Briefing

Briefing

1. WHAT IS IT?

   • The briefing is addressed to all cabin crewmembers, and is performed by the Purser (senior cabin crewmember). The expectations, tone and the standards for the flight are set during this briefing
     • Flight details: For example, the flight number, destination(s), departure time, estimated time of arrival, aircraft registration.
     • • Special flight information: For example, passenger loads, special requirements for passengers, any identified maintenance issues that may affect the flight.
     • The Purser should ask safety related questions to ensure that each crewmember understands their position on board the aircraft.
   • Workload distribution, task sharing and responsibilities: Clearly define the duties and responsibilities of each cabin crewmember, to ensure that all cabin crewmembers are prepared and expectations are clear.

2. ODTETIVES

   • "1" Briefing should provide a clear picture of the flight ahead, and build a common understanding amongst the crew of the expectations of the flight.
     • Synergy is a vital ingredient to effective teamwork.
       • The conditions for synergy are:
         • A shared goal
           • A clear crew structure
             • Clear task allocation
               • Team spirit
                 • Good Leadership.
     • The application of good Crew Resource Manage (CRM) within a crew creates the right balance for the crew to work as an effective team.
       • • Encourage Open Communication•
         • • Crew Coordination and Workload Distribution
           • • Planning and Time Management
             • • Unplanned Events
   • " 2" When to Perform the Cabin Crew Briefing
     • It should be before each period of service.
       • Sufficient time should be spent on the briefing to ensure that all crewmembers are familiar with their operating position and duties.
         • When possible, the preflight briefings should be held in a designated briefing room. If this is not possible, the briefing may be performed onboard the aircraft, before passenger boarding begins.
   • "3" The Role of the Purser
     • The Purser is responsible for all the cabin crewmembers, and is identified as the leader of the cabin crew.
     • The Purser distributes the workload and tasks to the cabin crewmembers.
     • The Purser is responsible for ensuring that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and emergency procedures are performed by the cabin crew
     • The Purser is the communication link between the cabin crew and the flight crew.
     • The Purser, as the leader, is someone who through word, action and example can influence the behavior and actions of others.
     • It is important to remember that there is a difference between authority and leadership: Leadership is an acquired skill, whereas authority is assigned.

3. Briefing Techniques

   • The Purser must keep in mind the main objectives of the briefing, as well as important information specific to the flight.
     • A good tip to conduct an effective briefing is to use the “A, B, C rule”:
       • "A" for Appropriate:
         • It should highlight the specific details of the flight. A briefing should be prepared for each individual flight otherwise it may become routine and repetitive. The Purser should:
       • "B" for Brief:
         • The Purser should keep the briefing short to ensure that the attention of all cabin crewmembers is focused on the most important points.
       • "C" for Clear and Concise:
         • The briefing must be understood by all crewmembers. It should be interactive, and encourage cabin crewmembers to share information and ask questions.