What Are LOFT Scenarios, and How Do They Earn FAA WINGS Credit?
Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) scenarios with FAA WINGS credit
What is LOFT?
Line Oriented Flight Training
LOFT scenarios simulate real-world flights from departure to destination, including weather challenges, ATC interactions, and decision-making scenarios used by airlines for recurrent training.
FAA WINGS Credit
Each scenario is available at Basic, Advanced, and Master WINGS levels. Complete with a CFII to earn credit toward your FAA Pilot Proficiency Awards.
Airline Standards
Train with active airline pilots using the same scenario-based methodology used at major carriers. Build decision-making skills, not just stick-and-rudder.
What Is the FAA WINGS Program?
WINGS is the FAA's voluntary Pilot Proficiency Program. Complete activities at your level to earn credits toward a WINGS phase — which can replace your flight review. Our simulator sessions are FAA-accepted WINGS activities at three proficiency levels.
master Level
ATP/CFI ACS
3 credits per session
Airport operations + flight operations + knowledge
Each session earns 3 of 4 credits needed. One Risk Management credit completes the phase.
advanced Level
Commercial ACS
2 credits per session
Flight operations + knowledge
Each session earns 2 of 4 credits needed. Two sessions plus knowledge activities complete the phase.
basic Level
Private Pilot / Instrument ACS
2 credits per session
Flight operations + knowledge
Each session earns 2 of 6 credits needed. Three sessions plus knowledge activities complete the phase.
How Does the Quarterly Progression Work?
One session every 3 months keeps you current and earns WINGS credit. Each quarter is a completely different scenario — different route, weather, terrain, and decision-making challenge. Pick any order.
Q1
LOFT 3
KCOS → KGJT
Mountain Weather
Q2
LOFT 9
KMMU → KABE
ADM / Get-Home-Itis
Q3
LOFT 10
KACK → KPVD
Fatigue / Coastal IFR
Q4
LOFT 6
KRNO → KMFR
Winter / Icing
4 sessions per year = complete WINGS phase. Choose any scenarios in any order.
Which Scenarios Can You Fly?
Every session is different. Pick any scenario below — each one earns FAA WINGS credit and challenges a different instrument skill. No required order.
Structured IFR currency session to regain or maintain instrument currency under 14 CFR §61.57(c). Six approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking.
Mountain IFR flying through Colorado with convective weather and terrain challenges.
Desert-to-urban IFR with high density altitude, terrain, and busy Class B airspace.
Mountain crossing IFR through the Cascades with icing and low visibility.
Get-home-itis scenario with deteriorating weather and decision-making pressure.
Coastal IFR with marine layer, fog, and fatigue/business pressure decision-making.
Short-hop IFR through NYC Class B with complex arrival procedures and unfamiliar aircraft.
Corporate flight into major Class B airport with sequencing, speed restrictions, and personal urgency.
Medical delivery mission under time pressure with low IFR conditions.
Transport-category profile with full SID/STAR sequencing. Airline interview prep and single-pilot jet IFR training.
Northeast corridor IFR with Class B departures, busy ATC, and complex arrival procedures.
Mountain IFR into challenging terrain with special approach procedures and weather considerations.
Mountain resort destination with terrain challenges, special procedures, and weather decision-making.
Hawaiian inter-island IFR with oceanic procedures, volcanic terrain, and tropical weather.
South American high-altitude IFR with challenging terrain, international procedures, and mountain weather.
Hub-to-hub STAR flow with "descend via" clearance, NorCal flow control, and marine layer ILS.
Mid-Atlantic coastal IFR through military airspace with Chesapeake Bay moisture and low-IFR arrival.
Business jet northeast corridor with Class B departure, reroute amendments, and BOS STAR compression.
Caribbean overwater IFR with tropical convection, limited diversion options, and island terrain approach.
High-altitude hub with terrain-ringed basin, rigid STAR step-downs, and 7,316-foot elevation approach.
Complex Heathrow SID with multiple constraints, European procedures, and Alpine terrain approach.
Short-haul Alpine IFR with FOEHN winds, terrain-constrained MEAs, and compressed task timeline.
