LOFT 10: Nantucket to Providence
Coastal IFR with marine layer, fog, and island departure challenges.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
Coastal IFR departure from Nantucket with marine fog and sea breeze convergence. The pilot must handle an island departure with limited visibility, navigate through coastal weather, and manage the transition from oceanic to mainland meteorology.
Complete this LOFT with one of our CFIIs to earn WINGS credit toward your pilot proficiency. Learn more at FAASafety.gov
Route & Flight Plan
ATC Audio Practice
Real ATC recordings from LiveATC. Practice extracting weather from ATIS and copying IFR clearances at real-world cadence. Learn IFR clearance techniques
These are actual recordings from airport frequencies. The weather, routing, and clearances will differ from the planned scenario — the training value is in listening proficiency and ATC communication cadence.
ATIS
Nantucket ATIS — island weather with marine conditions and coastal winds
IFR Clearances
Island departure with void time — clearance includes report airborne requirement. Practice copying the void time and understanding non-towered IFR release procedures
ForeFlight Briefings
Complete ForeFlight navlog exports with route, METARs/TAFs, winds aloft, vertical cross-section, and sig weather charts. Use these to practice pre-flight weather evaluation.
Route: BREZY V39 CMK BAYYS SEALL V188 GON DEEPO
Download ForeFlight Briefing (PDF)Route: BAYYS SEALL V188 GON V374 MVY
Download ForeFlight Briefing (PDF)Airport Information
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 6/24 | 6,303 ft | asphalt |
| 15/33 | 4,500 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 5/23 | 8,700 ft | asphalt |
| 16/34 | 6,081 ft | asphalt |
Diversion Scenario
Weather Scenario
Classic summer marine fog event along the New England coast. Warm moist air flowing over the cold Labrador Current creates persistent advection fog that hugs the coastline and islands. Nantucket is socked in with 300-foot ceilings at 1200Z, but just 30 miles inland at Providence conditions are VFR. Once airborne and headed northwest, the pilot will climb through the fog layer and be in the clear by mid-Cape.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Setup | 0:00-0:15 | Ground | Marine fog briefing. Review island departure procedures. Discuss the "can't return" reality — once airborne, Nantucket is below minimums behind you. Brief alternate options. |
| Departure | 0:15-0:30 | 47-4,000 | IFR departure KACK RWY 24 into 300-foot ceiling. Immediate IMC. Climb on heading, contact Cape Approach. Break through fog layer around 2,000 feet. |
| Overwater Transit | 0:30-0:45 | 4,000 | Fly V374 over Nantucket Sound. Below is solid fog layer. No visual references. Monitor marine weather updates. Transition from Cape to Providence Approach. |
| Mainland Transition | 0:45-1:00 | 4,000 | Fog layer breaks up approaching mainland. Begin descent for KPVD. Conditions improve markedly over land. |
| Approach & Landing | 1:00-1:20 | 4,000-54 | ILS RWY 5 at KPVD in VFR conditions. Straightforward approach after the stressful departure. Sea breeze crosswind. |
| Debrief | 1:20-2:00 | Ground | Review marine fog meteorology, island departure risk management, overwater IFR procedures. Discuss seasonal patterns of coastal fog. |
Post-LOFT Approach Practice
After the LOFT scenario concludes, practice 2 additional approaches for a total of 3 per session. Session is planned for up to 6 approaches — ask your CFII for additional practice.
Training Objectives
Proficiency
- Execute IFR departure from a coastal island airport
- Navigate through marine layer and coastal fog
- Fly the ILS RWY 5 at Providence
Progress
- Understand marine fog formation and behavior patterns
- Evaluate coastal weather differences (island vs mainland)
- Apply overwater IFR procedures
Single-Pilot CRM
- Communicate with Cape Approach for radar services
- Manage single-pilot workload during low-visibility departure
- Make diversion decisions when departure point is below minimums behind you
Prepare for Your Session
What causes marine fog at Nantucket and when is it most common?
What is the risk of departing an island airport IFR when the ceiling is at minimums?
What is the takeoff minimum for a Part 91 pilot at Nantucket?
How does sea breeze convergence affect coastal weather later in the day?
Instructor Notes
Related IFR Training Guides
Deepen your understanding of the skills practiced in this scenario
How to Brief a Jeppesen Approach Plate
Step-by-step Jeppesen chart briefing checklist used by airline pilots.
How to Brief an FAA/NACO Approach Chart
Step-by-step FAA approach plate briefing from initial review to missed approach.
Mastering VOR Approaches with GPS
Fly VOR approaches using GPS overlay — CDI setup and regulatory requirements.
Questions? Text us at +1 (347) 450-7519 or email hello@aviator.nyc