Originally Posted by
vilas
This is from FCTM. If you directly go out you cannot perform the first and the last check correctly. If that's accepted by your airline then it's OK not if it's an opinion of an individual.
Vilas,
Your depth of A320 experience is recognised and appreciated here, but I have to disagree.
For the brakes- Our mtx department is pretty good at replacing the brakes when necessary. It's a rare day to find them close to the limit. I can't recall a single time in the last year where they've been close. Given that, when real life intervenes, I'd rather get the preflight done early, and take the 1% chance that I may have to go back up to set the brakes to verify the position.
Regarding the flaps- again, it's rare to see one of our planes parked with anything other than flaps up. That would certainly stand out. Even so, what's so wrong with noting the flight control position outside, then verifying once you get into the cockpit?
Again, I'm not advocating throwing out the SOP, but good judgement must be exercised. I can go get the preflight done first, or stand there at the door for 5-10 minutes, fighting my way through deplaning passengers, crews and ground staff, then having to rush through the preflight.
My time is better spent doing the preflight first, at a more relaxed pace, while the organised chaos at the L1 door dissipates.