PURPOSE
The purpose of this newly released advisory circular is simple. As aptly stated in the document, “This AC provides an educational road map for the development and implementation of preflight self- briefings, including planning, weather interpretation, and risk identification/mitigation skills.”
The goal is to provide a framework for pilots to be better prepared to interpret and utilize real-time weather information during all phases of a flight or purposed flight, including before departure, en route, and in the cockpit, for those using technology like automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) coupled to third-party providers.
Thankfully, this AC may very well put to rest the age-old debate over the illustrious “official” weather briefing and what constitutes a “legal” briefing. Remember, it’s not just about weather, it’s about the entire briefing including NOTAMS, etc. The only regulation pertaining to preflight briefings is §91.103, which is the catch-all of sorts when it comes to preflight “actions.”
Specifically, §91.103 states: “Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.” Fortunately, in this AC we find guidance for required preflight actions under §91.103: “The FAA considers that a self-briefing may be compliant with current federal aviation regulations.”
For those rare occasions when Internet and mobile service aren’t available, don’t fret. Flight Service will still be available. The AC makes two key notable statements regarding Flight Service. Firstly: “Pilots
are encouraged to utilize online automated weather resources to conduct self-briefings prior to contacting Flight Service.” And secondly:
“Pilots who have preflight weather/risk assessment and risk mitigation skills are better prepared to make in-flight decisions as real-time weather information is consumed. This allows Flight Service to become a consultative resource that can be utilized when needed.”
Note the resonating first point: “Pilots are encouraged to utilize online automated weather resources to conduct self-briefings...” It rightfully promotes self- briefing, considering the resources available to us today.
If you believe contacting Flight Service is a necessity because it’s “recorded,” consider that your preflight weather briefings are in fact being logged by some of your favorite aviation apps. The available self- briefing resources are astounding, to say the least.
The AFS-800 Division authors of this document did a superb job constructing this guidance for pilots, and they remind the reader of the following:
“The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.”
The key phrase here is “provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements.”
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May/June 2021
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