What planet are we all on?
Most outfits these days you are lucky to see an engineer on arrival, even if you've requested their attendance, as they are operating in the same overstretch mode as Flt Ops-refer to your recent editions of "CHIRP"!
In the midst of the usual quick T/R panic, running late, ATC slot etc etc, the state of the loco operation in 2011 seems to have edited such luxuries out.
If there was something serious wrong with the 'frame, I would have thought the inbound Capt would have entered the defect or at least attempted to contact someone to discuss same. Alas, the practice of a "note" on the control column is still used to avoid the writeup which may be a "stopper", thereby spoiling everyone's day!
Yes we all know it shouldn't be done but very often that is the only perceivable option in the light of commercial pressure. Until "DE MANAGEMENT" start providing more support to the flight and ground crews whilst cost-cutting in all departments, we will continue to be faced with this quandary.
I usually sign the inbound section during the cruise and then write up any defects after landing, to try to eliminate this signature problem for the incoming crew.
The RAF recommended method of copying your predecessor's scribble was to turn the page upside down and make a fair copy in the relevant box, it being reasoned that it eliminated your own handwriting "fingerprint"........!
This method was allegedly practised when the unfortunate forgetful individual (WHO IS PERFECT??!!) had just "bought the farm". The Board of Inquiry would make great capital out of this ommission, even though the reason for his demise was a cause totally unrelated to the administration error.
I anxiously await the publication of the seminal book "Airline Management & Regulation-A Firm Grasp of the Non-Essentials", soon to be available at all good EASA bookshops!!!!
