LOFT: Atlantic City to Norfolk
Mid-Atlantic coastal IFR through military airspace with Chesapeake Bay moisture and low-IFR approach at Norfolk.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
Mid-Atlantic coastal IFR flight from Atlantic City to Norfolk through the Delmarva Peninsula and Chesapeake Bay region. Military airspace from NAS Oceana and Langley adds routing complexity. Coastal moisture creates challenging approach conditions at Norfolk. This scenario is available on the FAA AATD-approved Cirrus Vision Jet (SF50) simulator with RealSimGear SFx Console for structured Vision Jet training, or on the G1000 NXi AATD with King Air B200 turboprop configuration.
Complete this LOFT with one of our CFIIs to earn WINGS credit toward your pilot proficiency. Learn more at FAASafety.gov
Route & Flight Plan
Airport Information
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 13/31 | 10,000 ft | asphalt |
| 4/22 | 6,145 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 5/23 | 9,001 ft | asphalt |
| 14/32 | 4,825 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 5/23 | 8,700 ft | asphalt |
| 16/34 | 6,081 ft | asphalt |
Weather Scenario
A warm, moist air mass is pushing northward from the Chesapeake Bay. Atlantic City starts marginal VFR but conditions deteriorate steadily as you fly south along the Delmarva coast. The Chesapeake Bay acts as a moisture source, creating persistent low stratus and mist at Norfolk. The KORF TAF shows the 1400-1530Z window at its worst with 3SM visibility and overcast at 1,200. The temperature-dewpoint spread is only 2°C — fog could form at any time.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Setup | 0:00-0:15 | Ground | Brief departure, en route military airspace (R-4006, R-4005, W-50A/B), KORF approach plates. Review restricted area activation status (NOTAM check). Discuss Chesapeake Bay weather patterns and coastal IFR transitions. |
| Departure | 0:15-0:30 | 75-8,000 | IFR departure from KACY RWY 13. Climb to 8,000, contact Atlantic City Approach then Washington Center. Route south over the Delmarva Peninsula. |
| Enroute | 0:30-0:55 | 8,000 | Cruise south along V1/V16. Monitor weather deterioration. Military airspace awareness — R-4006 (Wallops Island) and restricted areas near NAS Oceana may affect routing. ATC may issue reroutes for active MOAs. Transition from Washington Center to Norfolk Approach. |
| Descent & Approach | 0:55-1:20 | 8,000-27 | Descend into Chesapeake Bay moisture. ILS RWY 5 at KORF. Transition from VFR-on-top to solid IMC during descent. Gusty crosswind on approach. Military traffic from NAS Oceana sharing approach control frequency. |
| Landing & Debrief | 1:20-2:00 | Ground | Land at Norfolk. Debrief military airspace avoidance, coastal weather transition management, unfamiliar-airport ILS procedures, and the importance of checking NOTAM restricted area schedules. |
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
- Plan and fly IFR through military-airspace-dense corridor
- Execute approach at a Class C airport with military traffic
- Fly the ILS RWY 5 at Norfolk in coastal low-IFR conditions
Progress
- Interpret and avoid restricted/MOA airspace along the route
- Manage coastal weather transitions from VFR to IFR
- Apply instrument approach procedures at an unfamiliar airport
Single-Pilot CRM
- Coordinate with ATC for military airspace routing
- Manage workload during weather deterioration en route
- Brief approach thoroughly at an unfamiliar field
Prepare for Your Session
What military airspace exists along the ACY-ORF route and how do you determine if it is active?
Why does the Chesapeake Bay create persistent low IFR conditions?
What is the significance of NAS Oceana traffic when flying into KORF?
How should you plan alternates when coastal IFR conditions are widespread?
Instructor Notes
Related IFR Training Guides
Deepen your understanding of the skills practiced in this scenario
How Should You Fly an Instrument Approach?
Technique and standards for flying stable, safe instrument approaches.
How to Brief an FAA/NACO Approach Chart
Step-by-step FAA approach plate briefing from initial review to missed approach.
New Pilot Weather Briefing Guide
How to read METARs/TAFs and make safe go/no-go decisions.
Mastering VOR Approaches with GPS
Fly VOR approaches using GPS overlay — CDI setup and regulatory requirements.
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