Definition
The standardized band of information printed across the top of an instrument approach procedure (IAP) chart that summarizes the primary communication, navigation, and procedural data needed to fly the approach. It typically includes the primary approach navigation frequency, final approach course, glide slope or glidepath altitude reference, decision altitude or minimum descent altitude, touchdown zone elevation, airport elevation, missed approach instructions, and applicable notes.
Plain English
The strip across the top of an approach chart that gathers the most important numbers and instructions for the approach in one place, so the pilot can review them quickly before flying it.
Context Anchor
Seen near the top of an instrument approach chart during the approach briefing before descent and before starting the procedure.
Derivation
Briefing comes from the idea of giving a short, focused summary. Strip means a narrow band or section. Together, briefing strip means the narrow chart section that gives a short summary of the information needed before flying the approach.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots a single place to verify frequencies, minimums, and restrictions before descending, reducing the chance of missing critical information during a high-workload phase of flight.
Intuition Check
Do not treat the briefing strip as the whole approach procedure. It is the summary area that helps you prepare; the rest of the chart still contains required details for flying the approach.
Example Sentence 1
Ten miles from the initial approach fix, the captain ran through the briefing strip, confirming the localizer frequency, final approach course, decision altitude, and missed approach climb instruction.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing, the crew used the briefing strip to quickly identify the missed approach point and alternate airport frequency.