What qualifies as flight time?

What Exactly Counts as Flight Time? A Pilot’s Perspective

For pilots, meticulous record-keeping is paramount. A seemingly minor discrepancy in logged flight time can have significant consequences, impacting everything from certification renewal to insurance claims. But what precisely constitutes “flight time”? It’s a question with more nuance than initially meets the eye.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and similar regulatory bodies worldwide, have established clear guidelines. Contrary to popular belief, flight time isn’t simply the duration between takeoff and landing. The official definition is far more precise, encompassing the entire operational period of the flight.

Specifically, flight time begins the instant an aircraft starts moving under its own power with the clear intention of flight. This crucial caveat differentiates taxiing for a routine engine check from taxiing to the runway for departure. The moment the engines are engaged and the aircraft begins its movement towards the runway, with the intention of taking off, the clock starts ticking.

This continuous logging continues throughout the entire flight operation. It includes taxiing to the runway, the takeoff run, the flight itself, the approach, the landing, and finally, the taxiing to the parking spot. The flight time log only ceases when the aircraft comes to a complete and final stop after landing – the brakes are firmly applied, and the aircraft is no longer moving under its own power.

Consider these scenarios to further illustrate the point:

• Holding Pattern Delays: Time spent circling in a holding pattern, even if unintentional due to air traffic control, is absolutely included in flight time.
• Go-Arounds: If a pilot executes a go-around after an aborted landing, the entire duration of the go-around, including the subsequent landing attempt, contributes to the total flight time.
• Pre-Flight Checks (Taxiing): While pre-flight checks are vital, the time spent exclusively conducting these checks before the aircraft begins moving under its own power with the intention of flight, is generally not included in flight time.

The key takeaway is that flight time isn’t just about the airborne portion of the journey. It’s a holistic measure encompassing all phases of the operation, from the initial movement with the intent to fly until the final, complete stop on the ground. Accurate recording of this time, meticulously documented and supported by appropriate evidence (e.g., flight logs, flight plans), is a cornerstone of responsible piloting and adherence to aviation regulations. Understanding this precise definition is vital for pilots at every stage of their career, ensuring compliance and safeguarding their professional standing.