Flight Phases
Flight Phases are the core of inFlight. It's what drives the sounds that you hear.
Flight Phases are separated into two sections, those that use the In-Game ATC and those that don't. Your experience with inFlight will vary depending on which option you use with the best option being using In-Game ATC and native planes. However, even we at inFlight don't use the In-Game planes, so choose wisely...it may be your last...jk jk, lol.
Pre-Boarding
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is parked in at a gate or in aircraft parking.
The aircraft has not yet taken off or landed.
Description: The Pre-Boarding phase begins when the aircraft is at the gate or parking. This phase marks the initial preparation for boarding, where the aircraft's systems are activated before passenger boarding starts.
Pushback
Pushback - (ATC Controlled Pushback)
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is not boarding, has not taken off, and has not landed.
Pushback is available and attached to the aircraft.
The parking brake status determines the ground crew message.:
Brake Off: The parking brake is released.
Brake On: The parking brake is engaged.
Engine RPMs determine whether engines are on or off during pushback:
For single-engine aircraft, the engine RPM must exceed 2000.
For multi-engine aircraft, all engines must meet the 2000 RPM threshold.
Description: The Pushback phase occurs when the aircraft initiates a pushback maneuver with ATC involvement. This phase monitors the engines status:
Engines On: This state is triggered when the engines are running during pushback, indicating the aircraft is ready to proceed with further taxi operations.
Engines Off: This state occurs when engines are not yet started, usually indicating an early pushback before engine startup.
Ready to Taxi
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has completed the pushback process, and pushback equipment is detached.
The aircraft is not on a runway and has not yet started taxiing.
All engines must be running, with RPMs greater than 2000 for each engine.
The aircraft is not at a parking spot, and parking brake checks are accounted for.
Description: The Ready to Taxi phase signals that the aircraft is fully prepared to begin taxi operations. This phase indicates that the engines are operational, and the aircraft is cleared to start taxiing towards the runway.
User Tips:
Ensure all engines are running with proper RPM levels before taxiing.
Confirm pushback equipment is detached and no longer influencing aircraft movement.
Engine Start
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has completed pushback, but engines are not yet started.
Ground speed is minimal, and the aircraft is not on a runway.
The starter for the corresponding engine is active, initiating the engine start process.
Description: The Engine Start phase occurs when the aircraft begins starting its engines after pushback. Each engine start is monitored individually, progressing sequentially based on the number of engines. This phase is crucial for transitioning from ground handling to flight preparation.
User Tips:
Follow standard engine start procedures, ensuring each engine reaches optimal RPM.
Monitor engine status to prevent delays during startup.
Engines On - Ready to Taxi
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft starts with engines already on after pushback, without any additional engine start required.
The aircraft is not on a runway and has completed the pushback process.
Description: The Engines On - Ready to Taxi phase indicates that the aircraft is immediately ready to begin taxiing without needing additional engine starts. This phase is typically seen when engines were already running prior to pushback.
User Tips:
Ensure proper coordination with ground control before beginning taxi operations.
Double-check that all systems are ready for taxi.
Preparing to Taxi
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has completed pushback and engine startup, and either
Parking brake is NOT set & ATC clearance for taxi is received, or
Parking brake IS set, or
The aircraft is moving faster than 5 knots, indicating self-initiated taxi clearance
Description: The Cleared to Taxi phase is an acknowledgment that the aircraft has received clearance, either from ATC or through self-coordination, to proceed toward the runway for takeoff. During this phase the takeoff briefing is reviewed. This is the final step before moving into the active taxiing phase.
User Tips:
Ensure taxi clearance is obtained from ATC if operating in a controlled environment.
Release the parking brake and begin taxiing carefully, following ground markings and instructions.
Functionality of the phase has changed a bit. For user using ATC, be sure to NOT set the parking brake directly after pushback. Wait until ATC taxi clearance is obtained, then you can set your parking brake while the takeoff briefing is played.
VATSIM / Non-ATC users, setting the parking brake after pushback will trigger this phase.
Taxiing for Takeoff
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is cleared to taxi or has started all engines and is moving at a speed above 6 knots.
