Airbus Cockpit Safety Inspection
 

Pilots, why the Wipers check in the Cockpit Safety Inspection stage?

Read and searched much as I could, but unable to justify this check at that stage. (of course, academic interest)..... Or is there more to it? :suspect:

Preliminary Cockpit Preparation? Well, i would think it is there to make sure you do not damage the hydrophobic coating on the windows when the batteries/external power is switched on and the wipers have been left in anything else than OFF.

The way I understand it, 'safety inspection' is supposed to make sure everything is in correct position before applying electrical power to the airplane.

Have a look at the procedure. You ensure that radar, flaps, gear, eng masters etc. and last but not least, wipers are in safe position. Only THEN you switch on batteries/Ext PWR/APU.

While leaving wipers accidentally on will probably not kill you, it's not good to have them running on a dry windshield and scratch it...

Understand.

Luckily, the rain repellant is inhibited on ground.

As you are unable to "justify" this check at that stage, may I be so forward as to ask at what (if any) stage WOULD you find this check justifiable and why?

Thanks in advance.

Man may be cleaning bugs from windshield as you are applying power.