Originally Posted by
Checkboard
Boeing used to check controls during taxi as well. They changed SOP about 15 years ago.
So did we, for Boeings and Airbusses alike.
This is often part of the FCOM (SOPs) that customer airlines modify according to their priorities.
Airbus seams to leave it to the operator by stating
FLIGHT CONTROLS.................................................... .....................................CHECK PF-PM
Check the flight controls at a convenient stage, before or during taxi.
From the January 2005 Airbus Safety First magazine:
‘The importance of the pre-flight flight controls check’ :
https://mms-safetyfirst.s3.eu-west-3...rols-check.pdf
My lot decided it was more important to concentrate on F/CTL checks and not get distracted by taxiing (or v.v), so we do it before taxi - a decision that was largely driven by our Flight Safety department
Another lot with tight schedules might decide that on time performance is more important and accordingly do it during taxi.
It also depends on the airports you operate from, some require full attention and I’d rather not muck around with F/CTL checks and miss a turn, a taxi instruction, or get into someone’s way.
One some of the quieter airports you might get away with it.
Regarding the time that it takes, we often complete the F/CTL checks before the tug has moved clear and mechanic turns around to show us the pin.
If someone behind us might get upset about us doing the F/CTL checks before taxi, so be it… 🤷♂️
’If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.’
B.