What is defined as 'block time' in aviation?

Block time in aviation refers specifically to the period that begins when an aircraft's brakes are released or the passenger door is closed and ends when the brakes are applied again upon landing or the engines are shut down after landing. This timeframe is crucial because it encompasses the entire time the aircraft is considered 'on the block,' which includes taxiing, takeoff, cruising, and landing phases.

Understanding this definition helps in various operational contexts, such as optimizing flight schedules, calculating delays, and improving efficiency. Other terms might be associated with different aspects of flight. For example, while the moment of takeoff marks the transition into flight, block time focuses on the comprehensive duration that the aircraft is mobilized.