What does CDT time represent in a National Delay Program?

What does CDT time represent in a National Delay Program?

• A. The wheels up time for that flight.
• B. The scheduled gate departure.
• C. The planned touchdown time.
• D. The time to request a new flight plan.

Answer: (A)

CDT time in a National Delay Program is the wheels-up time for that flight—the moment the aircraft is expected to become airborne. This departure target provides a single reference point for coordinating downstream operations after a delay, such as ground handling, crew scheduling, and updating passengers. It’s the actual departure reference used by operations, not the original scheduled gate departure, not the planned touchdown, and not a cue to request a new flight plan.

CDT time in a National Delay Program is the wheels-up time for that flight—the moment the aircraft is expected to become airborne. This departure target provides a single reference point for coordinating downstream operations after a delay, such as ground handling, crew scheduling, and updating passengers. It’s the actual departure reference used by operations, not the original scheduled gate departure, not the planned touchdown, and not a cue to request a new flight plan.