Want to fly for an airline? You'll need to know how to brief Jeppesen Charts.

Use A Briefing Pattern

There's a lot to brief on approach charts, but using a pattern across the chart makes it much easier. How and what you brief might be determined by an airline or operator you fly for. Even if you're a general aviation pilot, you should still have a pattern in mind that you use every time you brief an approach...

1) Airport Name And Approach In Use

Introduce the approach by verifying that you and any other crew members are looking at the same chart before continuing.

2) Chart Index Number And Revision Date

The circled number at the top of the plate is the chart index number. You should brief this item, along with the chart's revision date.

3) Verify The Weather And Frequencies

On the first line of the header, verify that you have the current ATIS or METAR, and that relevant frequencies are set.

4) Navigation And Approach Setup

Next, verify that you've set the correct navigation frequencies and the final approach course. Make sure you're familiar with the final approach fix altitude and standard minimums with the AGL radio altimeter value (if you have a radio altimeter).

5) Are There Relevant Notes?

After verifying that the approach is set up correctly, read the notes to make sure none apply to you. If notes apply, brief any changes to the approach.

6) Planned Intercept Point And Altitude

On the plan view, brief your planned intercept point and altitude. Consider setting backup navigation sources to assist in identifying waypoints along the approach.

7) Step-Downs, VDP, Missed Approach Point

On the profile view, brief relevant step-down fixes. Keep in mind, some approaches have an abundance of these step-downs, so you might want to be selective. If the approach has a VDP, brief it, as well as what you're using to determine distance. Finally, include the missed approach point in your briefing.

8) Weather Minimums

Below the plan view, brief the minimums for the approach, and what visibility requirement you need to initiate/continue the approach.

9) Lighting And Missed Approach Instructions

Brief the type of runway lighting you'll see at break-out, and if there's a PAPI/VASI on either side of the runway. To the right, you'll find an easy-to-read graphical depiction of the missed approach instructions. Brief your missed procedure and keep in mind that the textual format of the missed approach above might help you verbalize what to say.

10) Stopping Distance, Runway Distance, And Planned Exit

If you don't have a specific taxiway in mind, brief which side of the runway you'll plan to exit on. That way, you're not scrambling on the ground in low visibility trying to decide which way to turn! It would be best to have a taxi diagram in front of you for this part of the briefing.

11) How Will The Approach Be Flown?

If you're planning to use autopilot on the approach, brief which modes you'll use and when. It's equally important to note when you plan on disconnecting the autopilot to do some hand-flying.

Do you fly with Jeppesen charts? Tell us in the comments below.