"Mxsmanic" wrote in message
...
I lower the flaps for the preflight inspection so that I
can properly inspect the flap mechanisms, but then retract them after
engine
start and before taxiing.

Doesn't flap movement require engine power?

Since I extend them prior to engine start in that case, obviously not.

The idea is to try to approach real life. Additionally, many things
are simulated. If adjusting flaps has a bad effect in real life,
there's a good chance that it has a bad effect in simulation as well.

But if there is a bad effect in simulation as well, you live to tell about
it and you get a brand-spanking-new airplane to try it again. If "a bad
effect in simulation" is your concern, why not just try it in the simulation
and see what happens?

The bottom line here is that there are no hard and fast rules for what
you're asking. Do what you want.

Pete