There is a cost for this activity
Who this is for: Master-level instrument pilots (CFII, airline-prep, or professional operators) who want a LOFT-style mountain IFR mission at a high workload, beyond basic currency.
CFII-led, LOFT-style IFR session for pilots maintaining peak instrument proficiency in our G1000 NXi flight simulator (FAA-approved AATD). This Master-tier scenario challenges pilots with realistic mountain weather, convective activity, and high-workload decision-making scenarios designed for those who demand the highest standards of currency.
Scenario: KCOS → KGJT. You are flying from Colorado Springs to Grand Junction for a summer camping trip. A late departure pushes you into the afternoon convection window. Thunderstorms, gust fronts, and mountain weather add decision-making complexity. The aircraft is a Cessna T206 at high gross weight with warm-day performance limitations. Includes pre-brief (30 min), AATD session (2.0 hrs), and post-flight debrief (30 min).
What you’ll practice:
- Execute three instrument approaches at KGJT in deteriorating weather conditions. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 10; FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 4)
- Track and intercept courses with altitude constraints through mountainous terrain. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 9; FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 2)
- Perform holding procedures under high-workload convective weather scenarios. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 10)
- Practice unusual attitude recovery (IFR) using control-and-performance techniques. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 7)
- Manage ATC communications and checklist discipline during weather deviations. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 10)
- Demonstrate G1000 monitoring, cross-check, and automation management. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 6)
Briefing focus (before engine start):
- Weather & alternate planning: How do summer convective forecasts and TEMPO TSRA affect your plan?
- Terrain & departure procedures: What are the critical climb requirements departing KCOS toward mountainous terrain?
- Aircraft performance: How does high density altitude and near-gross weight change your calculations?
- Fuel & endurance: How does a delayed departure affect reserve planning and alternates?
What you’ll walk away with:
- Pro-level experience managing a complete mountain IFR LOFT profile from briefing to debrief under convective conditions.
- Stronger automation, communication, and crew-style decision-making habits suitable for high-stakes IFR operations.
- Clear, ACS-aligned debrief items that support both WINGS Master credit and ongoing professional development.
In-flight focus:
- Decision-making: How do you decide whether to continue, divert, or delay when thunderstorms build along your route?
- Situational awareness: How do you integrate ATIS, PIREPs, and visual cues to stay ahead of convective weather?
- Communication: What techniques help coordinate deviations and holding with ATC under high workload?
- Monitor & cross-check: How do you catch navigation or mode errors during complex STAR/approach transitions?
Syllabi and credits:
- S-MF1-W-1.0-01 — Operating on and around airports/heliports/seaplane bases (1 Master Flight credit).
- S-MF2-W-1.0-01 — Flight operations away from airports/heliports/seaplane bases (1 Master Flight credit).
- S-MK2-W-1.0-01 — Airport operations knowledge (1 Master Knowledge credit).
How this Activity satisfies each syllabus:
Master Flight Topic 1 — Airports (S-MF1-W-1.0-01)
- Execute IFR departure from KCOS with terrain-aware climb gradient analysis and obstacle departure procedure compliance. (FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 4; AIM 5-2-8)
- Perform multiple instrument approaches and landings at KGJT under deteriorating weather with circling minimums evaluation. (FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 4; AIM 5-4-20)
- Demonstrate proficiency at high-elevation airport operations (KCOS 6,187 ft, KGJT 4,858 ft) with density altitude performance impacts. (FAA-H-8083-25C, Ch 11)
- Execute missed approach procedures including climb gradient requirements in mountainous terrain. (FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 4)
Master Flight Topic 2 — En Route (S-MF2-W-1.0-01)
- Navigate en route through mountainous terrain with MEA compliance and terrain avoidance procedures. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 9; AIM 5-1-8)
- Execute weather deviation requests and route amendments while coordinating with ATC during convective activity. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 10; AIM 7-1-14)
- Perform holding pattern entries and timing corrections in turbulent mountain conditions with wind considerations. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 10; AIM 5-3-8)
- Manage altitude selection with consideration of oxygen requirements above 12,500 feet MSL. (14 CFR 91.211; FAA-H-8083-25C, Ch 17)
Master Knowledge Topic 2 — Airport Operations (S-MK2-W-1.0-01)
- Conduct pre-session briefing on NOTAM evaluation for mountain airports including runway conditions, lighting, and services. (AIM 5-1-3)
- Analyze Chart Supplement information for high-elevation airport operations and special IFR procedures. (FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 2)
- Assess alternate airport requirements given forecast convective activity and TEMPO conditions. (14 CFR 91.169; AIM 5-1-15)
- Review departure procedures (DPs) and obstacle clearance requirements for KCOS terrain environment. (FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 4; AIM 5-2-8)
Completion Standard: All tasks are performed to Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8C) standards for risk management, aircraft control, and instrument procedures. The Activity is considered complete when the pilot can consistently brief, fly, and debrief the profile to the applicable ACS standard, regardless of time.
Source: FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B), Chapters 6, 7, 9, and 10; FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B), Chapters 2 and 4; Instrument Rating Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-8).
Helpful links:
Recommended reading:
How to book:
- Choose duration & instructor. Select 2 hours or 3 hours 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.
Quick booking: 3-Hour LOFT Session (Recommended) · 2-Hour LOFT Session
This Activity was created on December 3, 2025.
Contact: Text +1 (347) 450-7519 · hello@aviator.nyc · Contact Form
