U.
S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing Date: 3/15/21 AC No: 91-92 Initiated by: AFS-800 Change:
1 PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). This AC provides an educational roadmap for the development and implementation of preflight self-briefings, including planning, weather interpretation, and risk identification/mitigation skills. Pilots adopting these guidelines will be better prepared to interpret and utilize real-time weather information before departure and en route, in the cockpit, via technology like Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and via third-party providers. This AC provides guidance for required preflight actions under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, § 91.103, which states, “Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.” This AC will also encourage pilots to utilize Flight Service in a consultative capacity, when needed. The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
2 AUDIENCE. This AC applies to all pilots, flight instructors, and operators, with emphasis on operations conducted under part 91.
3 WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS AC. You can find this AC on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circ ulars.
4 DEFINITIONS.
4.1 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). ADS-B is a foundational Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) technology that uses information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite system to track aircraft in real-time and improve situational awareness. The system architecture is composed of aircraft avionics and a ground infrastructure. Onboard avionics determine the position of the aircraft by using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and transmitting this and additional information about the aircraft to ground stations for use by air traffic control (ATC), to ADS-B-equipped aircraft, and to other aviation service providers.
4.2 ADS-B In. ADS-B In offers traffic, weather, and flight information on permanently mounted ADS-B In receivers or handheld receivers.
4.3 ADS-B Out. ADS-B Out is a surveillance system that allows ATC to better identify aircraft at lower altitudes compared to radar. This permits flight following at altitudes not previously available, depending on the location of the ADS-B ground station. ADS-B Out provides significantly more accurate position information to ATC because it transmits the aircraft’s GPS position (and other flight information) every second.
4.4 Crew Resource Management (CRM). CRM is a concept that involves a pilot’s thorough use of all available resources, both inside and outside the cockpit. This includes accessing all weather and aeronautical information relating to flight planning, preflight, flight, and postflight.
4.5 FAA Weather Camera Program. The Weather Camera Program, https://weathercams.faa.gov/, provides web-based accessibility to a network of cameras and supplies aviation professionals with near-real-time imagery and weather information.
4.6 Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B). FIS-B is available to aircraft that can receive data over 978 megahertz (MHz) Universal Access Transceivers (UAT). FIS-B automatically transmits a wide range of weather products with national and regional focus to all equipped aircraft.
4.7 Flight Service. Flight Service provides aeronautical information and Meteorological Information (METI) and services to pilots before, during, and after flight. Flight Service communicates directly with pilots for pilot briefings, flight plans, in-flight advisory services, Search and Rescue (SAR) initiation, aircraft emergencies, and Notices to Airmen (NOTAM).
4.8 Flight Service Pilot Web Portal. The Flight Service Web Portal, https://www.1800wxbrief.com, allows pilots to receive online preflight briefings, file flight plans, and get automatic notifications and alerts, including flight plan closure reminders. Registering for automatic notifications and alerts keeps pilots informed when new or adverse conditions arise, such as a severe weather forecast or observation, an airport closure, a NOTAM, or a temporary flight restriction (TFR).
4.9 From the Flight Deck. To help reduce the occurrence of wrong surface incidents, runway incursions, and other high-risk events at U.S. airports, the FAA has developed the “From the Flight Deck” YouTube video series, targeted to General Aviation (GA) audiences. Each 4- to 5-minute video focuses on approach, landing, and taxi scenarios at selected U.S. airports. The videos feature high-definition footage from cockpit-mounted cameras, along with professional graphics, animations, runway diagrams, and narration to help identify and illustrate airfield hazards and hotspots. All “From the Flight Deck” videos are available at https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/videos/.
4.10 IMSAFE Checklist. A self-assessment checklist to assist pilots in determining their physical and mental health as part of planning before a flight. The acronym stands for Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion.
4.11 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A scientific agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.
4.12 National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS is an agency tasked with providing weather forecasts, warnings of hazardous weather, and other weather-related products to organizations and the public. It is a part of NOAA.
