What phase must the controls be transferred before to maintain safety?

To maintain safety during flight operations, controls must be transferred before entering all critical phases. Critical phases include any stage of flight where aircraft handling and situational awareness are paramount, such as taxiing, takeoff, climb, descent, approach, and landing. Each of these phases presents specific challenges and demands the pilot's full attention and control.

During these critical phases, the potential for risk is heightened due to factors like changing airspeed, altitude, configuration of the aircraft, and environmental conditions. A smooth and timely transfer of controls—especially before major transitions like ascending or descending—ensures that pilots can respond effectively to any sudden changes or emergencies, thereby enhancing safety for the flight. This practice is essential for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that both pilots are engaged and aware of their roles during these flights.

When considering individual flight phases, while departure, ascent, and landing are indeed critical, it is the encompassing nature of all critical phases that highlights the importance of transferring controls appropriately across the board for optimal safety.