Sterile Area
That area between any passenger inspection or screening station and the aircraft, into which access is strictly controlled.
Note: In some states, sterile areas and security restricted areas are the same; in others states different levels of security exist.
Equivalent Terms: Security Restricted Area Sterile Flight Deck
The operational state on the flight deck during critical phases of flight, to include all ground operations involving taxi, takeoff and landing, and all other flight operations conducted below 10,000 feet (except cruise flight), that prohibits the flight crew from performing any:
• duties other than those duties required for the safe operation of the aircraft;
• activity that could distract any flight crew member from the performance of his or her duties, or which could interfere in any way with the proper conduct of those duties.
Equivalent Terms: Sterile Cockpit Stores (Supplies)