Definition
A structured review the pilot conducts of an Instrument Approach Procedure chart before flying the approach, covering the key items needed to fly it safely: approach name and type, frequencies, courses, altitudes, minimums, missed approach procedure, and any notes or restrictions specific to that approach.
Plain English
Before flying an instrument approach, the pilot reads through the approach chart out loud (or mentally) to make sure they know the frequencies, headings, altitudes, decision point, and what to do if they have to go around. It is a self-check that nothing on the chart will surprise them once the workload picks up.
Context Anchor
Used during instrument flying before beginning an approach to an airport, often by reading or reviewing the approach chart aloud or silently in a standard order.
Derivation
From 'briefing,' meaning a short, organized review of essential information before an operation. The term carries the same sense it has in military and airline use: cover what matters, in order, before you commit.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the pilot has all critical details committed to memory, reducing the chance of errors or surprises during a high-workload phase of flight.
Grounding Statement
Before starting down toward the runway on instruments, the pilot pauses long enough to make sure the route, altitudes, runway, and backup plan are clear.
Intuition Check
An IAP briefing is not just a casual summary of the approach. It is a deliberate review of the published procedure so the pilot knows what to do before reaching each critical point.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the initial fix, the pilot completed the IAP briefing, noting the final approach course, the decision altitude, and the missed approach climb to 3,000 feet.
Example Sentence 2
After completing the IAP briefing, the crew noted the missed approach climb gradient and set the altimeter bug accordingly.