Originally Posted by
DeadHead
I guess the strobe issue is dependent on pilot technique for some and FOM policy for others. I personally think it's better to to throw them on once you in a position and hold on the runway waiting for clearance. I have a good friend who disagrees with me and throws the strobes on right before clearance is received.
Like you said, depends on that particular airline's FOM.
AA's FOM states that strobes are only to be turned on when takeoff clearance is received. That is why you will generally never see an AA aircraft in position and hold - even at night - with strobes on. From what I've seen, this is different from most airlines (SHOCKER!! AA does it different from everyone else!) I personally think that having the strobes on when in position would help prevent another Skywest/USAir LAX crash.
That said, AA does not have a very progressive "lights on" policy. We don't even have any guidance in our FOM for illuminating all of our lights when crossing runways. If you are ever in position and hold waiting for crossing traffic, the completely dark aircraft will almost always be an AA aircraft: it is simply not taught, nor is it in our manuals, to illuminate when crossing. Again, I strongly disagree with this. Not much I can do about it in the 75/76, as all the light switches are the CA's territory, but I always suggest it. When I was on the 737 and MD80, as I had control of some of the lights, I always illuminated what I could.
All lights on for safety when crossing, strobes/wing illumination/runway turnoffs when in position. Simple and safe!