There are good and established reasons to meeting in he FPA prior to flight;

Meet the rest of the crew including Co-pilot, Flight Engineer, Navigator, and radio operator.

Inspect Flight Attendants for proper uniform, make up and brief.

Have a couple cigarettes with coffee.

It takes a long time to get those weather reports and notams off the teletype, before you can review them with the meteorologist.

Now, where did I park the Packard?


"Clear 4, switch and boost"