4.13 Notices to Airmen (NOTAM). A NOTAM informs pilots of abnormal status, unanticipated or temporary changes to services, components, or hazards in the National Airspace System (NAS). Additionally, NOTAMs advise users of permanent changes or outages until the information is published.
4.14 PAVE. Acronym for a personal minimum and preflight planning checklist that divides the risks of flight into four categories: Pilot in command, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures. Using PAVE is part of the risk management process.
4.15 Personal Minimum. A pilot’s set of procedures, rules, criteria, and guidelines that help the pilot decide whether and under what conditions to operate or continue operating in the NAS. Personal minimums may change with pilot experience, proficiency, currency, and other factors.
4.16 Pilot Briefing. Pilot briefings are the gathering and translation of weather and aeronautical information into a form usable by the pilot to assist in flight planning and decision making for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft. These briefings include but are not limited to weather observations and forecasts and aeronautical information including but not limited to NOTAMs, military activities, flow control information, and TFRs.
4.17 Pilot Weather Reports (PIREP). PIREPs are a valuable source of in-flight information regarding en route conditions including turbulence, icing, visibility, temperature, and winds aloft. They are actual reports of weather events encountered by pilots while airborne and on the ground that have the potential to prevent accidents and loss of life.
Reports of observed adverse weather serve as a warning to other pilots and inform ATC about potential hazards in order to keep pilots clear of weather risks. However, PIREPs are not just for adverse weather and should be submitted when favorable weather is encountered in areas where adverse conditions had been forecast. PIREPs help National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists identify conditions warranting certain types of weather advisories. The NWS utilizes PIREPs to validate and adjust forecasts. Data obtained from PIREPs is also incorporated into numerical weather models, ultimately improving forecast accuracy and usefulness. They may be submitted to any ATC facility or Flight Service when en route or by telephone after landing or by electronic submission.
4.18 Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM). Technology developed to assess the integrity of GPS signals in a GPS receiver system.
4.19 Self-Briefing. A self-briefing uses all means and sources of reporting, including automation, to provide a thorough evaluation of weather and aeronautical information in advance of flight. Available sources are listed in Appendix A.
4.20 Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM). SRM is the art of managing all onboard and outside resources available to a single pilot before and during a flight to help ensure a safe and successful outcome. A part of the risk management process, identification of risk factors, and determination of personal minimums.
4.21 Weather Technology in the Cockpit (WTIC). The WTIC program is an FAA NextGen weather research program that develops minimum weather service recommendations for cockpit weather information and its rendering, pilot weather training, and cockpit weather technology for incorporation into standards, guidance documents, training materials, and technical transfer or Government agencies for implementation. WTIC uses System Wide Information Management (SWIM) and ADS-B to deliver enhanced weather information, presentations and technology for the cockpit.
5 RELATED READING MATERIAL.
5.1 Guidance Materials for Pilots.
1. Leidos Flight Service (the FAA-contracted Flight Service provider/resource):
https://www.1800wxbrief.com.
Note: Pilots are encouraged to establish an online account with Leidos to obtain enhanced weather and aeronautical information and services.
2. Leidos Flight Service Briefing Videos:
• Preflight Briefing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br2D6Cg9oFg&list=PLJfj hkAOKxKucil-m9ZPLgT9MfM38ibrY&index=1.
• Adverse Weather Briefing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BL71Rr0IGY&l ist=PLJfjhkAOKxKucil-m9ZPLgT9MfM38ibrY&index=3.
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Flight Plan Filing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZPXpbAKShg&list=PLJfjhkAOKxKucilm9ZPLgT9MfM38ibrY&index=2.
3. Aeronautical Charts:
• Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Charts: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aer onav/productcatalog/vfrcharts/.
• Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Charts: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/ aeronav/productcatalog/IFRCharts/.
4. Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM):
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/.
5. Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP): https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publicati ons/atpubs/aip_html/index.html.
6. Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3B): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_polic ies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/media/airplane_flying_handboo
k.pdf.
7. Alaskan Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU): https://www.weather.gov/aawu.
8. AVCAM (Aviation Weather Camera-Alaska/Canada/Colorado):
https://weathercams.faa.gov/.
9. Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_p olicies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/aviation_instructors_handbook/.
10. Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)/Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) Key: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/sy stemops/fs/alaskan/alaska/fai/weather/media/METAR_KEY.pdf.
11. Aviation Weather Center: https://www.aviationweather.gov (the Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) tool gives a comprehensive picture of weather that may impact a flight).
12. Digital-Chart Supplements (d-CS) (formerly Airport/Facility Directories): https://ww
w.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/dafd/.
13. FAA NOTAMs Search: https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/.
• International NOTAMs: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/international notices/.
• Domestic Notices: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/domesticnotices/.
• Airport Construction Notices: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/ Aero_Data/Apt_Constr_Notices/.
Note: The Federal NOTAM System (FNS) will automate the publication of Airport Construction Notices. At that time, the Airport Construction Notices web page will be disabled and users will be redirected to the FNS NOTAM Search web page.
14. From the Flight Deck Videos: https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/videos/.
15. NWS: https://www.weather.gov/aviation/.
16. NWS Glossary (NOAA): https://www.weather.gov/glossary/.
17. PAVE Personal Minimums Checklist: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/fi ts/guidance/media/personal%20minimums%20checklist.pdf.
18. Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) (FAA-H-8083-25B):
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/media/pi lot_handbook.pdf.
19. Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_poli cies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/risk_management_hb_change_1.pdf.
5.2 ACs. The current editions of the following ACs contain useful weather information for pilots:
1. AC 00-6, Aviation Weather.
2. AC 00-45, Aviation Weather Services.
3. AC 00-63, Use of Flight Deck Displays of Digital Weather and Aeronautical Information.
4. AC 90-114, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Operations.
5. AC 107-2, Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS).
6 BACKGROUND AND SCOPE.
6.1 Flight Service (https://www.1800wxbrief.com) provides service and value to users of the NAS, leveraging advanced technologies to safely and efficiently deliver Flight Services in the continental United States (CONUS), Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. Flight Service provides continuous assessment of Flight Services based on feedback and continued research and development of new aviation technology to enhance efficiency and add value for pilots. Flight Service increases aviation safety by making aeronautical information and METI accessible where and when you need it with the evolution of pilot weather briefings conducted using automated resources.
6.2 The FAA encourages innovation in the delivery of services to pilots. User preferences for automation and new distribution methods make communication with pilots easier and faster. Pilots are encouraged to utilize online automated weather resources to conduct self-briefings prior to contacting Flight Service. Pilots who have preflight weather/risk assessment and risk mitigation skills are better prepared to make in-flight decisions as real-time weather information is consumed. This allows Flight Service to become a consultative resource that can be utilized when needed.
6.3 Developing self-briefing skills helps to identify areas that require closer investigation.
The more doubtful the weather, the more information you need to obtain about the route, runway conditions, and destination and alternate airports. The use of all resources, combined with Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM) and Risk-Based Decision Making (RBDM) skills, will help the pilot be better prepared to conduct flights safely in the NAS.
7 GENERAL OPERATING PRACTICES.
7.1 Preflight Actions. As part of the preflight familiarization with all available information concerning a flight, each pilot should review all appropriate sources (including but not limited to Chart Supplements, the AIM, and NOTAMs), for pertinent information on current traffic patterns at the departure and arrival airports, airport environment, routing, departure and approach procedures, NOTAMs, weather, GNSS availability (if required), crew duties, standard cockpit procedures (e.g., transferring aircraft control), protected phrases, potential emergencies and their remedies, alternates and alternative mission options, fuel and timing, and Take Off and Landing Data (TOLD) speeds. Preflight
7 actions are a rehearsal of the whole flight with contingencies added. Pilots should use a checklist to ensure they do not miss any area of the operation (see Appendix B for a sample preflight checklist). For many GA pilots, the Flight Service Station (FSS) remains an important source of comprehensive weather and aeronautical information. However, most pilots have become more accustomed to performing a self-briefing than calling an FSS. The FAA considers that a self-briefing may be compliant with current Federal aviation regulations. By self-briefing, pilots can often improve their knowledge of weather and aeronautical information. Flight Service personnel are available should a pilot need assistance.
