There is a cost for this activity
Who this is for: Master-level instrument pilots planning Caribbean or overwater operations who want realistic overwater fuel planning with PNR/ETP calculations, tropical convection deviation, and a terrain-limited island approach.
CFII-led, LOFT-style IFR session in our Cirrus SF50 AATD with Perspective Touch+ and G1000 NXi flight simulators (FAA-approved AATDs). This Master-tier scenario recreates the MDSD → TIST overwater route across the Mona Passage with tropical convection, limited alternate options, and a terrain-constrained approach into Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas.
What you'll practice:
- Calculate and apply overwater fuel planning concepts including point of no return (PNR) and equal time point (ETP), incorporating headwind and tailwind components and alternate fuel requirements for island operations with limited diversion options. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 7; FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 2)
- Execute deviation strategies for tropical convection (towering cumulus and cumulonimbus) while maintaining IFR clearance compliance and ATC coordination with San Juan Center over open water. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 7 & 10; PHAK, Ch 12 — Weather Theory)
- Fly a terrain-limited instrument approach into TIST where mountainous terrain (Crown Mountain, 1,556 ft MSL) constrains missed approach procedures and circling minimums, demanding immediate go-around compliance. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 10; FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 4)
- Apply alternate planning for Caribbean IFR operations with limited options (TJSJ San Juan, TISX St. Croix), evaluating thunderstorm movement direction and fuel state to select the correct alternate in real time. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 7; FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 2; PHAK, Ch 13 — Aviation Weather Services)
- Manage Caribbean ATC procedures including San Juan Center handoffs, position reporting requirements over open water, and weather deviation phraseology in ICAO-influenced airspace. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 10; FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 2)
- Apply single-engine overwater contingency planning, including engine-failure decision points relative to PNR and ETP, and the unique stress factors of operating over water with few landing options. (PHAK, Ch 12 & 13)
What you'll walk away with:
- A practical framework for overwater IFR fuel planning with PNR and ETP calculations that accounts for wind, weather deviations, and limited Caribbean alternates
- Proficiency deviating around tropical convection while maintaining fuel awareness and ATC coordination over open water
- Confidence executing terrain-limited island approaches where the margins for delayed missed approach decisions are dangerously small
Syllabus and credits:
- S-MF2-W-1.0-01 — Flight operations away from airports (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 2 — En Route & Approaches (S-MF2-W-1.0-01)
- Overwater IFR transit across the Mona Passage with PNR/ETP fuel management, tropical convection weather deviations coordinated with San Juan Center, and terrain-limited RNAV approach to TIST with active thunderstorms. (FAA-H-8083-15B, Ch 7 & 10; FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 2 & 4)
Master Knowledge Topic 2 — Airport Operations (S-MK2-W-1.0-01)
- Terrain-constrained airport operations at TIST (Crown Mountain, 1,556 ft), Caribbean alternate airport planning and regulatory requirements (14 CFR 91.169), and island airport environment factors including gusty trade winds and thunderstorm interference. (PHAK, Ch 12 & 13; FAA-H-8083-16B, Ch 1)
Completion Standard: All tasks performed to Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8C) standards.
Source: FAA Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B), Chapters 7, 10; FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B), Chapters 2, 4; Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapters 12, 13; Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8).
Helpful links:
Optional study resources:
How to book:
- Pick your session length. Most pilots choose the 3-hour session for LOFT scenarios; a 2-hour session is available for abbreviated profiles.
- Select date & time.
- Confirm your booking details.
Quick booking: 3-Hour LOFT Session (Recommended) · 2-Hour LOFT Session
This Activity was created on May 19, 2026.
Contact: Text +1 (347) 450-7519 · hello@aviator.nyc · Type Rating Prep Contact Form
