A 'Provisional Loadsheet' system is used at BA to assist on time departures.
So-called 'Final Figures' are then passed to the crew via ACARS which are either 'No Change' or 'Last Minute Changes' (LMC)
I think maybe BA should revisit the need for loadsheet generating from afar (via ACARS) and start using final figures before pushing back. It would solve a number of issues here mentioned, at the very minimum.
- It prevents the need for reprogramming an FMC after movng under its own power following e.g. a weight change;
- It enables both crew to keep their attention focussed on the critical phase of flight called taxiing;
- Modern performance methods and/or systems used in some other airlines are instant, they do not rely on a (London based) central performance department issuing instructions to crew scattered globally taxiing their aircraft, totally unaware of the delays it causes other operators;
A risk assessment would be justified if such a change in SOP's could benefit this company.