Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Company Policy; Procedure
Upon arrival at gate; gate agent noticed the exterior handle on the L1 door was not flush with the door and recessed into the soffit of the door. We discussed the situation with both the gate agent and the #1 flight attendant. Apparently there was a recent change to the arrival procedure where the gate agents are now opening the door upon arrival (completing the entire opening procedure) versus the former procedure where the flight attendant would crack the door and agent would open it after it is cracked. I am concerned the gate agents do not understand or have not been trained to ensure the exterior door handle has retracted into the correct position after the door is opened. If they do not check this as they open the door; many 737 aircraft will be flown this way inducing significant airflow forces on the handles which they were never designed to withstand. It would just be a matter of time before a handle fails and falls off the aircraft in flight.
B737-800 pilot reported he is concerned that gate agents may not understand or lack proper training in aircraft door handling procedures.