Definition
A short, structured verbal review given by the pilot in command before takeoff that covers the planned departure, expected aircraft performance, and the actions to be taken if something goes wrong during the takeoff roll or initial climb. Typical items include runway and intended use, takeoff and rotation speeds, abort procedure and the point at which an abort will no longer be attempted, engine failure response, and any departure-specific hazards.
Plain English
A quick out-loud rundown the pilot gives before takeoff, stating what they plan to do and what they will do if a problem happens during or just after takeoff. It is said before the throttle goes forward, while everything is still calm.
Context Anchor
Used before takeoff, especially when more than one pilot is involved or when passengers need to know what to expect.
Derivation
Comes from airline and military flight deck practice, where the captain (the pilot in command) briefs the rest of the crew before each phase of flight. Single-pilot general aviation borrowed the term because the same idea — saying the plan out loud before you need it — works just as well solo.
Why Pilots Care
It creates shared understanding so the crew can act together without hesitation during a critical phase of flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “captain” only means an airline captain. In this context, it means the pilot leading the flight and making sure the takeoff plan is understood.
Example Sentence 1
Before lining up on Runway 27, she gave a captain's briefing covering rotation speed, the abort point, and her plan to land straight ahead if the engine quit before reaching pattern altitude.
Example Sentence 2
After the captain's briefing the first officer read back the V-speeds to confirm both pilots had the same plan.