Flight Time

Flight time is the time from the moment an aircraft first moves under its own power for the purpose of flight until the moment it comes to rest at the end of the flight. In Canada, CARs specify that flight time is measured from “first movement” to “final stop” — this corresponds to block-out and block-in times on commercial operations.

Flight Time vs. Air Time

Flight time includes taxi in and out and all time the aircraft is moving under its own power — from chock removal to chock installation. Air time is only the time the aircraft is actually airborne (wheels-off to wheels-on). Both are logged separately in the pilot’s logbook as required by CARs.

Flight Time Limits

CARs Part VII establishes maximum flight time limits for commercial aviation to prevent pilot fatigue. For air transport operations: maximum 1,200 hours per year, 120 hours in any 30-day period, and 9 hours per flight duty period (with variations). Knowledge of these limits is part of the CPL and ATPL exam.

Related Terms

See also: Air Time, Pilot-in-Command.