Which action triggers the chimes indicating the end of sterile flight deck?

Which action triggers the chimes indicating the end of sterile flight deck?

• A. Reaching 10,000 feet
• B. Reaching 8,000 feet
• C. Reaching 12,000 feet
• D. After takeoff

Answer: (A)

The action that ends the sterile flight deck period is reaching an altitude of 10,000 feet. During the sterile phase, pilots minimize nonessential conversation and activities to reduce distractions during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and the initial climb. As you pass through 10,000 feet, a chime signals that the sterile restrictions are lifted and normal cockpit activities can resume. Why the other options don’t fit: 8,000 feet happens before the standard cutoff, so the crew would still be in the sterile phase. 12,000 feet is after the end of sterile, not the moment it ends, and “after takeoff” isn’t precise enough since the formal end is tied to reaching 10,000 feet rather than a general time after takeoff.

The action that ends the sterile flight deck period is reaching an altitude of 10,000 feet. During the sterile phase, pilots minimize nonessential conversation and activities to reduce distractions during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and the initial climb. As you pass through 10,000 feet, a chime signals that the sterile restrictions are lifted and normal cockpit activities can resume.

Why the other options don’t fit: 8,000 feet happens before the standard cutoff, so the crew would still be in the sterile phase. 12,000 feet is after the end of sterile, not the moment it ends, and “after takeoff” isn’t precise enough since the formal end is tied to reaching 10,000 feet rather than a general time after takeoff.