What is meant by the term block time in aviation?

Block time in aviation refers specifically to the period that begins when an aircraft departs from its parking position, often called "moving off blocks," and ends when it arrives at the next gate and "blocks in." This measurement encompasses all the operational time for a flight, including taxiing, takeoff, flight duration, and landing procedures until the aircraft is parked again at the destination.

Understanding block time is crucial for airlines as it plays a significant role in scheduling, efficiency, and operational performance assessment. By measuring this time frame, airlines can maintain better control over overall turnaround and flight schedules. The other provided choices do not capture the comprehensive definition of block time, each focusing on narrower aspects of flight operations rather than the full operational period throughout the flight cycle.