Preflight Self-Briefing | AC 91-92 Pilot Compliance Overview 

Pilot Compliance Overview – The Briefing Revolution 

There was a time when the entire preflight weather briefing happened in one place—the phone call to Flight Service. Today, pilots live in a world of radar loops, MOS forecasts, satellite overlays, and paper charts are nowhere in sight. The FAA recognized the shift and issued AC 91-92, a guide that reframes the role of the modern pilot in using multiple tools, interpreting risks, and making proactive decisions. 

Bottom line: AC 91-92 isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about elevating pilot judgment. 

Why AC 91-92 Matters 

AC 91-92 gives pilots a framework for: 

Professional-level planning, weather interpretation (not just weather checking), risk identification and mitigation, using self-briefings responsibly, documenting and justifying decisions and staying ahead of rapidly changing weather. 

In other words, AC91-92 turns the preflight briefing into a deliberate safety tool—not a formality. 

What the FAA Expects: Your Responsibilities as PIC 

According to AC 91-92, pilots must ensure that they obtain all information necessary for the flight (Not just METARs and TAFs. Think NOTAMs, PIREPs, TFRs, runway status, performance data.)  You must also know what risks apply to your airplane and your experience. A stable atmosphere at 0°C means something different to a Cirrus than a Caravan. 

Another requirement is that pilots use reliable, FAA-approved or FAA-authorized sources, but it’s important to know that not all weather apps are created equal. There are also many different phases of briefings, for example, “before” planning → “while” planning → “before” engine start → “updated” in flight. 

And finally, be sure to brief with context. Know what the weather is trending toward matters more than what it is doing right now. 

The 3-Phase Preflight Self-Briefing (AC 91-92 Framework) 

1. Pre-Planning Overview (Big Picture Scan)

Purpose: Spot major hazards early. 

• Overall synoptic picture 

• Frontal movements 

• Stability/instability, lifting mechanisms 

• Broad winds aloft 

• Potential convective activity 

• Big-picture icing threats 

• Suitability of the entire route 

This is your go/no-go foundation. 

2. Weather Interpretation & Detailed Planning

Purpose: Build situational awareness. 

• METAR/TAF trends 

• Radar (with tilt + loop) 

• Satellite (visible vs IR) 

• Current AIRMETs/SIGMETs 

• PIREPs along your altitude/route 

• Winds aloft and turbulence forecasts 

• Airport-specific NOTAMs 

• Alternate airport conditions 

• Fuel considerations with weather in mind 

• Terrain + weather interaction (valleys, lakes, slopes) 

This is where you think, not just observe. 

3. Final Preflight Check (The last 10–20 minutes)

Purpose: Confirm the facts before committing to takeoff. 

• Conditions at departure, enroute, destination 

• Rapidly updating convective weather 

• New NOTAMs 

• Updated PIREPs 

• Winds/turbulence changes 

• Any “surprises” not present in the earlier briefing 

If anything changed significantly → re-evaluate the plan, not just acknowledge the update. 

What Makes a Good Self-Briefing? (FAA Checklist) 

According to AC 91-92, an effective self-briefing must be: 

• Complete (covers all required elements). 

• Accurate (verified with authoritative sources). 

• Contextual (connected to the type of aircraft/mission). 

• Timely (performed early and updated regularly). 

• Action-oriented (fuels decisions, not just awareness. 

Or in pilot terms: 

It helps you decide whether you can go, should go, and can safely continue if conditions evolve. 

Common Mistakes Pilots Make (That AC 91-92 Tries to Fix) 

• Looking only at METARs/TAFs (“tunnel weather”). 

• Skipping NOTAMs. 

• Overconfidence in app-generated summaries. 

• Failing to recognize “trend weather”. 

• Ignoring weather that lies near the route. 

• Not considering density altitude or performance penalties. 

• Choosing alternates that aren’t actually usable. 

• Rushing the final 20-minute check. 

• Not creating personal weather minimums. 

• Not planning exits/escape routes. 

AC 91-92 is about slowing down and thinking beyond the numbers. 

Conclusion: Preflight as a Superpower 

AC 91-92 reminds pilots that a good briefing isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a superpower that gives a pilot foresight. By understanding the big picture, interpreting the details, and spotting risks early, every flight becomes safer, smoother, and more predictable.