Definition
For IFR flights, the estimated time required from takeoff to arrive over the designated point, defined with reference to navigation aids, from which it is intended that an instrument approach procedure will be commenced, or, if no navigation aid is associated with the destination aerodrome, to arrive over the destination aerodrome. For VFR flights, the estimated time required from takeoff to arrive over the destination aerodrome.
Plain English
It is the total flying time you expect from takeoff until you reach the point where you will start your approach into the destination. For IFR, that point is usually a navigation fix where the instrument approach begins. For VFR, it is simply the destination airport itself.
Context Anchor
Seen in ICAO flight plan information, especially when completing or reading the time information for a planned flight.
Derivation
“Elapsed” comes from older words meaning “to slip by” or “pass.” That helps here because the term is about how much time is expected to pass between takeoff and the planned arrival point.
Why Pilots Care
Provides ATC and destination facilities with an accurate arrival expectation so they can plan handoffs, runway availability, and initiate search-and-rescue if the aircraft is overdue.
Intuition Check
Do not read “estimated” as exact. It is the planned best estimate, not a guaranteed arrival time. Do not read “total” as including every minute from startup or taxi. In this ICAO use, the count starts at takeoff.
Example Sentence 1
When filing the ICAO flight plan, the pilot entered a Total Estimated Elapsed Time of 02:45 from takeoff to the initial approach fix.
Example Sentence 2
When the aircraft had not arrived within thirty minutes of its total estimated elapsed time, ATC initiated overdue procedures.