LOFT 4: Laughlin to North Las Vegas
Desert-to-urban IFR with high density altitude, terrain, and busy Class B airspace.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
Desert IFR flight from Laughlin to North Las Vegas with high density altitude, thermal turbulence, and Class B airspace management. The pilot must handle performance limitations at elevated temperatures and navigate the busy Las Vegas airspace.
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
Bullhead City ATIS — desert weather conditions at a non-towered field
IFR Clearances
Non-towered IFR release with void time — clearance includes a heading for radar vectors after departure. Practice copying the void time and release window
Airport Information
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 16/34 | 8,501 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 7/25 | 5,005 ft | asphalt |
| 12R/30L | 5,000 ft | asphalt |
| 12L/30R | 4,199 ft | asphalt |
Weather Scenario
Midsummer desert heat with temperatures well above standard. Density altitude at Laughlin is approximately 4,200 feet despite a field elevation of only 707 feet. Thermal turbulence develops by mid-morning. Haze reduces visibility near Las Vegas. The pilot must account for degraded performance throughout.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Setup | 0:00-0:15 | Ground | Density altitude calculations, performance review for 38C departure. Review Class B procedures for Las Vegas transition. |
| Departure | 0:15-0:30 | 707-9,000 | Depart KIFP RWY 34. Reduced climb performance due to density altitude. Contact LA Center. Lean mixture for cruise. |
| Enroute | 0:30-0:50 | 9,000 | Fly V105 southbound. Encounter thermal turbulence. Transition from LA Center to Las Vegas Approach. Request Class B clearance. |
| Class B Transition | 0:50-1:10 | 9,000-4,000 | Cleared through Class B. Speed restrictions assigned. Sequencing with KLAS traffic. Descend for KVGT approach. |
| Approach & Landing | 1:10-1:30 | 4,000-2,205 | ILS RWY 12L at KVGT. Gusty crosswind approach. Manage high groundspeed due to density altitude effect on approach speed. |
| Debrief | 1:30-2:00 | Ground | Review density altitude effects on performance, Class B procedures, thermal turbulence management. |
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
- Calculate and manage high density altitude performance
- Navigate Class B transition near Las Vegas
- Execute the ILS RWY 12L at North Las Vegas
Progress
- Manage thermal turbulence in desert environment
- Coordinate with Las Vegas Approach for Class B clearance
- Apply leaning procedures for high-altitude operations
Single-Pilot CRM
- Communicate clearly with busy Las Vegas approach control
- Manage workload during Class B transition
- Recognize and mitigate effects of heat on pilot performance
Prepare for Your Session
What is the density altitude at Laughlin with a temperature of 38C and altimeter 29.80?
What are the Class B dimensions for Las Vegas and how do you request transition?
How does high density altitude affect your ILS approach speeds?
What leaning procedure should you use for climb and cruise at high density altitude?
Instructor Notes
Related IFR Training Guides
Deepen your understanding of the skills practiced in this scenario
Questions? Text us at +1 (347) 450-7519 or email hello@aviator.nyc