Which of the following is included in the definition of critical phases of flight?

Which of the following is included in the definition of critical phases of flight?

• A. Taxi
• B. Cruising Altitude at 35,000 Feet
• C. In-Flight Catering
• D. Seat Belt Sign Off

Answer: (A)

Critical phases of flight are times when the aircraft is most vulnerable and workload is high, so crew attention is heightened and nonessential tasks are minimized. Taxi fits this because it happens on the ground with pushback, engine power changes, ground traffic, and coordination with ATC and ground crews—conditions that require careful control and clear communication. In contrast, cruising at 35,000 feet is a stable, low-workload phase where the risk level is lower, so it isn’t categorized as a critical phase. In-flight catering is a service activity during cruise, not a flight phase itself, and the seat belt sign status is a crew indication, not a flight phase. Therefore, taxi is included in the definition of critical phases of flight.

Critical phases of flight are times when the aircraft is most vulnerable and workload is high, so crew attention is heightened and nonessential tasks are minimized. Taxi fits this because it happens on the ground with pushback, engine power changes, ground traffic, and coordination with ATC and ground crews—conditions that require careful control and clear communication. In contrast, cruising at 35,000 feet is a stable, low-workload phase where the risk level is lower, so it isn’t categorized as a critical phase. In-flight catering is a service activity during cruise, not a flight phase itself, and the seat belt sign status is a crew indication, not a flight phase. Therefore, taxi is included in the definition of critical phases of flight.