How is the "three phases of flight" classified?

The classification of the "three phases of flight" typically refers to the stages an aircraft goes through during its operation: departure, en-route, and landing.

Departure corresponds to the initial phase, where the aircraft takes off and transitions into flight. The en-route phase is when the aircraft is in its cruising altitude, traveling to its destination. Finally, landing is the phase where the aircraft approaches and descends to the runway for a safe landing.

This classification is widely accepted in aviation and encompasses the complete journey from departure to landing, highlighting the critical phases that pilots and aircrew must be trained and prepared for during flight operations. It captures the full scope of an aircraft's trajectory in a clear manner, making it a foundational element of aviation training and operational protocols.