An internationally qualified Captain is concerned that the company's decision to maintain enroute and airport approach charts only on each aircraft vice supplying each crewmember compromises the necessary flight preparation for complex international operations.

Narrative

While I appreciate not having to cart around a full WORLDWIDE set of charts; I have come to realize that the 'all charts on board the aircraft' concept as it is presently constructed results in some VERY NEGATIVE Safety consequences in the Operational Domain. Let me illustrate my concerns and then SUGGEST an alternative solution. I think that many of us who have been out flying the line for some time understand that there is NO substitute for preparation BEFORE the flight. We term this action PREFLIGHT or MISSION PLANNING. The cockpit of one of our aircraft minutes before departure is definitely NOT the best place to begin this activity. Our flight segments and the airspace that we traverse are VASTLY more complex; dynamic; and challenging than a simple domestic segment from one major metropolis to another. The nature of our diverse international flying emphasizes the requirement for PREFLIGHT study/review and clear comprehension of the current constraints and limitations present at both the Departure and Arrival stations; PLUS a review of the airspace in between; the specific enroute considerations; diversion considerations; unique ATC requirements and restrictions. If this action is attempted upon arrival in the cockpit when we finally have access to the resources the result will almost always be marginal at best. The 'all charts on board the aircraft' concept as it exists today has STRIPPED us of our PRE FLIGHT Tools. My suggestion to overcome the current shortcomings in our system is to modify our system as follows: This is suggested as a solution for our fleet as we operate to only a dozen or so primary stations. Issue complete approach chart sets for those PRIMARY Airports along with a FULL SET of Enroute CHARTS to all fleet crewmembers. These would be IN ADDITION TO the current cockpit resources. Crewmembers would be expected to carry only a small trip book containing relevant plates and charts for the planned flights. Revisions would only contain materials for the Primary Airports and Enroute charts. This change will greatly increase situational awareness including awareness of potentially crucial changes and restrictions to the operation. This would be a BIG return for a minor investment.