7.2 Types of Briefings.
7.2.1 Standard Briefing. A standard briefing will include conditions and Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET) that may influence the pilot in planning, altering, or cancelling a proposed route or flight.
7.2.2 Abbreviated Briefing. An abbreviated briefing supplements mass disseminated data or updates a previous briefing, or is limited to specific information.
7.2.3 Outlook Briefing. An outlook briefing should be obtained when the proposed departure is 6 hours or more from the time of the briefing. This type of briefing is provided for planning purposes only.
8 Table 1. Briefing Types Briefing Type Value Time Frame Outlook
• Provides weather information that is available in advance
• For planning purposes when departure is 6 hours or more from the time of the briefing
• Gives you an indication of which weather elements may be a factor for your flight 6–48 hours before flight Standard
• Provides a complete and detailed depiction of the weather elements for the intended flight
• Pilot will have a clear indication of the weather-related risk factors for the flight
• Within 6 hours of flight
• Can be obtained multiple times for flights during dynamic weather Abbreviated
• Provides pilots with updated information for specific weather elements
• Focuses on the more dynamic weather elements that may have changed since the standard weather briefing was obtained
• Helps pilots focus on the specific risk areas for the intended flight in an efficient manner
• Allows pilots to be proactive in reacting to changing weather while in flight As soon as practical before flight
7.3 Briefing Sources.
Briefing Type Online (Self-Brief) Flight Service In-Cockpit Technology Outlook X X Standard X X Abbreviated X X X
7.3.1 Flight Service offers three basic briefing packages (these may be offered by third-party providers as well):
• Standard (for a comprehensive weather and aeronautical information briefing),
• Abbreviated (to update specific items), and
• Outlook (for flights departing in 6 or more hours).
Note: The following resources and checklists are suggested aids to help pilots conduct a thorough self-briefing and ensure they do not miss any area of preflight preparation.
7.4 Standard Briefing Checklist. Gather all information for the intended flight prior to conducting an initial self-briefing:
• Type of flight planned (IFR/VFR).
• Aircraft identification.
• Aircraft type.
• Departure point.
• Route of flight.
• Destination (alternate airports if needed).
• Flight altitude(s).
• Estimated time of departure (ETD) and estimated time en route (ETE).
7.4.1 Online Sources. Use online sources for weather and aeronautical information to obtain the following data applicable to the proposed flight.
7.4.1.1 Adverse Conditions. Include this element when meteorological or aeronautical conditions are reported or forecast that might influence the pilot to alter the proposed flight, such as:
1. Low-level wind shear.
2. Thunderstorms.
3. Reported icing.
4. Frontal zones along the route of flight.
5. NOTAMs (e.g., airport/runway closures, air traffic delays, and TFRs).
6. Weather advisories:
• SIGMETs.
• Airmen’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET).
• Convective SIGMETs.
• Center Weather Advisories (CWA).
• Aviation Watch Notification Messages.
7.4.1.2 Online FAA Resources. In addition to other online aviation flight planning services, the following are online FAA resources for adverse conditions:
• Leidos: https://www.1800wxbrief.com.
Note: This is available through a Leidos online account.
• Aviation Weather Center (AWC): https://www.aviationweather.gov.
• National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov.
• Alaska Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU): https://www.weather.gov/aawu/.
7.4.1.3 Synopsis. Review the type, location, and movement of weather systems and/or air masses that might affect the proposed flight by using surface analysis, weather depictions, radar summary, and constant pressure charts. In addition to other online aviation flight planning services, the following are online FAA resources for synopses:
• Leidos.
