Pilots' Pre-Flight Routine: A Choreographed Dance

When boarding an airliner, passengers often catch a glimpse of the flight deck before the cockpit door closes. Pilots appear to be performing a carefully rehearsed sequence of tasks, including touching switches, adjusting knobs, and scanning displays. This sequence seems to precede the consultation of a written checklist, which might seem counterintuitive. The purpose of this pre-checklist routine is not explicitly stated in the provided source, but it may be related to ensuring a smooth and efficient pre-flight process. It's worth noting that the exact nature and extent of this routine may vary across different airlines and pilots.