Walk Arounds

[Lost in Saigon]

I just read an article in the latest TC Aviation Safety Letter where the author was disgusted because he witnessed a Regional Jet Commuter airline pilot doing a walk around while holding a cup of coffee.

He felt this was unprofessional, risky behaviour.

I disagree with him, but it got me thinking, is there a legal requirement to do a pre-flight inspection? Or is it just company SOP, or good airmanship?

I can remember being a commuter pilot and doing up to 10 walk arounds a day on the same aircraft. I tended to think of it as just a quick "look see" to check for unknown damage or any large missing bits.

What do you guys think?

[Chuck Ellsworth]

I just read an article in the latest TC Aviation Safety Letter where the author was disgusted because he witnessed a Regional Jet Commuter airline pilot doing a walk around while holding a cup of coffee.

He felt this was unprofessional, risky behaviour.

I see nothing wrong with multi tasking, if the pilot couldn't walk around the airplane and carry a coffee at the same time that shows a lack of multi tasking skills and he/she should be fired as a pilot and hired to write articles for TC and kept away from airplanes.

I can remember being a commuter pilot and doing up to 10 walk arounds a day on the same aircraft. I tended to think of it as just a quick "look see" to check for unknown damage or any large missing bits.

Exactly.....and drinking a coffee while you are doing this is a positive thing because you are doing your duty as a pilot and having a coffee at the same time.

[Inverted2]

I just read an article in the latest TC Aviation Safety Letter where the author was disgusted because he witnessed a Regional Jet Commuter airline pilot doing a walk around while holding a cup of coffee.

He felt this was unprofessional, risky behaviour.

I disagree with him, but it got me thinking, is there a legal requirement to do a pre-flight inspection? Or is it just company SOP, or good airmanship?

I can remember being a commuter pilot and doing up to 10 walk arounds a day on the same aircraft. I tended to think of it as just a quick "look see" to check for unknown damage or any large missing bits.

What do you guys think?

It very well could have been me. I always carry my coffee on walkarounds. Whats wrong with a little multi tasking? They have cup holders in the friggin cockpit so you can obviously fly and drink a coffee too! God forbid

[Wilbur]

Christ, I won't do a walk around in the morning until I have a coffee in hand. What's he going to write about next month, the hazards of chewing gum while doing a walk around.?

[Brantford Beech Boy]

I just read that article th'other day. If memory serves me, the author was suggesting a walk-around be done with "checklist in hand" (perhaps instead of coffee?).

WTF?

Christ, I won't do a walk around in the morning until I have a coffee in hand.

There is morning before coffee?

again WTF!!!

BBB

[Inverted2]

One must not forget that the article is from TC after all so don't take it too seriously! Checklist for a walkaround???? pffffffft

[Doc]

Another peice of crap brought to us by the "Safety" letter. I wouldn't worry until you see a pilot doing the walk around smoking a joint! Even then.......total drivel! Normally I don't even bother to read that garbage...and this is why.

[Chuck Ellsworth]

I just read that article th'other day. If memory serves me, the author was suggesting a walk-around be done with "checklist in hand" (perhaps instead of coffee?).

Are you serious?

Who is suggesting something that idiotic?

I don't have my copy because I tossed it with the last notice they sent me about the money they claim I owe them for my medical fee. By the way as I recall it is almost $1,000.00 now.....but they owe me $250,000.00 so I don't have to worry for a few more centuries.

[kingeddie]

While doing my DI today I must confess I drank coffee scratched mu nuts 3.5 times ( I was interupted half way through tht fourth scratch ). And I answered my phone . I guess I am lucky to have survived the flight .


KE

[Chuck Ellsworth]

scratched mu nuts 3.5 times ( I was interupted half way through tht fourth scratch ). And I answered my phone

Sounds like you have the crabs....better get something to kill them because scratching them won't do it.

