When should operational control be contacted during a flight operation?

The need to contact operational control during a flight operation is critical, especially when there are significant changes to the flight plan or safety concerns. When a crew aborts take-off or cancels clearance, it is essential to notify operational control immediately. This ensures that all necessary safety protocols can be followed, and they can manage the overall air traffic situation accordingly.

Operational control is responsible for maintaining awareness of all flight operations and any incidents that may affect safety. An aborted take-off or cancellation of clearance can have broader implications not only for the specific flight but also for overall airspace and traffic management. Promptly informing operational control allows them to take appropriate actions, such as rerouting other flights, coordinating with ground services, and ensuring that emergency procedures are in place if necessary.

In contrast, routine check-ins, reporting minor issues, and scheduled flight time assessments are important, but they do not carry the same immediacy and potential impact on safety as an aborted take-off or a cancelled clearance. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate scenario for contacting operational control.