Definition
A standard cockpit resource management practice in which the pilot in command, before flight, gives passengers a clear briefing covering seatbelt and shoulder harness use, door operation, smoking restrictions, sterile cockpit expectations, emergency exits and equipment, and any role passengers may play in an emergency. The PIC is responsible under 14 CFR 91.107 for ensuring each occupant is briefed on, and required to use, safety belts, and is responsible more generally for the safety of all persons on board.
Plain English
Before flying, the pilot in charge should sit passengers down and walk them through how the seatbelts work, what to do if something goes wrong, when to stay quiet, and anything else they need to know to be safe and not distract the pilot.
Context Anchor
Used before a flight when the pilot is preparing passengers, especially people who are not pilots, for what to expect and what to do.
Derivation
Brief comes from an old word meaning short. In aviation, a briefing is not a long lesson; it is a short, focused explanation given before an action so everyone knows the important points.
Why Pilots Care
Proper passenger briefings reduce panic and improve survival chances in emergencies while fulfilling legal obligations.
Intuition Check
Do not read brief as casual conversation. Here, brief means to give specific safety information before the flight so passengers know what to do and what not to do.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the engine, the PIC should brief passengers on seatbelt use, door operation, and what to do if the flight has to be cut short.
Example Sentence 2
In multi-pilot operations, the designated PIC ensures all passengers receive the required briefing regardless of who is flying the aircraft.