How much additional time should you account for landing, taxi, and takeoff during a cross-country flight?

When planning a cross-country flight, it is important to factor in additional time for landing, taxi, and takeoff because these phases can significantly impact the total duration of the flight. The correct choice of 5 minutes is generally accepted as a reasonable estimate for this extra time.

Landing includes the descent and approach phases, which can be variable depending on air traffic and specific airport procedures. Taxiing also adds time, as pilots often need to navigate from the runway to the parking area or terminal after landing, and this can include waiting for clearance or traffic. Additionally, during takeoff, there's an expectation of time spent on the runway before gaining enough speed for a successful departure.

Five minutes strikes a good balance as it allows for the variability associated with these procedures without overestimating the time needed. While longer estimates might account for heavy traffic or delays, generally, 5 minutes is a pragmatic approach that recognizes the typical efficiency of landing, taxiing, and taking off, especially in general aviation.