Definition
A pre-departure review, spoken aloud by the pilot before beginning the takeoff roll, that states the planned takeoff procedure and how specific abnormal or emergency situations will be handled. It typically covers the runway in use, expected rotation and climb speeds, intended flightpath after liftoff, and pre-decided actions for events such as engine failure on the ground, engine failure after liftoff, and the need to reject the takeoff.
Plain English
A short talk-through, said out loud just before takeoff, where the pilot reviews the plan for a normal takeoff and decides in advance what to do if something goes wrong.
Context Anchor
Used during the before-takeoff check, usually after run-up and before entering the runway.
Derivation
Briefing comes from brief, meaning short. In aviation, a briefing is not a long lesson; it is a concise review of the important points needed for the next action.
Why Pilots Care
Aligns everyone on the exact plan and prepares the crew to act quickly and correctly during the critical takeoff phase or any emergency.
Intuition Check
A takeoff briefing is not just a casual comment that the airplane is ready to go. It is a planned review of the departure and the pilot’s immediate actions if the takeoff does not go as expected.
Example Sentence 1
Lined up short of the runway, she ran through her takeoff briefing aloud: rotate at 55 knots, climb straight ahead to 700 feet, any problem before liftoff means throttle idle and brake, and an engine failure after liftoff means lower the nose and land in the field ahead.
Example Sentence 2
Even flying solo, the pilot ran through the takeoff briefing mentally before advancing the throttle on the active runway.