What does the term "airborne" indicate about an aircraft's status?

The term "airborne" specifically indicates that an aircraft is in a state of flight, meaning it has taken off from the ground and is currently flying in the air. When an aircraft is described as airborne, it signifies that it has gained sufficient lift to leave the surface, which is a critical phase in aviation operations. This status is essential for pilots and air traffic controllers as it helps in managing air traffic, understanding the aircraft’s operations, and ensuring safe flight paths.

In contrast, the other options relate to statuses that either do not describe flying or are incorrect interpretations of the term. For instance, refueling does not imply that the aircraft is airborne, and controlled descent refers to a specific flight maneuver but does not encompass the full meaning of being airborne. Not being in flight contradicts the very definition of airborne, reinforcing that the proper understanding of the term accurately reflects the aircraft's active engagement in flight operations.