How is flight time defined for airline crew purposes?

For airline crew purposes, flight time is defined as the actual elapsed time from departure to arrival. This measurement is crucial because it represents the time that the aircraft is in motion, which directly impacts various operational considerations such as crew scheduling, billing, and regulatory compliance.

This definition is significant as it includes the entire duration the aircraft is airborne, accounting for any variances that may occur during a flight, such as delays in takeoff or landing. Accurate recording of flight time is essential for pilots and cabin crew to ensure that they adhere to required duty and rest limitations.

In contrast, other options do not capture the comprehensive nature of flight time. For instance, measuring the time from arrival at the airport to departure does not consider the actual time spent flying. Similarly, considering the scheduled flight duration ignores real-time factors that can affect the actual flight experience. Lastly, the time taken to prepare the aircraft is related to pre-flight operations and does not reflect the time the aircraft is operational in the air.