Flight and block hours

[Peter47]

This is one of those questions I should know the answer to but don't.

When AAIB reports refer to 'flying experience' is this hours in the air or is taxi time also included. Similarly does aircraft hours does this include taxi time?

Are there hard and fast rules used throughout the industry?

[Chesty Morgan]

Under EASA from the time the aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight to engine shut down is considered flight time.

So yes, taxi time is included.

[Hotel Tango]

So make sure you bid for lots of peak time JFK sectors to boost your "flying hours" taxiing for 60-90 minutes on departure! ;)

[Saint Jack]

Don't get too concerned about not knowing the answer - you'll be surprised at how many aviation professionals stumble with this one!


'Flying experience' (referring to aircrew) is this total hours at the controls of an aircraft - on the ground and in the air - and yes, it includes start-up, taxi, flight and shut-down. This is usually referred to as 'flight time' and is the 'flight' component of 'flight and duty time limitations' which are used to prevent flight crew fatigue.


'Aircraft hours' (referring to entries in the aircraft log books) are the total hours from brakes-off on the runway for the take-off run to a full-stop (or almost full-stop) after landing while still on the runway. Run-up time and taxi time is not included. This is more often referred to as 'time in service' and is primarily used to schedule the required aircraft maintenance actions.


And yes, there are hard and fast rules about this, they can be found in airworthiness legislation (ANO, FAR's etc.) and vary slightly in definitions but the intent is the same.

[Peter47]

Thanks all, very useful.

[DaveReidUK]

'Aircraft hours' (referring to entries in the aircraft log books) are the total hours from brakes-off on the runway for the take-off run to a full-stop (or almost full-stop) after landing while still on the runway. Run-up time and taxi time is not included. This is more often referred to as 'time in service' and is primarily used to schedule the required aircraft maintenance actions

FARs define Aircraft Hours as "The airborne hours of aircraft computed from the moment an aircraft leaves the ground until it touches the ground at the end of a flight", so not quite the same.

[Saint Jack]

David: As I said, the definitions of 'flight time' and 'time in service' vary slightly from one country's legislation to another's but the intent is the same. Under my legislation, time in service begins from brakes-off on the runway for the take-off run to a full-stop (or almost full-stop) after landing while still on the runway.