What is de-briefing?

This is when the instructor discusses with his trainee pilot the flight lesson they have completed and points out the good and weak areas of the training. It’s also an opportunity to explain anything that there was no time for during the flight. Usually the topics debriefed are written down in order to keep a record of the cadet training and to brief instructors prior to upcoming lessons..

The student should understand his or her mistakes and the course of action to prevent them next time. It’s important to not only brief weak areas, but also things that the student managed well. This prevents the training from being a negative experience.

Debriefing should follow every flying lesson not only in flight school, but during airline training as well (e.g. simulator sessions, line training, etc.).