What must be reported if delay exceeds a significant threshold?

What must be reported if delay exceeds a significant threshold?

• A. EOBT delay
• B. ETD delay
• C. ETA delay
• D. Delay note

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that departures are coordinated using the Estimated Off-Block Time (EOBT), which is the time the aircraft is expected to leave the stand and start moving. When the actual EOBT shifts by more than the defined significant threshold, that change must be communicated and the flight plan updated. This matters because ATC, ground handling, crew duties, fuel planning, and downstream connections all hinge on when the aircraft is actually leaving the stand, not just on the original timetable. ETD refers to the estimated time of departure, but it’s not the metric used for regulatory reporting of significant delays in this context, since EOBT directly reflects the actual stand-off time. ETA concerns arrival timing, which isn’t the focus for reporting a departure delay. A vague “delay note” wouldn’t provide the precise timing necessary for operational coordination and ATC updates. So, reporting the EOBT delay is the correct action.

The key idea is that departures are coordinated using the Estimated Off-Block Time (EOBT), which is the time the aircraft is expected to leave the stand and start moving. When the actual EOBT shifts by more than the defined significant threshold, that change must be communicated and the flight plan updated. This matters because ATC, ground handling, crew duties, fuel planning, and downstream connections all hinge on when the aircraft is actually leaving the stand, not just on the original timetable.

ETD refers to the estimated time of departure, but it’s not the metric used for regulatory reporting of significant delays in this context, since EOBT directly reflects the actual stand-off time. ETA concerns arrival timing, which isn’t the focus for reporting a departure delay. A vague “delay note” wouldn’t provide the precise timing necessary for operational coordination and ATC updates. So, reporting the EOBT delay is the correct action.