LOFT: Salt Lake City to Sun Valley
Mountain resort destination with terrain challenges, special procedures, and weather decision-making.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
Mountain IFR flight to Friedman Memorial Airport in Sun Valley, a notoriously challenging mountain resort destination. The single runway in a narrow valley, limited approach options, and unpredictable mountain weather require expert-level planning and conservative decision-making.
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
Salt Lake City International ATIS — mountain valley airport with terrain-influenced weather conditions
IFR Clearances
SID with added fix MAGGI — maintain 12,000 expect 14,000. Practice copying a clearance that adds a fix not on the original SID
Airport Information
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 16L/34R | 12,002 ft | concrete |
| 16R/34L | 12,000 ft | concrete |
| 17/35 | 9,596 ft | asphalt |
| 14/32 | 4,893 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 13/31 | 7,550 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 16L/34R | 12,002 ft | concrete |
| 16R/34L | 12,000 ft | concrete |
| 17/35 | 9,596 ft | asphalt |
| 14/32 | 4,893 ft | asphalt |
Diversion Scenario
Weather Scenario
An approaching trough is bringing mountain snow showers to central Idaho. Sun Valley is in a narrow valley oriented northwest-southeast, funneling winds along the valley floor. The TAF shows conditions marginal at the 1700Z arrival and deteriorating rapidly after 1800Z. The pilot must decide whether the approach is feasible given the terrain constraints and wind conditions.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Setup | 0:00-0:20 | Ground | Route and weather briefing. Review KSUN procedures — RNAV GPS Y RWY 31 with terrain constraints. Discuss Sun Valley's reputation and why extra fuel and conservative minimums are essential. |
| Departure | 0:20-0:35 | 4,231-14,000 | Depart KSLC. Climb to 14,000 for MEA requirements. Contact Salt Lake Center. |
| Enroute | 0:35-1:00 | 14,000 | Cruise northbound. Receive updated KSUN weather showing deterioration. Mountain turbulence along route. Evaluate continue versus divert to Boise or return to SLC. |
| Descent & Decision | 1:00-1:20 | 14,000-8,000 | Begin descent toward KSUN. Updated weather shows 2SM in snow. Wind 30G30. Decision point: attempt approach or divert? Terrain limits options once committed to descent into the valley. |
| Approach or Diversion | 1:20-1:40 | 8,000-5,320 | If continuing: RNAV GPS Y RWY 31 with gusty crosswind. If diverting: climb back to 14,000 and return to KSLC. |
| Debrief | 1:40-2:00 | Ground | Review terrain decision-making, diversion criteria for valley airports, fuel management. Why is Sun Valley a "one attempt" airport? |
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
- Navigate mountain airways with high MEAs
- Execute the RNAV GPS Y RWY 31 approach at Sun Valley
- Manage descent into a valley airport with limited escape routes
Progress
- Evaluate special procedures for terrain-constrained airports
- Apply conservative fuel planning for mountain operations
- Interpret mountain weather forecasts and PIREPs
Single-Pilot CRM
- Brief approach and missed approach procedures thoroughly
- Manage passenger expectations about potential diversion
- Apply conservative decision-making at a resort destination
Prepare for Your Session
What makes Friedman Memorial Airport in Sun Valley especially challenging?
What is the significance of the RNAV GPS Y versus Z RWY 31 approach?
Why is Sun Valley considered a "one attempt" airport?
What wind conditions at Sun Valley should trigger a diversion decision?
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.
Instrument Approach Configuration Guide
Proper aircraft configuration for approaches — speeds, flaps, and stabilization.
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