Name:
LOFT 5 | KSAN - KPSP | 3 Instrument Approaches
Credits:
Basic WINGS
1 Credit for Basic Flight Topic 2
Master WINGS
1 Credit for Master Flight Topic 2
Activity Number:
Simtech-LOFT 5
Syllabus:
Flight Operations away from airports/heliports/seaplane bases
Flight Operations away from airports/heliports/seaplane bases
Provided by:
Aviator.NYC

Cost: There is a cost associated with this activity.

CFII-led, LOFT-style instrument session in an FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD, non-motion). This session is flown in a Cessna 208 Caravan (G1000) to simulate real-world IFR decision-making under pressure.

Scenario:
LOFT #5: KSAN → KPSP — You are flying an Angel Flight mission from San Diego to Palm Springs, transporting a passenger to scheduled medical treatment. The mission adds schedule pressure to complete the flight. KPSP’s RNP approaches are not available; only RNAV Z RWY 31L (LP minima) and VOR-B are usable, both with relatively high minima. Weather is trending near minimums with summer haze, gust fronts, and embedded thunderstorms. Includes pre-brief (30 min), AATD session (2.0 hrs), and post-flight debrief (30 min).

What we do in the AATD:

  • Three instrument approaches (RNAV Z 31L LP minima, VOR-B at KPSP, alternate approach into KSBD)
  • Tracking and intercepting courses
  • Holding procedures
  • Unusual attitude recovery (IFR)
  • ATC communications and checklist discipline
  • G1000 monitoring and cross-check
  • Automation management (mode awareness; reversion to raw data)

Briefing focus (before engine start):

  • Weather & alternate planning – With RNP unavailable, what minima apply and when do you declare the need for an alternate?
  • Performance & terrain – Caravan climb and hot-day DA performance on missed approaches.
  • Airspace – Complex SoCal routes and Banning Pass transition. What reroute or flow-control threats matter?
  • Fuel & endurance – With possible vectors and convective avoidance, what reserve triggers a divert?
  • Avionics setup – How will you load and verify correct LP-only approach and backup plan for KSBD?

In-flight focus:

  • Decision-making – When do you cut losses and divert to KSBD instead of forcing Palm Springs?
  • Situational awareness – Monitoring valley haze, gust fronts, and convective build-ups through Banning Pass.
  • Communication – Clear phrasing to negotiate deviations, alternates, and passenger expectations.
  • Monitor & cross-check – Verifying CDI source, RAIM, mode selections, and catching nav setup errors.
  • Workload management – Managing Caravan autopilot squawk (intermittent pitch channel) in IMC and turbulence.
  • Automation discipline – Mode callouts, hand-flying readiness, and workload balancing.

Scenario cues:

  • KPSP approaches near/below LP minima
  • Convective weather and gust fronts in the Coachella Valley
  • Angel Flight humanitarian pressure to complete the flight
  • Automation reliability concerns (AP pitch channel squawk)

GA-focused instruction with airline-informed discipline: standardization (SOP), concise callouts, stabilized-approach gates, energy & automation management, and efficient avionics workflow—assessed to the Commercial Pilot ACS (this is not Part 121 training).

Evaluation standard (applied by your instructor): Assessed to Commercial Pilot ACS.

Helpful links:

How to book:

  1. Choose duration & instructor. Select 2 hours ($380*) or 3 hours ($570*), and pick a CFII or “Any Available.”
  2. Select date & time. Use the calendar to choose a convenient slot.
  3. Enter your info. Provide your name, email, and required details, then confirm.

*Pricing as of Aug 2025

Quick booking: 3-Hour Lesson (Recommended) · 2-Hour Lesson

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