A pre-flight briefing is a critical safety and operational meeting held before every flight to ensure the crew is fully prepared for the journey. For pilots, this involves reviewing the flight plan, weather conditions, NOTAMS (Notices to Air Missions), and calculating the aircraft's weight and balance. In a commercial setting, the "crew briefing" led by the Captain includes the flight attendants and covers the flight time, expected turbulence, security protocols, and any special-needs passengers. In 2026, these briefings are increasingly digital, with crews using synchronized tablets to review real-time data. For flight students, a pre-flight briefing is a one-on-one discussion with an instructor to outline the specific maneuvers or objectives of the lesson. Regardless of the type of flying, the goal is to identify potential risks and ensure that every member of the team understands their role and the "game plan" before the engines ever start.