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Point critique

A position along a route where, in the event of an emergency or abnormal situation, a decision must be made to proceed or return, often used in fuel or performance-critical calculations, such as the point beyond which it is safer or faster to continue than to turn back.

Quick answer: A position along a route where, in the event of an emergency or abnormal situation, a decision must be made to proceed or return, often used in fuel or performance-critical calculations, such as the point beyond which it is safer or faster to continue than to turn back.

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Quick answer

A position along a route where, in the event of an emergency or abnormal situation, a decision must be made to proceed or return, often used in fuel or performance-critical calculations, such as the point beyond which it is safer or faster to continue than to turn back.

Why it matters

Point critique matters because it supports clear communication in Navigation contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Editorial context

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Questions and answers

Questions and answers

What is Point critique?

In this glossary, Point critique refers to: A position along a route where, in the event of an emergency or abnormal situation, a decision must be made to proceed or return, often used in fuel or performance-critical calculations, such as the point beyond which it is safer or faster to continue than to turn back.

How is Point critique used in aviation?

In aviation communication, this term appears in contexts such as: "Au point critique, l’équipage doit décider de poursuivre ou de retourner selon le carburant et la sécurité."

Why does Point critique matter in aviation?

Point critique matters because it supports clear communication in Navigation contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Who uses Point critique?

Point critique is mainly used by Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew.

What category does Point critique belong to?

In this glossary, Point critique is grouped under Navigation. Related pages in this category explain adjacent procedures, commands and operational concepts.

Where does this definition come from?

This definition is sourced from ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG and published by Protermify Aviation as a static aviation reference page.

Definition

A position along a route where, in the event of an emergency or abnormal situation, a decision must be made to proceed or return, often used in fuel or performance-critical calculations, such as the point beyond which it is safer or faster to continue than to turn back.

Operational example

At the Critical Point, the crew must decide whether to continue or return based on fuel and safety calculations.

Localized term

Point critique

Localized example

Au point critique, l’équipage doit décider de poursuivre ou de retourner selon le carburant et la sécurité.

Definition language

English reference definition

Source

ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG

Category

Navigation

Exam relevance

  • ICAO Level 4
  • ICAO Level 5
  • ICAO Level 6
  • EASA FCL.055

Target audience

  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Cabin Crew

Related terms

Use the related links below to continue through connected aviation terminology.

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