When should a departure briefing be accomplished?

A departure briefing is a critical step in the flight preparation process, as it ensures that all crew members are informed and aligned on the planned departure procedures, potential contingencies, and specific roles during the departure. Conducting the briefing prior to the Before Engine Start checklist allows for a thorough discussion of flight details without the distractions that may arise once engines are started and systems are becoming operational.

This timing is advantageous for several reasons. First, it allows the crew to focus entirely on the important information being shared, such as departure routes, weather considerations, and any unique procedures for that flight. Performing this briefing after engine start would mean that the crew would be managing the complexities of engine operation and system checks, possibly compromising the effectiveness of the briefing. Similarly, waiting until taxi preparations or after receiving clearance would limit the time available for discussion and could lead to a rushed or incomplete briefing, which may increase the risk of misunderstanding critical information.