A brief statement describing the type, location and movement of weather systems and/or air masses which might affect the proposed flight. Note- These first 3 elements of a briefing may be combined in any order when the briefer believes it will help to more clearly describe conditions.

A "flight brief" (or briefing) is a mandatory, structured meeting held by the flight crew—both pilots and flight attendants—before every departure to ensure safety, coordination, and situational awareness. For the pilots, the "Pre-flight Briefing" involves reviewing the flight plan, fuel requirements, weather hazards (like turbulence or icing), and specific airport procedures for both takeoff and arrival. They also discuss "threat and error management" (TEM), identifying what could go wrong and how they will handle it. Simultaneously, the lead flight attendant conducts a "Cabin Brief", which covers safety equipment checks, security protocols, any passengers with special needs, and service timing. In 2026, these briefings are increasingly digital, with crews using synchronized tablets to review real-time data. The primary meaning of the brief is to move the crew from "individual mode" to "team mode," ensuring every person on the aircraft knows exactly what to expect and what their specific role is in both a routine flight and an emergency scenario.