Normal to delay flaps until mid-taxi?
 

As an ExecPlat, I've noticed over the years that almost all AA pilots extend the flaps for takeoff just after pushback. Recently, I started flying RJs operated by PSA and Piedmont. On the ERJ145, I've had a few flights now where the pilots didn't extend the flaps until we were mid-taxi and nearing the runway. This delay freaks me out every time, even though I think there are takeoff config warnings that would go off in the cockpit if they actually forgot to set flaps before beginning the roll. Should I be concerned about this, or is this SOP? These pilots aren't forgetting to set flaps, are they?

(FWIW, these flights have been in summer, and I understand icing conditions require delayed flaps.)

There have to be Takeoff configuration warnings (see 14 CFR § 25.703). While it is possible that pilots forget (and it has happened in the past), the likelihood is a limit approaching zero between the training of the pilots, the warning systems and CRM.

I wouldn't worry about it at all. If you are, on an E145, I've seen the cockpit wide open before and after the flight on almost every flight - ask the FA if you can ask the pilots a Q and ask!

There are protections for taking off in the wrong configuration.

There are many benign reasons why extension doesn’t happen when you think it should.

Sit back, Relax, and enjoy the flight.

Piedmont and AA have their own operations manuals, each approved by the FAA. Also, the ERJ145 may well have the flap checklist item somewhere in the "before take off" list of items where AA on whatever mainline jet(s) you were on may have the flap setting at an earlier stage. Definitely not something to freak you out. The fact that you've seen it consistently happening around roughly the same phase of your taxi out before take off would seem to confirm that the checklist is being consistently managed.

Is it "normal" to delay flaps until mid-taxi?

I don't know, but if the flight manual says to do it, then it's OK. If the manual says not to do it, then it's NOT OK.

If it's a concern, then politely ask one of the pilots before your next flight.

Mid-taxi flap changes are often the result of a runway assignment change.

This is what I would do. Or if the pilots are hanging around after the flight, ask them. Whenever I ask a pilot a vaguely technical question I always get a friendly reply.

Takeoff configuration warning in most aircraft will not sound until the throttles are advanced for takeoff.

The takeoff warning is tested just before takeoff to see if it will alert when power is advanced. This identifies the misconfiguration prior to entering the runway.

I notice on 772s that the pilots often extend the flaps while taxiing out to the runway. It is a very distinctive, high-pitched sound on this type of aircraft.

It's the most satisfying sound. Waking up after crossing the atlantic to 777 flaps makes me very happy.