LOFT 9: Morristown to Allentown
Get-home-itis scenario with deteriorating weather and decision-making pressure.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
A "get-home-itis" scenario where the pilot is returning from a weekend trip with deteriorating weather, fatigue factors, and social pressure. Conditions that were VFR at departure time progressively worsen along the route, testing the pilot's ability to recognize and resist continuation bias.
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
Morristown Airport ATIS — IFR conditions for departure into the New York TRACON
IFR Clearances
Full route clearance that differs from the filed flight plan — includes heading and radar vectors. Practice recognizing when ATC assigns a different route than what you filed
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 SOARS V487 CANAN
Download ForeFlight Briefing (PDF)Route: SBJ V30 ETX V162 HAR
Download ForeFlight Briefing (PDF)Airport Information
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 05/23 | 5,998 ft | asphalt |
| 13/31 | 3,997 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 6/24 | 7,599 ft | asphalt |
| 13/31 | 5,800 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 14/32 | 6,833 ft | asphalt |
| 1/19 | 5,517 ft | asphalt |
Diversion Scenario
Weather Scenario
A cold front is approaching from the west, moving faster than forecast. What was predicted to be a benign MVFR flight home is rapidly becoming low IFR. The TAF issued at 1730Z shows KABE deteriorating below minimums by 2100Z. The pilot has family commitments, a Monday morning meeting, and passengers who "need to get home." Each weather update shows conditions worse than the last, creating a classic get-home-itis pressure cooker.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Scenario Setup | 0:00-0:15 | Ground | Set the scene: Sunday evening, family waiting, work Monday. Brief weather that looks "doable" at MVFR. Review KABE approaches and alternate options. |
| Departure | 0:15-0:30 | 187-5,000 | IFR departure KMMU. Light rain during climb. Initial conditions match the briefing. Seems routine. |
| Enroute - First Update | 0:30-0:45 | 5,000 | Receive updated KABE weather (1,200 OVC, 2SM). Worse than forecast but still above minimums. Decision point: continue or turn back while KMMU is still MVFR? |
| Enroute - Second Update | 0:45-1:00 | 5,000 | KABE drops to 800/1. Near minimums. KMMU behind you is now IFR too. The trap is closing. Instructor injects passenger asking "are we almost there?" |
| Approach | 1:00-1:25 | 5,000-394 | ILS RWY 6 at KABE. Gusty crosswind, turbulence on approach, break out near minimums or execute missed approach and divert. |
| Debrief | 1:25-2:00 | Ground | Analyze each decision point. When was the last safe opportunity to turn back? Discuss continuation bias triggers and mitigation strategies. |
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 flight in deteriorating conditions
- Fly ILS approach to near-minimums
- Manage approach to an unfamiliar airport under stress
Progress
- Recognize get-home-itis and continuation bias
- Apply the DECIDE model to evolving weather situations
- Establish and enforce personal minimums in real time
Single-Pilot CRM
- Communicate weather concerns to passengers (simulated)
- Make assertive decisions despite social pressure
- Request pilot reports and weather updates from ATC
Prepare for Your Session
What is get-home-itis and what psychological factors contribute to it?
What is the DECIDE model and how would you apply it here?
What are the ILS RWY 6 minimums at Allentown?
At what point should you commit to your alternate rather than attempting the approach?
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