LOFT: Santo Domingo to St. Thomas
Caribbean overwater IFR with tropical convection, limited alternates, and terrain-constrained island approach.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
Caribbean island IFR flight from Santo Domingo to St. Thomas through tropical weather with limited diversion options. The pilot manages overwater fuel planning, tropical convective weather deviations, and a terrain-limited island approach with short final. This scenario highlights the unique challenges of Caribbean IFR operations. Available on the Cirrus SF50 AATD simulator with Perspective Touch+ avionics at Grand Central, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 17/35 | 11,002 ft | asphalt |
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 10/28 | 7,000 ft | asphalt |
Weather Scenario
The Intertropical Convergence Zone drives daily convective cycles across the Caribbean. Morning heating produces towering cumulus that build into embedded thunderstorms by midday. The route crosses open water between Hispaniola and the US Virgin Islands — a 200nm stretch with no diversion airports. St. Thomas sits in the ITCZ convective belt, with the TAF showing thunderstorms during the 1300-1500Z arrival window. The trade winds are pushing the cells westward, which could clear the approach corridor — or not. The decision to continue past the halfway point versus return to Santo Domingo must be made with current fuel state and TIST conditions.
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Setup | 0:00-0:20 | Ground | Fuel planning: calculate point of no return and equal-time point. Brief overwater requirements, TIST approach with terrain constraints, and alternate options (TJSJ San Juan, TISX St. Croix). Review tropical convective patterns and deviation authority. |
| Departure | 0:20-0:35 | 59-FL310 | Depart MDSD RWY 35. Climb over the Caribbean. Contact Santo Domingo Control. Avoid towering cumulus building to the northwest. |
| Overwater Cruise | 0:35-1:00 | FL310 | Overwater cruise southeast toward the Virgin Islands. Monitor onboard weather radar/XM for convective cells. At the halfway point (approx. 170nm), make the continue/return decision based on fuel state and TIST conditions. ATC may offer routing around weather cells. |
| Descent & Approach | 1:00-1:25 | FL310-23 | Descend toward St. Thomas. Navigate around convective cells near the island chain. ILS RWY 10 at TIST — terrain on both sides of final (St. Thomas hills to the north, Water Island to the south). Gusty trade wind crosswind. Short runway (7,000 feet) at sea level. |
| Landing & Debrief | 1:25-2:00 | Ground | Land at TIST. Debrief: fuel planning accuracy, overwater decision-making (continue vs. return), convective weather deviation technique, terrain awareness on island approach. Discuss how Caribbean operations differ from domestic IFR. |
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 execute overwater IFR with limited alternate options
- Navigate around tropical convection using onboard weather tools
- Fly the ILS RWY 10 at TIST with terrain on both sides of final
Progress
- Calculate fuel requirements for Caribbean operations with mandatory reserves
- Interpret tropical weather patterns and make deviation decisions
- Apply island approach procedures with terrain and obstacle awareness
Single-Pilot CRM
- Make diversion decisions with limited options over water
- Manage workload during weather deviations
- Brief approach at a terrain-constrained island airport
Prepare for Your Session
What is the "point of no return" and "equal-time point" for overwater IFR?
What makes the ILS RWY 10 approach at TIST particularly challenging?
How do Caribbean convective weather patterns differ from continental US?
What alternate airports should you consider for TIST and what drives the choice?
Instructor Notes
Related IFR Training Guides
Deepen your understanding of the skills practiced in this scenario
Efficient Cross-Country Flying
Flight planning and execution strategies for longer IFR routes.
How to Brief a Jeppesen Approach Plate
Step-by-step Jeppesen chart briefing checklist used by airline pilots.
New Pilot Weather Briefing Guide
How to read METARs/TAFs and make safe go/no-go decisions.
How Should You Fly an Instrument Approach?
Technique and standards for flying stable, safe instrument approaches.
Questions? Text us at +1 (347) 450-7519 or email hello@aviator.nyc