In modern high activity terminals, are "Walk Arounds" still performed by the Flight Crew- Capt. or FO?

  

Watching the ground activity from windows in the passenger lounge, FD crew always seem to be in the cockpit- especially on fast turnaround runs-  still there when boarding is called and also moments later when I enter the aircraft from the jetway. No walk around that I can see.

 

Perhaps the ground Crew Chief is in a better position to spot exterior problems/ tire wear/ damage etc. And the frantic pace of activity on the ground in the final 20 minutes, is most likely when damage or forgetfulness to lock a hatch, remove ground safety devices, might occur.

 

in fact, the only time I can recall seeing a real "walk around" was with an AA Electra (1958?)- when we could see the Captain vigorously complaining to the Crew Chief about a large oil puddle under one engine. After much pointing and discussion, the pilot returned to the AA dispatch office adjacent to our lounge, announcing in a very audible voice-"Well I'm not taking it up!". 

Shortly after, a PA anouncement advised of a delay due to a change of aircraft!

There were a few pale faces amongst us!!

january

 

 

The co-pilot still does the walk around.

I wouldn't fly a plane without a walk around. Its ingrained

Searching the net & found some info to suggest that there are some FAA rules permitting "fast turnaround" airline schedules to require Pilot/FO walkarounds on only first/last flights of the day or upon crew changes.

Don't have info for Canada but West Jet- patterned off South West- has many fast turns- I've seen flight deck officers helping to clean cabin debris at 20 minute stops!

FAA may also certify some ground crew for walkaround purposes.

january

That reflect the fact that commercial aviation is not what it once was and is now like everything else, a race to the bottom. I only occasional carry one passenger and frankly I am reluctant! The only time I was ever comfortable carrying a passenger was when it was my wife. I thought, well if it all goes belly up we are going together and she felt the same way.

 

I take the acronym PIC very seriously; PILOT IN COMMAND!" If one takes on this mantra not doing the walk around yourself or having your trusted no.1 do it, is a dereliction of duty.

A walkaround should always be performed before each flight, and an airline that doesn't require this should be blacklisted! Takeoffs and landings are the most stressful phases of flights and a crew that doesn't inspect their aircraft after each landing are careless at best.

I walk around the planes all the time...I just walk around and around and around and around and around and around and around....now I must stop.