The use of the the service door, depending on where the exhaust gas is going, is entirely dependent on how much noise and smell the ground crew will accept. lt is very, very noisy.
Also, in the power band available, it can run either the electrics or the air-con, but not both.
On one occasion during push back, and prior to official start, "bing-bong, yes ?, Sir, it is very hot in the back.
It`s a bit warm here too mate "
Two of the three companies l`ve operated the type for blanked off "hotel mode" mainly because of it`s documented history of un-commanded prop brake release, and un-commanded prop brake application ( once, to my knowledge ) in flight.
l have to say that my latest 1900hrs on type ( for the third company ) produced no problems other than the heat generated with no prop wash to disperse it.
l hope that helps.
ps, the type is a good`un. We used to power back off stand in Sumburgh as a matter of course back then, and payed nothing to do it
