Flight Briefing

Pilot-in-Command Briefing

Objective: To prepare the flight crew for a safe and efficient flight by outlining responsibilities, procedures, and expectations.

Briefing Content:

  1. Flight Overview:
    • Flight purpose: [e.g., training, cross-country, scenic flight].
    • Departure airport: [Airport name/code].
    • Destination: [Airport name/code].
    • Estimated time en route: [Time].
    • Weather: Current and forecast conditions reviewed, including METARs, TAFs, and any NOTAMs. Expect [e.g., VFR conditions, potential turbulence, etc.].
    • Fuel on board: [Amount] gallons, sufficient for [duration] plus reserves.
  2. Crew Roles and Responsibilities:
    • Pilot-in-Command: [Your name], responsible for final decision-making, aircraft operation, and safety.
    • Co-pilot/Second pilot (if applicable): [Name], responsible for [e.g., navigation, radio communications, monitoring instruments].
    • Sterile cockpit procedures: Enforced during critical phases (taxi, takeoff, landing, and below 1,000 ft AGL).
  3. Aircraft Status:
    • Preflight inspection: Completed, no discrepancies noted.
    • Weight and balance: Within limits, calculated at [total weight].
    • Performance: Takeoff and landing distances calculated for [runway length, conditions].
    • Systems: All systems operational, including [e.g., avionics, lights, brakes].
  4. Flight Plan and Procedures:
    • Route: [e.g., direct, waypoints, or VFR landmarks].
    • Altitude: [e.g., 5,500 ft, or as assigned by ATC].
    • ATC clearance (if applicable): [Clearance details or VFR flight following].
    • Emergency procedures: In case of [e.g., engine failure, loss of comms], follow [specific actions, e.g., ABC checklist: Airspeed, Best field, Checklist].
    • Diversion plan: Alternate airport is [name/code], based on [weather, facilities].
  5. Questions or Concerns:
    • Any questions or clarifications needed before we proceed?

Conclusion: I anticipate a safe and enjoyable flight. Maintain clear communication and situational awareness throughout.

Passenger Briefing

Objective: To ensure passengers are informed of safety procedures and expectations for a comfortable flight.

Briefing Content:

  1. Welcome and Introduction:
    • Welcome aboard [aircraft type, e.g., Cessna 172]! I’m [your name], your pilot for today’s flight to [destination or purpose, e.g., scenic tour].
    • Flight duration: Approximately [time]. We’ll be flying at [altitude] with expected [e.g., smooth conditions or light turbulence].
  2. Safety Procedures:
    • Stay Clear of Controls: When within reach of controls, prevent yourself from applying pressure on controls, touching avionics, and inadvertent obscuring of flight situational awareness.
    • Seatbelts: Keep seatbelts fastened at all times while seated. To adjust, lift the buckle to release, pull to tighten. I’ll let you know when it’s safe to unbuckle, if applicable.
    • Doors and Exits: Doors are [explain location, e.g., on either side]. Do not touch door handles unless instructed. In an emergency, I’ll guide you on how to open and exit.
    • Emergency Equipment: Life vests (if applicable) are [location, e.g., under seats]. Fire extinguisher is [location]. First aid kit is [location].
    • No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited at all times, including e-cigarettes.
  3. Comfort and Conduct:
    • Headsets: Please wear headsets for clear communication and to protect your hearing. Speak normally, and I’ll adjust the volume if needed.
    • Personal Items: Secure all loose items (e.g., phones, bags) to prevent them from shifting during flight.
    • Emergency Bladder and Diarrhea Relief: This aircraft has no lavatory facilities.
      • Ensure to relieve yourself here on the ground, even if you do not feel the need. Once in flight, ATC may redirect us and add time to our flight.
      • From the time of pilot notification, it can take 30 minutes or much more, for the pilot to find and land on a runway and get you to someplace where you can relieve yourself.
      • In an emergency, a portable urinal bag, or Biffy Bag is available. It takes great care to use without damaging the aircraft and making the flight a distraction for the pilot. Learn to use the urinal bags and toilet bags before entering the aircraft. The effort to use these without making a mess, damaging the aircraft, and avoiding causing an aircraft crash due to abruptly putting pressure on control systems, is critical.
    • Motion Sickness: If you feel unwell, let the pilot know immediately. Airsickness bags are [location, e.g., in seat pockets].
    • Sterile Cockpit: During taxi, takeoff, and landing, please avoid talking to the pilot unless it’s urgent to help the pilot focus on flying. Whenever the pilot speaks, and it is not directed specifically to you, please stop talking immediately as the pilot may be talking to Air Traffic Control.
  4. Flight Experience:
    • You may see [e.g., local landmarks, coastline] during our flight. Feel free to ask questions when we’re at a safe altitude.
    • If you’d like to take photos, please avoid using flash, as it can distract the pilot.
    • The pilot can assist you in setting up your cellphone, tablet, or laptop with power and connection to your aviation headset.
  5. Emergency Instructions:
    • In the unlikely event of an emergency, remain calm and follow my instructions. If we need to evacuate, leave all personal items behind and exit as directed.
    • If you see anything unusual (e.g., smoke, unusual noises), alert me immediately.
  6. Questions:
    • Do you have any questions or concerns before we start taxiing?

