Briefing an Approach

[88_MALIBU]

Can someone walk us through a briefing of an approach plate? I know everyone has a certain way and order, but I am looking to perfect mine for an interview and dont want to miss anything. I know the usual finger fly stuff, briefing strip, etc... But wondering if there is anything you wish you would have done different in this portion of training or interviewing. Thanks

 

[FracCapt]

The only comment I have, other than to follow the briefing strip in order(assuming you're using Jepp charts - I don't even remember NOS charts) is to start out with stating the approach name/runway AND the date on the chart. This ensures both pilots are on the exact same chart.

 

[EatSleepFly]

At the end, I would run through and set the bugged speeds, and briefwhat speedyou're going to fly the approach at. The last thing shouldbe..."Anyquestions?"

 

[minitour]

We were taught MARTHA...

Missed Approach Radios Times Headings Altitudes

Only thing this misses is Notes and NOTAMs. For example, theNOTAM today was to raise circling MDAs to 1960 feet and there's a Noteto raise all altitudes 60 feet if using the other altimetersetting... Instructor was giving me a hard time for applyingthem, so make sure you keep a copy of the NOTAMs up front withyou. I dunno...that's all I got....

-mini

 

[HMR]

We were taught MARTHA...

Missed Approach Radios Times Headings Altitudes

I always taught my students to use ARTHAM.
a) It puts the missed at the end of the briefing where it should be.
b) Anything that even vaguely reminds one of Martha King should be avoided.
BTW- I've haven't seen anyone use ARTHAM or MARTHA since I stopped flying single-engine cessnas. Maybe because that was the last time I timed an approach.

88,
If you start with the Airport chart date/number, run through the briefing strip and end with "any questions" you should be golden.

I've flown with guys who overbrief. By the time they're done explaining the runway slope and beacon location we've already blown through the localizer.

Keep it simple and GOOD LUCK with the interview.

 

[minitour]

...
b) Anything that even vaguely reminds one of Martha King should be avoided.

LOL Priceless

-mini

 

[88_MALIBU]

H-o-t-t-y

 

[flyer172r]

When you go through the briefing strip, do you brief the communicationsfrequencies? I never do, just curious about everyone else.

 

[88_MALIBU]

What I have been doing, is the following...


20 miles out :AMARTHA + Briefing Strip

Then the usual TTTTT while actually flying it in each turn, followed by the-

Gear
Tower
Power
Lights
Lights

at the FAF...

I forgot about how important it is to include the name of the approach right away, good point. I try to relay communication info while doing the "radio" part in AMARTHA...

 

[Swerpipe]

Approach Brief

I would tailor the brief to the person I'm briefing: brand new pilot or an experienced pilot, or interviewer?

1) "You have the aircraft heading XXX altitude XXX"
2) "I'm briefing..." which approach? date? chart number? Who's flying
3)How are we going to get from here to the final approach course, IAF, feeder route?"we are on a vector for the final approach course which is XXX", procedure turn, etc...
4)Brief the strip, remember to brief runway lighting, length, OM, MM, notes, special terrain, did you calculate a PDP(alt or timming), VDP, timing after crossing the FAF, what is the weather minimum vis and/or wind (tailwind, cross wind)
5)What's the Wx: runway contamination?,are you expecting to get to mins?, where do you think you'll break out?,could the tailwind component change and make a circle necessary?, what happens when the non-flying pilot sees the ALS?whats the descent to 100 AGL
6)If you are going to circle or if you have to circle or change runway, to which runway, which direction and MDA
7)After you land, where are you going and how are you getting there
8)If you go missed, where are you going or what is the plan