# Starting Positions

When initiating a flight in the inFlight addon, your aircraft's starting position will be automatically detected or manually set. Each starting position has specific configurations to ensure a smooth transition into your flight. Below are the descriptions of each starting position and what they represent:

## **Parked at Gate or Parking**

**Trigger Conditions:**

* The aircraft is initially positioned at a gate or parking spot.
* The aircraft has not yet moved from its starting position.

**Description:** The **Parked at Gate or Parking** phase represents the state of the aircraft when it is positioned at a gate or parking area before any significant movement occurs. It signifies the start of ground operations where the aircraft is stationary and awaiting further procedures such as boarding or pushback.

**User Tips:**

* This phase confirms that the aircraft has started its journey parked at the gate or parking area.
* Ground handling and boarding activities typically occur during this phase.

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## **Started on Runway**

**Trigger Conditions:**

* The aircraft starts on a runway, engines running, and ready for takeoff.

**Description:** The **Started on Runway** position sets the aircraft on a runway with engines on, ready for an immediate takeoff. This phase is perfect for quick departures without going through ground procedures.

**User Tips:**

* Ensure your aircraft is configured for takeoff, including flaps and trim settings.
* Be ready to initiate takeoff clearance from ATC or self-coordinate for departure.

***

## **Started in Air**

**Trigger Conditions:**

* The aircraft starts airborne at a designated altitude, engines running, and potentially already in a climb or cruise.

**Description:** The **Started in Air** position places the aircraft already airborne, bypassing takeoff and initial climb procedures. This is ideal for mid-flight training, testing specific flight phases, or resuming from a previous session.

#### **Special Considerations for In-Air Starts**

When starting in the air, the system checks various altitude points:

* **Above 400 Feet**: Marks the initial climb stage.
* **Above 3000, 5000, 10000, and 18000 Feet**: Each altitude triggers a corresponding flight phase recognition, such as passing certain climb checkpoints or reaching cruising altitude.
* **Descent Phases**: If the current session indicates descent, it automatically updates to reflect the correct descent phase.

{% hint style="info" %}
When starting in the air, the current flight phase is identified up to the cruise phase, provided that a cruising altitude is defined. If no cruising altitude is specified, the aircraft will only display as "Airborne" rather than progressing through the "Climb" phases.
{% endhint %}

**User Tips:**

* Check the Flight Details on the inFlight Status window to ensure the proper cruising altitude is set.

{% hint style="info" %}
Failure to verify proper cruising altitude may incorrectly trigger cruise phase.
{% endhint %}

***

## **Other Ground Positions**

**Trigger Conditions:**

* The aircraft starts on the ground, not on a runway, with engines either on or off.

**Description:** If your aircraft starts on the ground but not on a runway, it will automatically configure based on engine status, similar to the **Pre-Boarding** phase.