• AWC.
• NWS.
7.4.1.4 Current Conditions. Review current observations, including Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METAR), PIREPs, and satellite and radar imagery.
Review information at the departure, along the route, and at the destination.
This element may be omitted if the proposed time of departure is beyond 2 hours. In addition to other online aviation flight planning services, the following are online FAA resources for current conditions:
• Leidos.
• AWC.
7.4.1.5 En Route Forecast. Review forecast information that may affect the proposed flight (e.g., GFA for CONUS, Caribbean, and Gulf of America users, Area Forecasts (FA) for Alaska users, TAFs, prognosis charts, weather advisories, GNSS, or RAIM predictions). Review information in a logical order (i.e., climbout, en route, and descent). In addition to other online aviation flight planning services, the following are online FAA resources for en route forecasts:
• Leidos.
• AWC.
• NWS.
7.4.1.6 Destination Forecast. Review the destination forecast, including significant changes expected within 1 hour before and after the estimated time of arrival (ETA). Select an alternate airport if needed. In addition to other online aviation flight planning services, the following are online FAA resources for destination forecasts:
• Leidos.
• AWC.
• NWS.
7.4.1.7 Winds Aloft. Review forecast winds aloft for the flight using degrees of the compass. Interpolate wind directions and speeds between levels and stations, noting any large shifts in speeds or direction as a means to identify wind shifts. Check temperature information if needed. In addition to other online aviation flight planning services, the following are online FAA resources for winds aloft:
• Leidos.
• AWC.
7.4.1.8 NOTAMs. Check NOTAM information affecting the flight. This includes:
• Domestic NOTAMs.
• International NOTAMs (when flight extends beyond U.S. airspace).
• Special Use Airspace (SUA) NOTAMs (e.g., restricted areas, aerial refueling, night vision goggles (NVG) operations, military operations areas, military training routes, and warning areas).
• NOTAMs for field conditions (FICON).
7.4.1.8.1 In addition to other online aviation flight planning services, the following are online FAA resources for NOTAMs:
• Leidos.
• TFRs: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html.
• Published NOTAMs (the Notice to Airmen Publication (NTAP) was discontinued effective June 18, 2020): https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/pub lications/notices/.
7.4.1.9 Restricted Airspace or Special Use Airspace (SUA). These include Prohibited Areas P-40 and P-56 and the Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) for Washington, DC. Include these when pertinent to the route of flight.
12 Note: VFR flight within 60 miles of the DCA very high frequency omni-directional range station/distance measuring equipment (VOR/DME) requires special awareness training, which can be accessed through the FAA Safety Team’s (FAASTeam) website at https://www.faasafety.gov/.
7.4.1.10 ATC Delays. Look for any ATC delays and/or flow control advisories that might affect the proposed flight. In addition to other online aviation flight planning services, the following are online FAA resources for ATC delays:
• Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC): https://www.fly .faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp.
• FAA Mobile: https://www.faa.gov/mobile/.
• Aviation Information System (AIS):
https://www.fly.faa.gov/ais/jsp/ais.jsp.
Note: Users would subscribe to this service.
7.4.1.11 Additional Preflight Items to Consider:
• Published SUAs (not included in NOTAMs): https://sua.faa.gov/sua/siteFr ame.app.
• Density altitude data.
• Information regarding Air Traffic Service (ATS) and rules, customs and immigration procedures, Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) rules, and SAR.
• Military NOTAMs.
• Special flight data center (FDC) instrument approach procedure changes.
• FDC NOTAMs containing amendments to airways, airports, and facility IFR procedures and general information.
• TFRs.
• Airport construction/runway and taxiway closures.
• Airport/runway hot spots.
7.5 Abbreviated Briefing Checklist. An abbreviated briefing is specific information to update a previous briefing. The following data should be checked even when only specific information is needed: