Who may complete the engine starts and before taxi checklists during a passenger briefing?

The ability for either pilot to complete the engine starts and before taxi checklists during a passenger briefing reflects a key principle of crew resource management and flexibility within a multi-pilot flight crew. In a two-pilot cockpit environment, whether it’s a Captain and First Officer or two pilots of equal authority, both are equally trained and qualified to handle operational duties, including the completion of checklists. This promotes teamwork and allows the pilot-in-command (PIC) to focus on other critical aspects of flight preparation, such as ensuring proper communication with air traffic control or engaging with the passengers.

In many modern aviation contexts, checklists are designed to ensure safety and efficiency, and allowing either pilot to manage these tasks effectively utilizes the strengths of both crew members. This practice also contributes to better situational awareness and workload management, which are essential for safe flight operations.