Originally Posted by
rjn21
From a BA release:
Some conspiracy theorists might suggest the referred to "on-time performance" statistic was due to the parking brake cycle mandate at departure time which seems to trigger "departed" in certain systems.
Sorry that’s just not the case. For those who think the pilots just recycle the park brake at STD you are sadly mistaken. The park brake is only cycled when everything is ready for departure - doors closed, tug attached and all checks complete and ready to go. The Park Brake Recycle only captures the data when an inability to push when ready is not possible due to ATC or other constraints - it is not there to massage the on time performance. I personally think it’s not a good idea for other reasons but it does not cover up a lack of readiness to depart on time.