Peter R. wrote
Most of the remaining IMC hours I accumulated by flying missions for Angel
Flight Northeast. IMO, flying for AF is an excellent way to develop and
retain proficiency, as it offers mission-oriented flying that must be given
a lot of thought before canceling flights, unlike a typical $100 hamburger
run.

I absolutely agree. In fact, most of my IMC time was accumulated
flying for Angel Flight South Central. But I still can't understand
how you managed to rack up so much IMC time. It took me about 3 years
to rack up 75 hours of actual IMC, and I've been known to actively
seek it out.

In any case - to answer your original question, I think you're
briefing too much stuff. When I brief an approach, I brief only the
FAC, MDA/DH, the MAP, the first segment of the miss, and anything
really special about the approach. I will also brief the circling
procedure/runway alignment if applicable.

IMO the only really critical part of the approach is the bottom 1000
ft or so. That's where you have to make a snap decision about having
the necessary visual cues, and then quite possibly fly to the runway
using a blend of visual and instrument references. There's a big
difference between remaining in the protected airspace and actually
being able to land, so precise flying is at a premium.

In a light airplane, almost any mistake can be fixed if you are at or
above 1000 ft AGL. Unless you've actually pegged the needle(s), you
can sort it out. Therefore, I only brief the stuff prior to the FAF
and after the first segment of the miss in a general way, for
familiarity. I don't think it's any big deal to glance at the plate
if I forget a heading or an altitude.

After the FAF is crossed, I don't look at the plate anymore. I'm
dividing attention between keeping needles centered and looking
outside.

If I've decided to miss, I've briefed the first segment (what heading
do I fly) and I start my climb (and turn if applicable) - then I look
at the plate. After all, precision isn't as important anymore, and as
long as I stay in the protected airspace I'm OK.

The bottom line is that you only need a very few memory items, and
trying to retain too many will only hurt you. Don't try to remember
anything unless you are going to need it between crossing the FAF and
starting the climb on the miss.

Michael