Building Code Glossary
Flight: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define flight, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Flight is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “A continuous run of rectangular treads, winders or combination thereof from one landing to another.” The IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Building Planning (IRC 2009), Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Flight — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
A continuous run of rectangular treads, winders or combination thereof from one landing to another.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Flight, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | A continuous run of rectangular treads, winders or combination thereof from one landing to another. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A continuous run of rectangular treads or winders or combination thereof from one landing to another. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | A continuous run of rectangular treads, winders or combination thereof from one landing to another. |
Where flight is used in the code
The term appears in 9 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 42 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 28 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 22 |
| Aviation Facilities | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about flight, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
If winders are adjacent within the flight, the point of the widest clear stair width of the adjacent winders shall be used.
The tolerance between the largest and smallest riser height or between the largest and smallest tread depth shall not exceed ⅜ inch (9.5 mm) in any flight of stairs.
The leading edge (nosings) of treads shall project not more than 1¼ inches (32 mm) beyond the tread below and all projections of the leading edges shall be of uniform size, including the leading edge of the floor at the top of a flight.
Flight: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Means of Egress | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Means of Egress | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Aviation Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Public Way: Building Code Definition
- Stairway: Building Code Definition
- Guard: Building Code Definition
- Stair: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of flight?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “A continuous run of rectangular treads, winders or combination thereof from one landing to another.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on flight?
In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Building Planning in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is a flight in a staircase?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “A continuous run of rectangular treads, winders or combination thereof from one landing to another.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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