During sterile cockpit periods, flight crew members may:

During sterile cockpit periods, flight crew members are expected to focus solely on duties that are essential to flight safety. This regulation is in place to minimize distractions and ensure that all crew members maintain a heightened level of situational awareness during critical phases of flight, such as taxi, takeoff, and landing. By limiting activities to those that directly impact safety, the crew can effectively monitor the aircraft’s operational status and respond promptly to any issues that may arise.

The sterile cockpit rule is a crucial aspect of maintaining safety in aviation, as it helps prevent miscommunication and ensures that all crew members are fully attentive to their responsibilities. Engaging in non-essential conversations, taking breaks, or preparing paperwork are all activities that could divert attention away from necessary flight operations and compromise safety during these critical moments. Therefore, completing only those tasks that are essential for maintaining the safety and proper functioning of the flight is the correct approach during sterile cockpit periods.