When does the delay clock start for tarmac delays?

When does the delay clock start for tarmac delays?

• A. When door closes
• B. When engines start
• C. When passengers board
• D. When the captain announces

Answer: (A)

The main idea is when the timer for a tarmac delay begins. The clock starts when the aircraft doors are closed. Once the doors are shut, the plane is considered to be in the departure phase, and any time spent on the tarmac from that moment counts toward the delay limit. Engines starting or boarding are part of preparing to depart and don’t mark the official start of the tarmac delay timer, and a captain’s announcement isn’t the trigger either. This timing matters because it ties to rules about how long passengers can be kept on the plane on the tarmac before deplaning must be offered.

The main idea is when the timer for a tarmac delay begins. The clock starts when the aircraft doors are closed. Once the doors are shut, the plane is considered to be in the departure phase, and any time spent on the tarmac from that moment counts toward the delay limit. Engines starting or boarding are part of preparing to depart and don’t mark the official start of the tarmac delay timer, and a captain’s announcement isn’t the trigger either. This timing matters because it ties to rules about how long passengers can be kept on the plane on the tarmac before deplaning must be offered.