The standard Cessna normal procedures checklist contains a step in the “Before Starting Engine” section that reads Seats, Belts, Shoulder Harnesses – ADJUST and LOCK. However, the checklist in our club 172G reads Passenger Briefing – COMPLETE. When I read this step, my instructor would jokingly say “yes, I have my briefs”. A student never carries passengers (and the CFI is not a passenger) so what action is a student supposed to perform at this step? A recent article in the Aviation Safety Magazine prompted me to research this further.

FAR 91.103 addresses preflight actions that every pilot is expected to perform. That does call for any briefing for passengers. However, 91.107 requires that pilots brief passengers during preflight on how to fasten and unfasten seat belts and shoulder harnesses and ensure that is followed before an aircraft can be moved on the surface. Not to leave out the pilot, 91.105 calls for all flight crewmembers (eg. pilot and CFI in a trainer) to wear a seat belt while at their stations (front seats at the controls in a trainer) and to also wear a shoulder harness during takeoff and landing.

While the bare minimum requirement is to ensure everybody is buckled up and that is sufficient as long as one is a student, there are additional briefings one can give. It will become important as soon as a student graduates and starts carrying passengers. So going through the motions even as a student will help get one into the habit.

S-A-F-E-T-Y

S

• Seat belts fastened for taxi, takeoff and landing
• Shoulder harness fastened for takeoff, landing
• Seat position adjusted and locked in place

A

• Air vents, environmental controls, cabin heat, their location and operation.
• Action in case of passenger discomfort. Make sure there are barf bags available

F

• Flight path – review the route with the passengers, how long it will take. If staying overnight, share contact information, details of accommodation, transportation etc.
• Fire extinguisher – location and how to operate, who is going to operate in an emergency

E

• Exit – how to open the doors and windows
• Emergency evacuation plan
• Emergency/survival kit location and contents
• Equipment – supplemental oxygen usage

T

• Toys – silence phones and other devices
• Talking – maintain silence when pilot is communicating on the radio
• Traffic – scanning, spotting, notifying pilot

Y

• Your questions?