The Surprising Reason Pilots Leave the Cockpit Door Open Before Flights

""Pilots and flight attendants are actively communicating about flight details, passenger count, fuel status, weather, and any last-minute changes," says Corry Lane, director of safety at private jet charter company Cirrus Aviation Services. Lane says that keeping the door open also helps pilots speak to each other and staff members more quickly before the flight deck is sealed for the ride. "Ground crew, maintenance personnel, or dispatchers may need to enter the cockpit to deliver paperwork, update flight plans, or perform final checks," he says. "Per [federal regulations], the cockpit door must be locked before pushback.""

""The final moments before a plane departs an airport are all about communication. Passengers rarely notice the exchange-unless they're observant. "Pilots leave the door open during boarding because they're handling their own duties and need to communicate," explains flight attendant Venezia Macias. "They check in with gate agents and rampers about things like the baggage sheet for weight and balance, last-minute paperwork,""

Cockpit doors commonly remain open during boarding to enable direct communication among pilots, flight attendants, ground crew, and dispatch. Pilots and cabin crew exchange details about passenger counts, fuel status, weather, baggage weight and balance, and last-minute paperwork while preparing for departure. Ground crew, maintenance personnel, or dispatchers may need to enter the cockpit to deliver documents, update flight plans, or perform final checks before the flight deck is secured. Federal regulations require the cockpit door to be locked before pushback and remain secured for the duration of the flight.

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