How is flight time calculated for an army aviator?

• A. Starts when wheels lift off of ground
• B. Starts when the engine starts
• C. Starts when crew swaps
• D. Starts when taxiing off the runway

Answer: (A)

Flight time is the period you’re actually flying, not just operating on the ground. In Army aviation records, it starts when the aircraft becomes airborne—when it lifts off the surface—and ends when it comes to rest on the ground after landing. That means ground activities like starting the engine, taxiing, or a crew swap don’t count toward flight time. So the moment wheels (or skids) leave the ground marks the start, and the moment the aircraft touches down and stops marks the end.