Pre-Flight Briefing: Setting Objectives and Ensuring Safe Flight

Description: A thorough pre-flight briefing is the cornerstone of effective flight training and safe operations. Learn how clear objectives, planned maneuvers, and agreed-upon cues enhance communication, teamwork, and decision-making in the cockpit.

The Importance of Pre-Flight Briefings

A well-structured pre-flight briefing sets the tone for a safe, efficient, and productive flight. It ensures that both the pilot and instructor are aligned on objectives, understand the planned maneuvers, and know how to communicate during unexpected situations. Strong pre-flight planning reduces errors, improves situational awareness, and strengthens CRM in the cockpit.

1. Set Clear Objectives

Before takeoff, define the goals of the flight or training session. Whether practicing emergency procedures, navigation, or specific maneuvers, both pilots should understand what is expected. Clear objectives allow the instructor to monitor performance effectively and help the student focus on key learning points.

2. Discuss Planned Maneuvers

Review the maneuvers to be performed, including altitudes, airspeeds, and any safety considerations. Discuss potential challenges and hazards, and outline contingency plans. This ensures both pilots anticipate difficulties and can act decisively if conditions change.

3. Agree on Cue Words and Intervention Signals

Establish specific words or signals to indicate when the instructor should step in or when the student needs to communicate critical information. Examples include:

• “You have control” – confirming handover of aircraft control.

• “Abort maneuver” – signaling immediate termination of the maneuver.

• “Checklist complete” – confirming that a procedure has been executed.

Using agreed-upon cues improves clarity, avoids hesitation during high-workload situations, and ensures rapid, coordinated responses.

4. Emphasize Roles and Responsibilities

Clarify who is monitoring what during the flight. For example, the instructor may focus on overall situational awareness while the student manages aircraft control. Knowing roles prevents duplication, reduces distractions, and ensures both pilots stay focused on safety and learning objectives.

5. Reinforce CRM Principles

A pre-flight briefing is an opportunity to reinforce CRM concepts: communication, teamwork, decision-making, and situational awareness. By discussing potential scenarios and intervention strategies ahead of time, both pilots are prepared to handle unexpected events calmly and effectively.

Conclusion

Pre-flight briefings are not just a formality—they are a critical safety tool. Clear objectives, planned maneuvers, and agreed-upon cues for intervention ensure that both instructor and student operate with shared understanding, enhancing safety, learning, and confidence in the cockpit.