The aircraft remains on taxiways and is moving toward the runway.
Description: The Taxiing for Takeoff phase occurs when the aircraft begins moving along the taxiway system toward the takeoff runway. This phase involves navigating ground traffic and preparing for the subsequent takeoff phase.
User Tips:
Follow ATC instructions or ground markings to navigate to the runway safely.
Maintain a controlled taxi speed, typically under 45 knots, to ensure safe ground handling.
Takeoff Check Complete
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has been cleared for takeoff by ATC.
The aircraft has entered the runway designated for takeoff.
Description: The Takeoff Check Complete phase indicates that all necessary checks have been performed, and the aircraft is on the runway, ready for the takeoff roll. This phase ensures that the aircraft is fully prepared to begin takeoff procedures.
User Tips:
Ensure that all pre-takeoff checks are completed before entering the runway.
Confirm ATC clearance for takeoff to avoid delays or conflicts.
Takeoff Power Set
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has entered the runway and is ready for takeoff.
Throttle lever positions or engine RPMs are set to appropriate takeoff levels:
For single-engine aircraft: throttle lever position >= 70 or engine RPM >= 80% of max rated RPM.
For multi-engine aircraft: all engines must meet the specified thresholds.
Description: The Takeoff Power Set phase occurs when the engines are set to the required power levels for takeoff. This phase ensures that the aircraft has sufficient thrust to commence the takeoff roll effectively.
User Tips:
Ensure throttles are set to takeoff power to achieve necessary speeds.
Verify engine performance to avoid aborting the takeoff due to insufficient power.
Takeoff
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is accelerating on the runway, with ground velocity or indicated airspeed reaching or exceeding 80 knots.
Takeoff power has already been set.
Description: The Takeoff phase represents the aircraft's acceleration down the runway as it gains speed for liftoff. This phase is a critical step where the aircraft transitions from ground operations to flight.
User Tips:
Maintain runway alignment and ensure stable acceleration.
Be prepared for rotation and liftoff as speed builds up.
Airborne
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has lifted off the ground and is no longer in contact with the runway.
Altitude above ground exceeds 100 feet, and indicated airspeed is above 100 knots.
Description: The Airborne phase indicates that the aircraft has successfully taken off and is now climbing away from the runway. This phase marks the beginning of the flight's airborne portion, transitioning from takeoff to initial climb.
User Tips:
Maintain positive rate of climb and retract landing gear as appropriate.
Monitor airspeed and altitude to ensure a smooth transition to the climb phase.
Gear Up
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has successfully taken off.
The landing gear handle is in the "up" position (retracted).
Description: The Gear Up phase is triggered when the landing gear is retracted after takeoff. This phase marks the transition from initial takeoff to climb, ensuring the aircraft is aerodynamically optimized for flight.
User Tips:
Retract the landing gear once safely airborne to reduce drag and improve climb performance.
Verify gear retraction to prevent any potential issues during climb.
400 Feet
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is airborne and has climbed at least 400 feet above the ground.
The aircraft is not on the runway.
Description: The 400 Feet phase indicates that the aircraft has reached 400 feet above the ground after takeoff. This milestone is a common altitude used to signal that initial climb-out procedures are complete.
User Tips:
Continue monitoring climb performance and prepare for further altitude changes.
Ensure the aircraft is configured correctly for climb at this point.
3000 Feet
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has climbed to at least 3000 feet above ground level after takeoff.
Description: The 3000 Feet phase signals that the aircraft has reached 3000 feet, a key point in the climb-out phase where further adjustments for climb speed and configuration might be necessary.
User Tips:
Monitor engine performance and adjust climb rate as needed.
Be prepared for potential ATC instructions for further climb or level off.
Above 10,000 Feet
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has climbed above 10,000 feet indicated altitude.
Description: The Above 10,000 Feet phase indicates that the aircraft has crossed 10,000 feet, which typically marks the point where pilots adjust speeds and prepare for higher altitude cruising.
User Tips:
Comply with regulations regarding lights, seat belts, and other procedures specific to climbing above 10,000 feet.
Monitor cabin and passenger conditions, as pressurization becomes more critical.
