BEFORE TAKEOFF: RECONCILE DATA, AIRCRAFT AND CLEARANCE
At the holding point, bring the planned takeoff and the actual aircraft together. Confirm the runway and the point from which we will start the roll. The performance result must belong to that runway, entry point, weather, mass and configuration. Compare its flap and trim requirements with the settings and indications in the aircraft; check the initial cleared altitude and intended guidance too. Arm the ground spoilers and make the normal takeoff autobrake selection, MAX. These preparations give the aircraft the configuration and stopping-system readiness intended for takeoff. Each item has a job; completing the list establishes a consistent starting state. [34, PDF pp. 2-4] [14, PDF pp. 1063-1064]
T.O CONFIG is a configuration check, and the ECAM takeoff memo brings several required conditions into view. Carry out the test, then read the complete memo and any remaining status information. Also establish Cabin Ready through the cabin sequence. Doors closed, slides armed and Cabin Ready describe different conditions, so a reassuring result in one area still leaves the others to check. The calculated takeoff data need their own review as well. Think of the holding-point check as bringing several pieces of evidence together: performance calculation, physical configuration, guidance setup and cabin readiness should all support the departure we have briefed. [14, PDF pp. 1063-1064] [41, Virtual Purser; VP Behaviour]
A late runway change can make previously correct preparation out of date. The same is true of a different starting point, changed weather or revised load. Identify what the change affects, recalculate where required, enter the accepted results and brief the revised departure before entering the runway. A new runway name in the flight plan alone leaves the rest of that work unfinished. On our Frankfurt departure, use the extra moment at the holding point to say where we are going and what happens immediately after takeoff. Once the roll starts, those decisions should already be familiar. [34, PDF pp. 8-9]
IN PRACTICE: Before takeoff: close the remaining gaps
Before you begin: The aircraft is at the assigned holding point or another cleared position. Takeoff performance is current for the actual runway, intersection, loading and weather.
1. Check the runway and entry together
Action. Compare the runway designator and planned entry point with the airport chart, signs, MCDU departure and EFB performance result. If any part changed, revise the affected calculation and entries before continuing.
Check. Route programming and performance refer to the same physical piece of runway in front of the aircraft. [14, PDF pp. 1063-1064] [14, PDF pp. 1034-1038]
2. Read back the takeoff numbers
Action. Review the accepted V1, VR, V2, thrust choice, flap setting and trim against the calculation. Confirm the current gross-weight/loading picture behind them.
Check. The departure uses the final data set, not a partly updated collection of entries. [14, PDF pp. 1034-1038] [14, PDF pp. 1065-1072]
3. Set the initial guidance
Action. Check both flight directors and the cleared initial altitude on the FCU. Confirm whether the clearance calls for the programmed SID or a selected heading, and set the lateral preparation accordingly.
Check. The first airborne guidance will follow the actual clearance. A selected-heading clearance has not been left with an assumed NAV departure. [14, PDF pp. 1065-1072] [13, PDF pp. 107-116]
4. Prepare stopping and high-lift systems
Action. Arm the ground spoilers, select MAX on the autobrake panel for takeoff, and compare the actual flap/trim indications with the takeoff data.
Check. The lift and stopping configuration agrees with the planned takeoff; MAX is selected and the surface movement has completed rather than merely been requested. [14, PDF pp. 1051-1062] [14, PDF pp. 1063-1064]
5. Ask the aircraft for its configuration check
Action. Obtain the cabin-ready report, press T.O CONFIG and read the complete takeoff memo. Resolve a remaining blue item or configuration warning before lining up for departure.
Check. The aircraft reports the required takeoff configuration and the cabin state agrees with the departure sequence. A silent button press alone is not the check result. [14, PDF pp. 1051-1062] [14, PDF pp. 1063-1064]
6. Complete the runway-entry gate
Action. Complete the Before Takeoff checklist and set the appropriate lights, transponder/TCAS and pack/bleed arrangement. Enter the runway only under the applicable clearance; check the approach path and the runway identification again.
Check. The final configuration matches the performance assumption, and the aircraft enters the runway it was actually cleared to use. [14, PDF pp. 1063-1064]
Complete when: The current calculation, aircraft configuration, initial guidance, cabin state and runway clearance form one consistent takeoff plan.