LOFT: Las Vegas to San Francisco
Transport-category profile with full SID/STAR sequencing. Airline interview prep and single-pilot jet IFR training.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
Transport-category profile flight from Las Vegas to San Francisco with full SID/STAR procedures. Designed for airline interview preparation and single-pilot jet IFR training. The pilot flies a high-altitude route with professional ATC interactions and a complex arrival into SFO.
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
McCarran International ATIS — busy Class B airport with desert weather conditions and multiple runway operations
IFR Clearances
Airline-style clearance with SID and STAR — climb via SID, FL230 expect FL350. Practice copying SID/STAR names and flight level assignments
Airport Information
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 8L/26R | 14,835 ft | asphalt |
| 8R/26L | 10,526 ft | asphalt |
| 1L/19R | 9,770 ft | asphalt |
| 1R/19L | 9,769 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 10L/28R | 11,870 ft | asphalt |
| 10R/28L | 11,381 ft | asphalt |
| 1R/19L | 8,650 ft | asphalt |
| 1L/19R | 7,650 ft | asphalt |
Weather Scenario
Clear departure from the desert with the classic San Francisco marine layer at arrival. The marine fog is typical for summer mornings at SFO, with low stratus and reduced visibility over the bay. The TAF shows gradual improvement through the 1500-1700Z window but ILS approaches will still be required at the 1630Z arrival time.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Setup | 0:00-0:15 | Ground | Brief SID (TRALR6), STAR (SERFR2), and ILS 28R approach. Review altitude and speed restrictions on both procedures. Performance planning for high-altitude cruise. |
| Departure | 0:15-0:30 | 2,183-FL350 | TRALR6 departure from KLAS RWY 1R. Multiple altitude constraints on the SID. Transition from Las Vegas Departure to LA Center. |
| Cruise | 0:30-0:55 | FL350 | High-altitude cruise on J58. Monitor weather updates for SFO. Review STAR constraints and brief approach. Step descent planning. |
| STAR & Descent | 0:55-1:20 | FL350-3,000 | SERFR2 arrival with crossing restrictions. Multiple altitude and speed constraints. Transition from Oakland Center to NorCal Approach. Configure for approach. |
| Approach & Landing | 1:20-1:40 | 3,000-13 | ILS RWY 28R at SFO. Break out of marine layer. Crosswind from Bay winds. Parallel approach traffic on 28L. |
| Debrief | 1:40-2:00 | Ground | Review SID/STAR compliance, altitude management, approach technique. Discuss airline-style procedures and CRM. |
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 a SID departure from a major Class B airport
- Fly a STAR arrival into San Francisco
- Execute the ILS RWY 28R at SFO
Progress
- Manage high-altitude IFR cruise procedures
- Interpret and comply with STAR altitude and speed restrictions
- Demonstrate professional radio communications
Single-Pilot CRM
- Manage workload during high-tempo departure and arrival phases
- Brief and execute complex procedures single-pilot
- Prioritize tasks during STAR compliance
Prepare for Your Session
What are the key altitude constraints on the SERFR2 arrival into SFO?
What is the side-step or parallel approach procedure at SFO?
Why is the marine layer at SFO predictable but still challenging?
What is the significance of TRALR6 departure constraints for performance planning?
Instructor Notes
Related IFR Training Guides
Deepen your understanding of the skills practiced in this scenario
Unlocking VNAV on Garmin G1000
Master vertical navigation — setup, descent planning, and common pitfalls.
Mastering Climb Gradients for IFR Departures
Calculate and fly departure climb gradients — obstacle clearance and terrain awareness.
Beyond CRAFT: Instrument Clearances
Master IFR clearances — complex routings, amendments, and Class B procedures.
How to Brief a Jeppesen Approach Plate
Step-by-step Jeppesen chart briefing checklist used by airline pilots.
Questions? Text us at +1 (347) 450-7519 or email hello@aviator.nyc