Which phases of flight are considered critical due to operational risks?

The phases of flight considered critical due to operational risks include takeoff, climb, descent, and landing. These phases are significant because they involve substantial changes in aircraft attitude, altitude, and configuration, each demanding the highest levels of attention and skill from the operator.

Takeoff involves a high-speed maneuver in which the aircraft transitions from ground operations to being airborne, during which time any failure can have severe consequences. Climbing requires managing the aircraft’s performance to ensure it ascends safely while overcoming gravitational pull and maintaining engine performance. Descent involves preparing for landing while managing airspeed and altitude, where any errors can lead to terrain conflicts or unstable approaches. Finally, landing is a high-stakes phase where precision is critical for a safe touchdown, and miscalculations can lead to accidents.

The other options either include phases that are less critical, such as cruising, which typically involves stable flight at altitude with fewer changes necessary, or they focus on pre-flight activities rather than actual flight operational risks. This highlights why takeoff, climb, descent, and landing are specifically emphasized as critical phases that need careful monitoring and stringent adherence to procedures to reduce risks during flight operations.