[valvelifter]

The idiot who wrote that article is a Flight Operations Specialist, which, according to http://www.careerplanner.com can be described as:

Maintains aviation operations files and records, and prepares and types reports, orders, and schedules pertaining to aviation operations and aviation safety: Displays flight planning information to include airfield diagram, status of navigational aids, map of local flying area, special use airspace, and crash grid chart. Maintains and issues flying regulations and pilot's and flight crew's information file. Keeps files of extended flight and navigational information, such as weight and balance data, cross-country kits, navigational publications, radio and landing facility charts, flight information manuals, maps, and other pertinent guides and notices. Compiles, prepares, and distributes correspondence, such as aviation operations reports, aviation safety reports, and flight schedules. Assists flight-line personnel in assigning crew and passengers to aircraft and assists aviators in preparing flight plans, processes flight plans and arrival reports for transmission to flight and air traffic control centers

That being said, I assume you don't need a license to perform that job.

So, I am still even more confused.......what would this guy know about walkarounds??

[Chuck Ellsworth]

That being said, I assume you don't need a license to perform that job.

So, I am still even more confused.......what would this guy know about walkarounds??

An even better question would be what does the editor of the " TC Aviation Safety Letter " or whatever they call the thing know about aviation?

These mass mailed publications that we get from TCCA only demonstrate how disconnected from reality that gang at TCCA really are.

But what we really should be disturbed about is we are paying them to churn out that garbage.

[Elliot Moose]

Hey, I've heard about places in the former soviet bloc where the pilots aren't even PERMITTED to get out to do a walkaround due to security and immigration reasons! Of course these are the same cats that are prone to departing with ice on the wings of their jets, so........

[MichaelP]

I am sure that walking around with a coffee in hand is acceptable in Canada, but I never never do it!

For me it has to be a cup of tea and it is not uncommon to see me resting my cup of tea here and there while I inspect an aeroplane.
It's not uncommon for me to finish me tea during the run-up... My mug is usually empty for takeoff.

[C23flyer]

I would be reassured by seeing a pilot doing a pre-flight with a cup of java (or tea for MichaelP). I immediately get the impression that the individual is not rushing, is relaxed and more likely able to focus on the task at hand. And I've seen the guy with the checklist, who probably would have missed a gaping hole on the belly of the a/c because he was so eager to get off the ground. They're usually the ones who forget to remove the chocks too.

[CAL]

just did one today with a cup of my companies finest....I have to say I thought about who saw....but decided...@#$! it...its a cup of coffee and I only have like 5 more of these today and its not even 6am.....not a single member of my crew or ground crew even batted an eyelid...hate to say 'in the real world'...but these guys from tc need to wake up.....I get the letter also every few months...

[turbo-beaver]

Hey Folks.....

How did they know it was only coffee?

[oldtimer]

Maybe he has the walkaround checklist printed on the coffee cup.

[MichaelP]

Maybe he has the walkaround checklist printed on the coffee cup.

There's an idea! We could sell lots of these mugs, we can get them made in England or China...
I say England because the Pro IFR mugs with the Proisms are made in England!

[E-Flyer]

Christ, I won't do a walk around in the morning until I have a coffee in hand. What's he going to write about next month, the hazards of chewing gum while doing a walk around.?

why not throw in the quote of unprofessionalism by chewing gum while in a expedited decent ?

TC should be glad the guy's doing a walk around to begin with instead of bugging the guy about having a cup of coffee at an accessible reach lol

[xsbank]

I'm mystified about the requirement to have a check-list for a walkaround? Maybe the first flight ever with a new type rating, but you don't actually MEASURE those oleos or brake-wear indicators, do you? Jeez, maybe I'll have to buy a tire gauge and a ruler to keep on the airplane... you are actually LOOKING at the airplane while you swill your swill, no?

Total twaddle and bollocks.

[Hedley]

What is the certification process for the walkaround checklist? How
do you know if you are using the STC'd one, or a "bogus" checklist?

[just curious]

The STC'd ones are on the Timmies cups, not the Second Cup ones.

[Chuck Ellsworth]

What is the certification process for the walkaround checklist? How
do you know if you are using the STC'd one, or a "bogus" checklist?

The genius who wrote that article is going to be head of the walk around check list approval department, therefore if you are found using a non approved walkaround check list you will have your license suspended. If you are found using an approved walk around check list and drinking coffee you will have your license cancelled.

That would be the best outcome for you because you would no longer be on the mailing list from these cretins.

[invertedattitude]

Am I the only one who noticed he works for Mesa, one of the most hated airlines south of the border?