Definition
The actions a pilot performs after a flight is complete, including taxiing clear of the runway, shutting down the aircraft, securing it, completing required logbook and maintenance entries, and conducting a debrief or review of the flight. In a training context, postflight procedures also include the instructor's assessment of the student's performance and discussion of what went well and what needs work.
Plain English
Everything a pilot does after landing to properly close out the flight — parking the aircraft, shutting it down, locking it up, writing down what needs to be written down, and (in training) talking through how the flight went.
Context Anchor
Seen in checklists, flight training lessons, practical test tasks, and instructor assessment items after the flight is complete.
Derivation
Postflight combines “post,” meaning “after,” with “flight.” “Procedure” comes from an older word meaning “to go forward” or “to proceed.” Together, the term points to the set order of actions that comes after flying.
Why Pilots Care
Following them catches maintenance issues early and supports safe, professional aircraft operations.
Intuition Check
Postflight procedures are not just “being done with the flight.” They are specific after-flight actions that must be completed before the aircraft is truly left in a safe, ready condition.
Example Sentence 1
After taxiing to the ramp, the student followed the postflight procedures on the checklist before joining the instructor for a debrief.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors review postflight procedures with students to build habits of thorough aircraft care.