The 2 minutes. Under current operating procedures it starts from when the TFO/Observer says JOB! If we turn into a dispatch service like the ambulance or fire service it will be when the Npas controller tells us we're going. Of course it will help if future Base planners provide a door from the ops room directly towards the parked aircraft!
ALFIE, I believe all of what you say happens before the 2 minutes start.
Whoever thought 2 minutes was the figure has never:
Run to the aircraft, putting on helmet and jacket
Opened the door, got in, closed the door.
Switched on the battery whilst finding all five ends of a five point harness. Called ATC for start only to get no response for 20-30 seconds whilst they talk on UHF to a taxiing mil aircraft.
Switched on fuel and fadecs, waited for fadecs. started engines and waited for engines to idle, switched on avionics and tested hydraulics etc,
performed pre-takeoff checks and then taxiing to the take off aid/lights. Repeat back departure clearance to the ATC, take off in the wrong direction 50 % of the time before crossing the runway to turn towards the job.
Rant over!
Last edited by Art of flight; 8th May 2012 at 10:43.