What's the Difference Between Currency and LOFT Sessions?
Both earn the same WINGS credits. Choose based on what you need right now.
| IFR Currency Session | LOFT Scenario | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Regulatory — meet 14 CFR §61.57(c) requirements | Proficiency — real-world decision-making under pressure |
| Format | 6 approaches + holding + intercepting/tracking | Route-based mission with weather, terrain, and ADM challenges |
| Best for | Approaching or past your 6-month currency deadline | Already current — want to stay sharp and build proficiency |
| WINGS Credit | Same credits as LOFT scenarios | Same credits as currency sessions |
| Pricing | $430 (2hr) / $645 (3hr) | $430 (2hr) / $645 (3hr) |
Even your currency session earns WINGS credit. When you're already current, switch to scenario-based LOFTs to stay sharp and keep earning credits.
IFR Scenarios
Instrument flight training from currency maintenance to airline-level operations
LOFT 3: Colorado Springs to Grand Junction
Mountain IFR flying through Colorado with convective weather and terrain challenges.
LOFT 4: Laughlin to North Las Vegas
Desert-to-urban IFR with high density altitude, terrain, and busy Class B airspace.
LOFT 6: Reno to Medford
Mountain crossing IFR through the Cascades with icing and low visibility.
LOFT 8: Republic to Hanscom
Medical delivery mission under time pressure with low IFR conditions.
LOFT 9: Morristown to Allentown
Get-home-itis scenario with deteriorating weather and decision-making pressure.
LOFT 10: Nantucket to Providence
Coastal IFR with marine layer, fog, and island departure challenges.
LOFT 11: Republic to Westchester
Short-hop IFR through NYC Class B with complex arrival procedures.
LOFT 12: Morristown to LaGuardia
Corporate flight into major Class B airport with sequencing and speed restrictions.
LOFT: Las Vegas to San Francisco
Transport-category profile with full SID/STAR sequencing. Airline interview prep and single-pilot jet IFR training.
LOFT: Teterboro to Boston
Northeast corridor IFR with Class B departures, busy ATC, and complex arrival procedures.
LOFT: Denver to Jackson Hole
Mountain IFR into challenging terrain with special approach procedures and weather considerations.
LOFT: Salt Lake City to Sun Valley
Mountain resort destination with terrain challenges, special procedures, and weather decision-making.
LOFT: Honolulu to Hilo
Hawaiian inter-island IFR with oceanic procedures, volcanic terrain, and tropical weather.
LOFT: Medellín to Bogotá
South American high-altitude IFR with challenging terrain, international procedures, and mountain weather.
LOFT: San Diego to San Francisco
Hub-to-hub STAR flow with "descend via" clearance, NorCal flow control sequencing, and marine layer ILS at SFO.
LOFT: Atlantic City to Norfolk
Mid-Atlantic coastal IFR through military airspace with Chesapeake Bay moisture and low-IFR approach at Norfolk.
LOFT: LaGuardia to Boston
Business jet northeast corridor flight with Class B departure, corridor reroutes, and BOS STAR compression.
LOFT: Santo Domingo to St. Thomas
Caribbean overwater IFR with tropical convection, limited alternates, and terrain-constrained island approach.
LOFT: Guadalajara to Mexico City
High-altitude hub operations with terrain-ringed basin, rigid STAR compliance, and 7,316-foot elevation approach.
LOFT: London Heathrow to Zurich
Complex Heathrow SID with multiple constraints, European procedure differences, and Alpine terrain approach.
LOFT: Zurich to Geneva
Short-haul Alpine IFR with FOEHN wind conditions, terrain-constrained MEAs, and compressed task timeline.
IFR Currency: Six Approaches
Structured IFR currency session to regain or maintain instrument currency under 14 CFR §61.57(c). Six approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking.
VFR Scenarios
Special Flight Rules Area operations and corridor training
Ready to Earn WINGS Credit?
Book a session with one of our CFII instructors to complete any LOFT scenario and earn FAA WINGS credit at Basic, Advanced, or Master level.
Questions? Text us at +1 (212) 203-4587 or email hello@aviator.nyc