Plain English Meaning

How much flying you've actually done, and what kinds — not just total hours, but the variety of conditions, aircraft, and situations you've handled.

Full Definition

The accumulated time, conditions, and types of flight a pilot has logged, used as a measure of proficiency, currency, and readiness for further training, certification, or specific operations. In the context of instrument flying, it refers specifically to the breadth and depth of a pilot's exposure to actual and simulated instrument conditions, varied weather, different aircraft, and a range of operational situations.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of instrument flying, pilot readiness, training background, and whether a pilot has enough real practice for a planned flight.