18000 Feet Climb Check
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has climbed past 18,000 feet indicated altitude.
Description: The 18000 Feet Climb Check phase occurs as the aircraft climbs past 18,000 feet, often a significant point where flight levels begin, and altimeters are set to standard pressure.
User Tips:
Set altimeters to the standard pressure setting (29.92 inHg or 1013 hPa) at this altitude.
Prepare for cruise altitude procedures as you continue the climb.
Cruise
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft reaches its cruising altitude.
Description: The Cruise phase is when the aircraft has leveled off at its designated cruising altitude. This phase is marked by stable flight with optimal speed and fuel efficiency.
User Tips:
Maintain altitude and monitor fuel and engine performance.
Ensure all cabin services and passenger needs are managed during this stable flight phase.
Snacks
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is in cruise, and there is a designated snack service based on flight settings.
Description: The Snacks phase represents a light service period during cruise, usually involving beverages and light snacks for passengers.
User Tips:
Coordinate with cabin crew to ensure timely and efficient snack service.
Monitor cabin conditions and respond to passenger needs.
First Meal
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is in cruise, and a meal service is planned based on flight duration.
Description: The First Meal phase marks the first substantial meal service during the flight, typically served during longer flights.
User Tips:
Ensure that the meal service is executed efficiently, and cabin crew are responsive to passenger requests.
Coordinate timing to avoid conflicts with other in-flight activities.
Other Meals
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is in cruise, and additional meal services are scheduled based on flight settings.
Description: The Other Meals phase includes any additional meal services after the first one, catering to the passengers during longer flights.
User Tips:
Manage timing and quality of meal services to enhance passenger satisfaction.
Address any dietary requirements or special requests efficiently.
Descent
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft descends below its cruising altitude by more than 1000 feet.
Description: The Descent phase begins when the aircraft starts its descent from cruising altitude, preparing for approach and landing.
User Tips:
Follow descent checklists and communicate with ATC for descent clearance and approach instructions.
Manage speed, altitude, and passenger comfort during this phase.
18000 Feet Descent Check
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft descends below 18,000 feet.
Description: The 18000 Feet Descent Check phase is a critical point in descent where altitude settings and aircraft configuration are checked to ensure proper approach preparation.
User Tips:
Reset altimeters from standard pressure to the local altimeter setting.
Prepare for approach and landing procedures as you continue descent.
On Approach
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft descends below 10,000 feet indicated altitude.
The aircraft had previously climbed above 10,000 feet during its ascent.
Description: The On Approach phase indicates that the aircraft is descending and has reached an altitude of 10,000 feet or lower, marking the beginning of the approach phase. This is a critical part of the descent, where the aircraft transitions from cruise to preparing for landing.
User Tips:
Reduce speed as necessary and configure the aircraft for approach.
Follow ATC instructions for sequencing and runway assignment.
Ensure passengers are prepared for landing, with seat belts fastened and cabin secured.
Prepare for Landing
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft descends below 5,000 feet above ground level.
The aircraft has initiated its descent and previously climbed above 5,000 feet.
Description: The Prepare for Landing phase is triggered when the aircraft descends below 5,000 feet, signaling the final stages of approach. This phase emphasizes the importance of landing preparations, including configuring the aircraft and ensuring that all landing checklists are completed.
User Tips:
Lower landing gear and set flaps according to the approach procedure.
Perform final landing checks, including verifying approach speed and runway alignment.
Communicate with the cabin crew to ensure the cabin is ready for landing.
Localizer Captured
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has descended below 5,000 feet and is on approach.
The autopilot has captured the localizer signal for runway alignment.
The gear status determines the specific phase:
Localizer Captured - GU: Gear is up.
Localizer Captured: Gear is down.
Description: The Localizer Captured phase occurs when the autopilot aligns the aircraft with the runway's localizer signal, ensuring correct lateral guidance during the approach phase.
User Tips:
Monitor the aircraft's alignment with the runway.
Be prepared to manage vertical guidance as you continue the approach.
Glideslope Alive
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is on approach below 5,000 feet, and the glideslope is armed on the autopilot.
