How to Brief an Instrument Approach | Aviator.NYC

Learning how to brief an instrument approach is a core skill for any IFR pilot, transforming a high-workload, stressful phase of flight into a controlled, safe procedure. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step checklist for setting up and briefing any instrument approach using Jeppesen charts.

Following this structured flow ensures you never miss a critical detail, allowing you to fly the approach with confidence and precision.

Step 1: The Pre-Approach Setup

A successful brief starts long before you begin speaking. As you travel enroute, about 40-50 miles from your destination, it's time to get ahead of the airplane.

Obtain the Weather

Tune in to the ATIS/AWOS to get the current airport conditions. If your aircraft has ADS-B weather, you can get the METAR much earlier. Write down key details like wind, visibility, and altimeter setting to determine the most likely runway and approach in use.

💡Pro Tip

Always cross-reference automated weather with pilot reports (PIREPs) for a complete picture of conditions, especially regarding turbulence, icing, or visibility issues that may not show up in the METAR.

Load the Approach

Once you have the expected approach from ATC or the weather, load it into your FMS/GPS. Be ready to activate vectors to final or a specific leg of the approach when cleared by controllers.

Set and Identify Frequencies

Program your avionics before you get busy:

Set the primary approach frequency (e.g., Localizer) in both NAV radios if available. This provides redundancy.
Identify the navigation source by listening to the Morse code.
Set the required NAVAID for DME, if applicable.
Place any missed approach NAV frequencies in standby for quick activation.

Review the Chart

Take a moment to scan the entire approach plate. Look for any unusual notes, obstacles, or non-standard procedures that could affect your flight.

Reviewing the Approach Chart video thumbnail

Step 2: The Instrument Approach Briefing Checklist

The briefing itself should be a systematic review of the approach plate, following the logical order of the procedure from top to bottom.

Instrument Approach Briefing Checklist
Briefing Item	What to Check
Approach & Location	State the full name of the approach and airport (e.g., "ILS Runway 12 into Santa Maria").
Chart Date & Number	Confirm you have the current, valid plate.
Frequencies	Verify the primary NAV frequency, approach control, tower, and ground frequencies are set.
Final Approach Course	Set the inbound course on your CDI, HSI, or other primary flight display.
Altitudes	Identify and announce all critical altitudes: • Glide Slope Intercept Altitude • Final Approach Fix (FAF) Altitude (for non-precision) • Step-down fix altitudes
Minimums (DA/MDA)	State the Decision Altitude (DA) for a precision approach or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) for a non-precision approach.
Airport & Runway Info	Note the Touchdown Zone Elevation (TDZE) and airport elevation. Per FAR 91.175, if you have the approach lights in sight, you can continue to 100' above the TDZE.
Visibility Requirements	Confirm the required flight visibility and verify the reported weather meets or exceeds it.
Missed Approach	Read the entire missed approach procedure out loud: the initial heading/track, the climb altitude, and the holding fix instructions.
Terrain & Obstacles	Note the Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) for your direction of arrival and any significant terrain features depicted.

Example Briefing: ILS Rwy 12 at Santa Maria (KSMS)

The Jeppesen chart for KSMS ILS Rwy 12, used in our briefing example. Note the key sections: frequencies, final approach course, and minimums.

Here is how you might brief the approach shown above:

"This will be the ILS Runway 12 approach into Santa Maria. The plate is current. Localizer frequency is 108.9, set and identified in both radios. The final approach course is 120 degrees, which is set. We will intercept the glideslope at or above 1886 feet.

Our Decision Altitude is 430 feet, and the Touchdown Zone Elevation is 230 feet. If we see the approach lights, we can continue to 330 feet. We need a half-mile visibility, and ATIS is reporting one mile. The approach has a MALSR lighting system, and the PAPI is on the right.

If we go missed, the procedure is to climb on runway heading to 800 feet, then a climbing left turn direct to the Morro Bay VOR to hold.

Any questions?"

✅Memory Aid

Use the acronym WIRE to remember the key elements: Weather, Instrument settings, Runway information, Emergency procedures (missed approach).

Final Checks and Considerations

Before the final approach segment, complete your briefing with these practical items:

Aircraft Configuration: Brief your planned flap settings and target approach speeds.
Fuel Status: Confirm you have enough fuel for the approach, a potential missed approach, and diversion to your alternate.
Airport Diagram: Review the airport diagram for your planned runway exit, taxi route, and any known hotspots.
Threats: Discuss any weather hazards like icing or thunderstorms, challenging terrain, or relevant NOTAMs.

⚠️Common Briefing Errors to Avoid

Don't rush through minimums without considering visibility requirements. Many approaches have different minimums for different aircraft categories or lighting systems. Always verify you're using the correct line on the minimums section.

How to Brief an FAA/NACO Approach Chart

Learn the differences between Jeppesen and government charts, and how to adapt your briefing accordingly.

How to Properly Fly an Instrument Approach

Put your briefing into action with proper approach flying techniques and stabilized approach criteria.

Instrument Rating Training

Master instrument approaches with our comprehensive IFR training programs using FAA-approved simulators.

Learn More

IFR Currency Training

Stay current with approaches, holds, and tracking practice in our G1000 NXi simulator.

Book Now

Ready to Master Your IFR Skills?

A smooth, standardized approach brief is the mark of a proficient instrument pilot. Book a session in our FAA-approved AATD simulator and practice with airline pilot instructors.

Book Your IFR Session