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critical phases of flight

EASA defines “critical phases of flight” in one regulation, with a separate wording for each case. The wording below is reproduced verbatim from the EASA Easy Access Rules, with a link to the paragraph it comes from.

‘critical phases of flight’ in the case of aeroplanes or gyroplanes means the take-off run, the take-off flight path, the final approach, the missed approach, the landing, including the landing roll, and any other phases of flight as determined by the pilot-in-command or commander;

Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX · Air Operations · Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 27 Mar 2026 revision · Read the article

‘critical phases of flight’ means:

(a)for helicopters, taxiing, hovering, take-off, final approach, missed approach, landing and any other phases of flight as determined by the pilot-in-command or the commander;

(b)for VCA, ground taxiing with passengers for the purpose of flight or after landing, air taxiing, hovering, take-off, final approach, missed approach (go-around), landing and any other phase of flight as determined by the pilot-in-command;

Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX · Air Operations · Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 27 Mar 2026 revision · Read the article