration of a single flight operation from the moment the aircraft first moves under its own power for the purpose of flight to the moment it comes to rest after landing. In other words, it starts when the aircraft begins taxiing for departure and ends after it has landed and been brought to a stop. This includes taxi-out, takeoff, the entire flight, landing, and taxi-in to the gate. It excludes time spent before move-off under power (like engine start at the gate or preflight checks done with engines idle) and any time when the aircraft is stationary or being towed without power. It also goes beyond just the airborne portion by incorporating ground operations before takeoff and after landing, so it’s a fuller measure of the flight's duration.