Glossary
Flight Operations
Block Time
Definition
The total time from when an aircraft leaves the gate (blocks off) at departure to when it arrives at the gate (blocks on) at the destination. Includes taxi time, flight time, and delays.
Related Terms
Turnaround
The time an aircraft spends at the gate between arriving from one flight and departing for the next. Includes deplaning, cleaning, refueling, catering, and boarding.
Rotation
The moment during takeoff when the pilot raises the aircraft's nose by pulling back on the control column. Also refers to a complete round trip of an aircraft (departure and return).
Taxi
The movement of an aircraft on the ground under its own power, typically between the gate and the runway. Aircraft follow taxiway markings and instructions from ground control.