What occurs when an aircraft is described as airborne?

When an aircraft is described as airborne, it means that it has taken off from the ground and is currently in flight, away from any contact with the runway or the ground. This state indicates that the aircraft is operating in the airspace, performing its intended flight path, and is no longer reliant on ground operations. The concept of being airborne encompasses various flight phases, including climbing to cruising altitude or cruising at a designated height.

The other scenarios presented refer to different stages of an aircraft's operation. Preparing for landing involves the aircraft transitioning from flying to landing, being at the terminal indicates the aircraft is stationary on the ground, and taxiing means the aircraft is moving on the ground but not yet airborne. Each of these situations distinctly differs from being airborne, emphasizing the unique status and operations taking place when a plane is in the air.