LOFT: Zurich to Geneva
Short-haul Alpine IFR with FOEHN wind conditions, terrain-constrained MEAs, and compressed task timeline.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
Short-haul Alpine IFR flight between Switzerland's two largest airports. Despite being only 150nm, this route passes through some of Europe's most challenging terrain with MEAs well above the cruise altitude of longer routes. FOEHN wind conditions create turbulence and rapid weather changes. The short flight time compresses every task into a demanding sequence. Available on the Cirrus AATD for type rating preparation — SR20, SR22, and SF50 — or 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 14/32 | 10,827 ft | concrete |
| 16/34 | 12,139 ft | concrete |
| 10/28 | 8,202 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 5/23 | 12,795 ft | asphalt |
Weather Scenario
A textbook FOEHN wind event. Warm, moist air from the Mediterranean is being pushed northward over the Alps. As the air descends on the north side (where Zurich and Geneva are), it compresses and warms — creating strong gusty south winds, turbulence in the valleys, and rapid weather changes. The FOEHN pattern is deceptive: it can create local clear spots surrounded by instrument conditions. Geneva, sitting at the western end of Lake Geneva in a valley between the Alps and Jura Mountains, gets channeled wind effects. The TAF shows gusty conditions with 30-knot gusts and a PROB30 of heavy rain with 2000m visibility.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Setup | 0:00-0:15 | Ground | Brief departure, en route (terrain throughout — MEAs critical), LSGG approach plates. FOEHN wind discussion: what it is, what it means for turbulence, how it affects approach stability. Brief ILS RWY 23 at Geneva with terrain chart. Discuss go-around: terrain-aware missed approach required. |
| Departure | 0:15-0:25 | 1,416-FL200 | Depart LSZH RWY 16 (into the FOEHN wind). Gusty crosswind on takeoff. Climb to FL200 — terrain along the route requires reaching altitude quickly. Contact Swiss Radar. Immediate workload: you are already planning the descent. |
| Cruise & Descent Planning | 0:25-0:35 | FL200 | Brief cruise — only 10 minutes at altitude. MEAs along the route are FL160-FL180 due to Alpine terrain below. Monitor Geneva weather. Begin descent planning immediately. The short flight means descent must begin almost as soon as cruise altitude is reached. Transition altitude check (7,000 feet in Switzerland). |
| Descent & Approach | 0:35-0:50 | FL200-1,411 | Rapid descent required — FL200 to 1,411 feet in limited distance. Geneva Approach vectors for ILS RWY 23. FOEHN wind creates turbulence during descent through mountain valleys. Gusty crosswind on approach (20 gusting 30). Break out in rain at 1,200 feet. Lake Geneva visible to the south. |
| Landing & Debrief | 0:50-2:00 | Ground | Land at Geneva. Extended debrief: FOEHN wind effects on flight planning, energy management on short flights, Alpine terrain MEA awareness, gusty crosswind approach technique, go-around terrain routing. Discuss how short flights are deceptively dangerous because of compressed task timelines. |
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 terrain-constrained airways with high MEAs throughout
- Manage energy on a short flight with rapid descent requirements
- Fly the ILS RWY 23 at Geneva with Alpine terrain on multiple sides
Progress
- Apply FOEHN wind awareness to flight planning and execution
- Manage compressed task sequence on a 40-minute flight
- Execute approach at a terrain-constrained airport with weather changes
Single-Pilot CRM
- Brief thoroughly despite short flight time pressure
- Prioritize tasks when everything compresses into 40 minutes
- Apply terrain-conservative decision-making for go-around
Prepare for Your Session
What is the FOEHN wind and how does it affect Alpine flight operations?
Why are MEAs so critical on the Zurich-Geneva route?
What makes short flights like ZRH-GVA deceptively challenging?
What are the terrain considerations for the ILS RWY 23 missed approach at Geneva?
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 an FAA/NACO Approach Chart
Step-by-step FAA approach plate briefing from initial review to missed approach.
Common Mistakes in Approach Briefings
Avoid common briefing errors that lead to unstable approaches.
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