Description: The Glideslope Alive phase signals that the glideslope guidance has been detected and is ready for capture. This phase ensures the aircraft is on track for correct vertical descent towards the runway.
User Tips:
Monitor descent rate and adjust as necessary to maintain a stable approach.
Be ready for glideslope capture and descent guidance.
Glideslope Capture
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft is on approach below 5,000 feet, and the autopilot captures the glideslope.
Description: The Glideslope Capture phase occurs when the autopilot engages the glideslope, ensuring the aircraft descends at the correct angle toward the runway.
User Tips:
Ensure descent is stable and within approach speed limits.
Follow the glideslope to maintain the correct descent path.
Landing
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has descended below 5,000 feet and has lowered the landing gear.
If the localizer is captured, the phase is noted as Landing - GD.
Description: The Landing phase marks the final approach as the aircraft is configured for touchdown. This phase focuses on preparing for a smooth landing by ensuring the aircraft is fully configured.
User Tips:
Perform landing checks and ensure all systems are set for touchdown.
Maintain a stable approach speed and descent rate.
Cleared to Land
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has descended below 5,000 feet and received ATC clearance for landing.
Description: The Cleared to Land phase confirms that the aircraft is authorized to proceed with landing. This phase is crucial for coordinating with ATC and ensuring a safe approach to the runway.
User Tips:
Communicate with ATC and follow instructions closely.
Ensure the aircraft is properly configured for landing.
1000' Above Minimums
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has descended to 1,000 feet above the minimum descent altitude.
Description: The 1000' Above Minimums phase is a key alert for pilots, indicating that they are approaching decision height during an instrument approach. This phase prompts final landing decisions.
User Tips:
Prepare for final approach decisions and ensure landing clearance.
Monitor approach speed and descent rate carefully.
500' Above Minimums
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has descended to 500 feet above the minimum descent altitude.
Description: The 500' Above Minimums phase provides a final alert before reaching the decision height, prompting immediate readiness for landing or a missed approach.
User Tips:
Ensure all landing configurations are set.
Be prepared to execute a missed approach if required.
Approaching Minimums
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft descends to 100 feet above the minimum descent altitude.
Description: The Approaching Minimums phase is a critical point where pilots must be fully ready to land or initiate a go-around if visual contact with the runway is not established.
User Tips:
Be ready to make a decision to land or go around.
Ensure landing is safe and stable.
Going Around
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft climbs after descending to a critical altitude, indicating a go-around maneuver.
Description: The Going Around phase indicates that the aircraft is aborting the landing approach and transitioning back to a climb. This phase resets for another landing attempt.
User Tips:
Follow missed approach procedures and communicate intentions to ATC.
Reconfigure the aircraft for another approach or hold as instructed.
Landed
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft touches down on the runway or slows significantly after being airborne.
Description: The Landed phase confirms that the aircraft has safely touched down on the runway and is completing the landing rollout.
User Tips:
Maintain control of the aircraft during rollout and braking.
Follow ATC instructions for taxiing off the runway.
70 Knots
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft slows to 70 knots or below after landing.
Description: The 70 Knots phase indicates the aircraft has decelerated sufficiently, typically during the landing rollout. This speed is often used as a point to begin additional braking and turning off the runway.
User Tips:
Ensure speed is controlled, and brakes are applied as necessary.
Prepare to exit the runway.
Taxiing to Gate/Parking
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has exited the runway and is taxiing at a speed between 1 and 45 knots.
Description: The Taxiing to Gate/Parking phase occurs after landing as the aircraft moves towards its assigned gate or parking position.
User Tips:
Follow taxiway instructions and be mindful of other traffic.
Ensure the aircraft remains under control, especially on turns.
Prepare Doors
Trigger Conditions:
The aircraft has reached the gate or parking area and has stopped with brakes set.
Description: The Prepare Doors phase signals that the aircraft is parked and ready to prepare doors for passenger disembarkation and ground services.
User Tips:
Ensure engines are shut down, and the aircraft is secure.
Coordinate with ground personnel for a safe and orderly disembarkation.
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