LOFT 3: Colorado Springs to Grand Junction
Mountain IFR flying through Colorado with convective weather and terrain challenges.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
Mountain IFR flight across the Colorado Rockies with convective weather building along the route. The pilot must navigate terrain-induced turbulence, evaluate convective SIGMETs, and execute a challenging approach into a mountain valley airport.
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
Colorado Springs ATIS — mountain weather conditions with wind and altimeter for high-altitude departure
IFR Clearances
IFR clearance with altitude split — cleared to 10,000, expect 16,000 ten minutes after departure. Practice copying the initial vs. expected altitude
Airport Information
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 17L/35R | 13,500 ft | asphalt |
| 17R/35L | 11,022 ft | asphalt |
| 13/31 | 8,270 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 11/29 | 9,339 ft | asphalt |
| 4/22 | 5,501 ft | asphalt |
Diversion Scenario
Weather Scenario
A summer afternoon pattern with solar heating generating convective activity along the Continental Divide. Thunderstorms are building west to east, with clear conditions at departure deteriorating along the route. By 2100Z the convective SIGMET covers the entire route segment between FQF and Grand Junction. The pilot must decide whether to continue, divert, or hold while storms pass.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Setup | 0:00-0:15 | Ground | Weather briefing, route review, performance calculations for high-altitude departure. Discuss MEAs along V389. |
| Departure | 0:15-0:30 | 6,187-16,000 | IFR departure KCOS RWY 35R, climb to FL160. Monitor convective SIGMET. Contact Denver Center. |
| Enroute - East Segment | 0:30-0:55 | 16,000 | Fly V389 westbound. Encounter moderate turbulence. Receive updated weather via HIWAS. Evaluate convective cells on route. |
| Enroute - Decision Point | 0:55-1:15 | 16,000 | Thunderstorm cell near FQF. Request deviation or hold. Instructor injects updated PIREP with severe turbulence. Go/no-go decision. |
| Arrival & Approach | 1:15-1:40 | 16,000-4,861 | Cleared for ILS RWY 11 at KGJT. Gusty crosswind approach. Manage energy in descending terrain environment. |
| Debrief | 1:40-2:00 | Ground | Review decision-making, turbulence management, approach technique. Discuss alternate planning for mountain routes. |
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 high-elevation airport
- Navigate MEAs along mountainous airways
- Brief and fly the ILS RWY 11 at Grand Junction
Progress
- Interpret convective SIGMETs and PIREPs for mountain weather
- Manage turbulence encounters and altitude deviations
- Evaluate go/no-go decisions based on terrain and weather
Single-Pilot CRM
- Communicate with ATC about deviations for weather
- Manage workload during turbulent conditions
- Apply aeronautical decision-making for terrain avoidance
Prepare for Your Session
What is the MEA along V389 between PUB and FQF?
What are the density altitude implications of departing KCOS at 27C?
What is the missed approach procedure for the ILS RWY 11 at KGJT?
When should you deviate from your filed route for convective weather?
Instructor Notes
Related IFR Training Guides
Deepen your understanding of the skills practiced in this scenario
Mastering Climb Gradients for IFR Departures
Calculate and fly departure climb gradients — obstacle clearance and terrain awareness.
How to Brief a Jeppesen Approach Plate
Step-by-step Jeppesen chart briefing checklist used by airline pilots.
Instrument Approach Configuration Guide
Proper aircraft configuration for approaches — speeds, flaps, and stabilization.
Questions? Text us at +1 (347) 450-7519 or email hello@aviator.nyc