It is well known that at the beginning or sometimes the end of the Flight you will here the pilot say that they are just completing last-minute paperwork.

What is “last minute paperwork” in flight terms?

This could mean a multitude of things. Most commonly the pilot will have to calculate the weight of the Plane to ensure a smooth take-off and a safe flight. This is last-minute because last-minute cargo is sometimes added to the aircraft. This means that the pilot will need to calculate this at the very last minute. This is called a weights and balance report.

The captain will also have to sign off on the manifest. The manifest is the full list of passengers and crew on board the plane. The manifest will include the nationalities of the passengers on board the flight.

There are times when the captain may need to be aware if a flight is carrying radio active medical material. The pilot will need to ensure that this material has been properly loaded and is at a safe distance from any of the people on board the flight.

There is also a flight release that needs to be signed by the captain. This includes the flight plan for the plane and also will include important weather conditions to be aware of while on board the flight.

International flights have further documentation that will need the attention of the pilot. This is all standard procedure to ensure that the plane can land at its proposed destination.

As annoying as it may be, all of these “paperwork” procedures are just a further step in ensuring that absolute safety of the people on board the flight and therefore probably well worth the extra few minutes. Either way you cannot take-off or disembark without them.

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