Learning how to efficiently brief a chart is a "must" for all new IFR pilots. It's more of an art than a process, as the purpose is to familiarize with the procedure and build some memory as to the various steps.
I brief the chart chronologically. I brief all the elements as they happen, in order to ensure that I get a good mental picture of the entire approach. The method that you will see in the video below was developed while I worked at GARMIN. Since I got my instrument rating while working there, I studied with my CFII Dr. Bill and my mentor Obi Wan an optimal method to briefing these plates and help me execute them efficiently.
There are a few assumptions:
You have already set your frequencies correctly
You verified the validity of the database
You have already looked at all the approaches at your destination and have gained familiarity on the various options
Annotations
Annotate your charts!!!! Please please please annotate your charts. Whether you use Firelight, Garmin Pilot, or print out on paper your charts, you can easily annotate the document to facilitate your execution. I personally annotate every chart that I intend on using (or could potentially use) so that I'm never found unprepared. Here is my method:
Everything in blue is procedural. On the plan view, I will draw my direction of travel and inbound course to the approach (an arrow will do). That helps me orient myself and understand if further maneuvering is necessary. I will amend minimums in this color as well.
Break down procedure turns and holds. If I need to execute a hold in lieu of a procedure turn, I will write the entry method in a simple format: Entry : Parallel, Teardrop, Direct (P, T, D) with the course to enter Intercept: I will add the turn and heading needed to intercept the inbound course. In the below example, I will arrive at TILEE and perform a Parallel Entry on course 277 and then execute a Right turn to heading 140 to intercept the inbound course.
Highlight anything that you might need to remember: altitudes, radials, etc.
Mark in red the missed approach procedure. This helps you distinguish between procedural and missed approach. If I need a VOR radial, I will outline the NAVAID box in red as well, so that I can quickly look to identify where the information is.
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