Hello Pool. Your comment;
First of all, it is not merely "playing" with flap setting if a pilot choses another setting. As it seems to be against SOP, it shows that the issuers know as little about that matter than the pilots adhering to them religiously.
At operators I have observed, it often IS the pilot playing around to get the max flex (even when greater flex [i.e. less thrust] is not really in his own career best interest).
Really, why bother saving a few flex degrees? A greater flex is not really in your best interests as far as career prospects go (ask the MEL guys). And you will NOT get a medal from the Company.
Because they don't care.
Now, if you want to use a different Flap setting for reasons such as windshear, rough runway etc. Sure. Use common sense. And for the most part, the books will back you up on those scenarios.
Probably not a good idea to make unnecessary calculations just to get a greater flex, that's all. Especially at operators where dual calculations are required. 3x calculations each = 6 calculations (and a lot of extra chatter).
It's up to you of course. But don't be surprised if you wander away from the Optimum setting, and make unnecessary calculations followed by an error.
Might not look good in the ensuing investigation
