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:
- Choose duration & instructor. Select 2 hours ($380*) or 3 hours ($570*), and pick a CFII or “Any Available.”
- Select date & time. Use the calendar to choose a convenient slot.
- 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
Optional study resources (Basic):
Contact
+1 (347) 450-7519 · hello@aviator.nyc · Contact Form
See how we help:
New pilots in NYC ·
Licensed pilots in NYC