How many minutes prior to departure should flight crew members be ready at their aircraft?

The requirement for flight crew members to be ready at their aircraft 20 minutes prior to departure is designed to ensure that all necessary pre-flight checks and preparations can be adequately completed. This timeframe allows the flight crew to conduct thorough safety checks, review the flight plan, and ensure that all equipment and systems are functional before boarding passengers.

Being ready 20 minutes in advance also helps facilitate effective communication among crew members, improves coordination with the ground crew, and ensures that any potential issues can be addressed without delaying the departure schedule. It is a standard practice that enhances safety and efficiency in flight operations, reflecting the importance of thorough preparation in aviation.