Flying instrument approaches in IMC is one of the busiest times we pilots face, so it makes sense for us to do as much preparation as possible beforehand. An important part of this process is briefing the approach so that you and your right-seater (if you’re luck enough to have one) know exactly what you’re about to get yourselves into.
A thorough approach briefing includes the following: the name of the airport; the type of approach; the runway number (as well as its length and elevation); the final approach course; all the necessary frequencies you’ll use for navigation and communication; the altimeter setting; speeds to be flown; step-down fixes, procedure turns, decent points, turning fixes and so on; the final approach fix; approach times if required; decision altitude or minimum descent altitude; and, finally, the missed approach procedure.
