PREFLIGHT BRIEFING. How does it work?

Preflight Briefing

Before a flight or series of flights, the crews have what is usually called the “briefing”.

Generally the Briefing is divided in three.

One of the auxiliary crew, which is carried out by the Cabin Crews and directed by the cabin manager.

One of the pilots (Technical briefing) directed by the PIC or commander in charge of the flight (or flights).

A joint briefing where both groups are coordinated.

Let’s go with them a little more in detail: All briefings usually have the same structure:

Space-time situation, what day it is, departure time and points of departure and destination or destinations.
A summary of the most important points of the operation. Some guidelines on coordination
The threat(s) of the day.
In the case of the auxiliary crew briefing, the positions of the TCPs will be discussed.
Date
Departure time
flight number(s)
Expected duration of the same
Passengers we expect taking
special passengers
Type of service on board and catering that we hope to have
Coordination between the different Cabin Crews and positions
Emergency supplies for each
And usually a review of regulatory changes, aircraft specifications (if it has something out of the ordinary), and any emergency situation that has occurred in the recent past.
As we can see, it is quite intense (especially if this occurs at 3:00 am with the usual sleepiness or fatigue from working at the wrong time).
The one of the pilots is a bit different
Date
Flight number

Who will be the pilot who flies (PF) and who will be the pilot who watches (PM). Aircraft condition (MEL) and if it has any special condition, how it affects us.

Meteorology at the airport of departure, arrival, alternative arrival, departure if any, alternative on route, and on route meteorology that may affect us (turbulence, clouds and winds) Changes in the regulations of the airports affected in the flight and changes in airspace regulations (NOTAMS, there are more than meets the eye).
Threats of the day and supplementary procedures (such as communication failures if they differ or de-icing of the aircraft if it had to be done).

Changes in recent company or fleet procedures.

Then both groups get together, introduce their selves and agree on:
Date
Flight number and route
Flight time adjusted for winds
Expected passengers and special passengers (VIP, groups, passengers with reduced mobility)
If we carry any cargo that may be dangerous and how it may affect
Expected turbulence to coordinate service on board. Cockpit entry codes in normal and emergency operation.
Meteorology and how it can affect the delay.
And all that in about 40-50 minutes.

And most of the time IN ENGLISH
It is very important, because a well-carried out briefing leads to a coordinated crew and therefore to anticipate circumstances or to know how to combat problems more effectively.
We must take it into account.

Until then, find peaceful skies.

Enrique. Qrewmentor Team.