What is an effective way to begin a post flight briefing after an IPC?

Beginning a post-flight briefing after an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) by asking your client to verbally replay the flight is an effective strategy for several reasons. This method encourages the pilot to reflect on their performance and enhances their self-assessment skills. By articulating their experiences, the client is able to internalize the lessons learned and recognize any areas of improvement.

Engaging the student in this manner also fosters communication, allowing the instructor to understand the student’s thought process and decision-making during the flight. This dialogue can reveal the pilot's confidence level and judgment, which are crucial aspects of a proficient instrument pilot.

Asking the pilot to recount the flight provides a starting point for discussing specific incidents and maneuvers that occurred, creating an opportunity for constructive feedback while keeping the focus on the pilot's perspective. This approach leads to a more interactive and engaging debriefing session, promoting a deeper learning environment.

In contrast, reviewing the flight manual or providing lengthy lectures may disengage the student and miss the opportunity for personal reflection. Immediately critiquing maneuvers can be overwhelming and may not provide the student with the context needed to understand their performance fully. Engaging them in a discussion about the flight encourages a more effective learning experience.