Conclusion: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. The pilot will keep you updated throughout.

Below is a list of links to resources that support establishing each criterion in the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and Passenger Briefings provided above. These resources include FAA regulations, safety guidelines, and best practices for general aviation. Each link is tied to a specific section or element of the briefings to represent applied effort in preparation.

Pilot-in-Command Briefing: Supporting Links

  1. Flight Overview:
  • Flight Purpose and Planning:
    • FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapter 16: Navigation
    • FAA PHAK
    • Provides guidance on planning flight purpose, routes, and navigation.
  • Weather Information:
    • Aviation Weather Services (FAA Advisory Circular AC 00-45H)
    • FAA Aviation Weather Services
    • Details how to access and interpret METARs, TAFs, and other weather data.
    • FAA NOTAMs Overview
    • FAA NOTAM Search
    • Source for checking NOTAMs affecting the flight.
  • Fuel Planning:
    • FAA FAR 91.151: VFR Fuel Requirements
    • FAR 91.151
    • Specifies minimum fuel reserves for VFR flights.
  1. Crew Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Pilot-in-Command Responsibilities:
    • FAA FAR 91.3: Responsibility and Authority of the Pilot-in-Command
    • FAR 91.3
    • Outlines the PIC’s final authority and responsibility for the flight.
  • Sterile Cockpit Procedures:
    • FAA Advisory Circular AC 120-51E: Crew Resource Management
    • AC 120-51E
    • Discusses sterile cockpit rules and crew coordination during critical phases.
  1. Aircraft Status:
  • Preflight Inspection:
    • FAA FAR 91.7: Airworthiness of Aircraft
    • FAR 91.7
    • Requires a preflight inspection to ensure the aircraft is airworthy.
    • FAA PHAK, Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems
    • FAA PHAK
    • Details preflight inspection procedures.
  • Weight and Balance:
  • Performance Calculations:
    • FAA PHAK, Chapter 10: Weight and Balance
    • FAA PHAK
    • Includes takeoff and landing performance calculations.
  1. Flight Plan and Procedures:
  • Flight Planning:
  • ATC Clearance and Communication:
    • FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Chapter 5: Air Traffic Control
    • FAA AIM
    • Covers ATC procedures, clearances, and VFR flight following.
  • Emergency Procedures:
    • FAA PHAK, Chapter 17: Emergency Procedures
    • FAA PHAK
    • Guidance on handling emergencies like engine failure or loss of communications.
  • Diversion Planning:
    • FAA AIM, Chapter 5, Section 6: Emergency Procedures
    • FAA AIM
    • Discusses planning for alternate airports and diversions.

Passenger Briefing: Supporting Links

  1. Welcome and Introduction:
  • General Passenger Briefing Guidelines:
    • FAA Safety Briefing: Passenger Safety
    • FAA Safety Briefing
    • Includes tips on conducting effective passenger briefings.
  1. Safety Procedures:
  • Seatbelts:
    • FAA FAR 91.107: Use of Safety Belts
    • FAR 91.107
    • Mandates the use of seatbelts during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
  • Doors and Exits:
    • FAA PHAK, Chapter 6: Aircraft Structure
    • FAA PHAK
    • Describes aircraft exits and their operation for emergency egress.
  • Emergency Equipment:
    • FAA FAR 91.513: Emergency Equipment
    • FAR 91.513
    • Outlines requirements for emergency equipment like fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
  • No Smoking:
    • FAA FAR 91.517: Smoking Prohibition
    • FAR 91.517
    • Prohibits smoking on aircraft.
  1. Comfort and Conduct:
  • Headsets and Communication:
    • FAA AIM, Chapter 4, Section 2: Radio Communications
    • FAA AIM
    • Guidance on proper use of headsets for communication in general aviation.
  • Motion Sickness:
    • FAA Medical Facts for Pilots: Motion Sickness
    • FAA Medical Facts
    • Tips for managing airsickness and briefing passengers.
  • Sterile Cockpit:
    • FAA Advisory Circular AC 120-51E: Crew Resource Management
    • AC 120-51E
    • Reinforces the importance of sterile cockpit procedures for passengers.
  1. Flight Experience:
  • Photography and Distractions:
    • FAA Safety Team: Distraction Management
    • FAA Safety Team
    • Discusses avoiding distractions like flash photography during flight.
  1. Emergency Instructions:
  • Emergency Egress:
    • FAA PHAK, Chapter 17: Emergency Procedures
    • FAA PHAK
    • Provides guidance on briefing passengers for emergency evacuations.

Notes:

  • For specific aircraft types, consult the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for detailed preflight, emergency, and performance data (typically provided by the aircraft manufacturer, not generally available online).

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