IFR LOFT Scenario
LOFT: Medellín to Bogotá
Route: SKRG → SKBO
South American high-altitude IFR with challenging terrain, international procedures, and mountain weather.
View FAA WINGS activity on FAASafety.gov →Scenario Overview
South American high-altitude IFR flight between two major Colombian cities through the Andes mountains. Both airports are at extreme elevations (6,955 and 8,361 feet) with challenging terrain, international procedures, and mountain weather that tests every skill in the pilot's toolkit.
FAA WINGS Credit
Master 95351 cr
Complete this LOFT with one of our CFIIs to earn WINGS credit toward your pilot proficiency. Learn more at FAASafety.gov
SIDSTARILSHigh AltitudeInternational ProceduresMountain Terrain
Route & Flight Plan
SKRG UW28 IBAGU SKBO
AltitudeFL200
Distance152 nm
ETE0:52
Airport Information
Departure
SKRG
Jose Maria Cordova International Airport
Medellin, Colombia
Elevation: 6,955 ft MSL
Runways
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 01/19 | 11,483 ft | asphalt |
Frequencies
TWR118.1
APP119.7
Approaches
ILS RWY 01, ILS RWY 19
Destination
SKBO
El Dorado International Airport
Bogota, Colombia
Elevation: 8,361 ft MSL
Runways
| RWY | Length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 13L/31R | 12,467 ft | asphalt |
| 13R/31L | 12,303 ft | asphalt |
Frequencies
ATIS127.8
GND121.9
TWR118.1
APP119.1
Approaches
ILS RWY 13L, ILS RWY 13R, ILS RWY 31L
Weather Scenario
Typical Andean morning weather with moist air generating convective activity along the mountain ridges. Medellin (in a valley at 6,955 feet) has relatively clear conditions early at 1200Z, but the SKBO TAF shows rain intensifying through the 1200-1300Z arrival window. The route crosses multiple Andean ridges with altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet, requiring careful altitude management and awareness of rapidly changing mountain weather.
Departure 07:00L (1200Z)SKRGVFR
Partially cloudy at 6,955 feet elevation, moist tropical air, towering cumulus to northwest
Arrival 08:00L (1300Z)SKBOIFR
Rain and mist at 8,361 feet elevation, ceiling 1,200 scattered, visibility 4 miles, cumulonimbus northwest
Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts
DepartureSKRG
TAF SKRG 140530Z 1406/1506 36004KT 9999 FEW015 SCT030 BKN060 FM141000 01005KT 9999 SCT025 BKN045 FM141200 01006KT 8000 SCT020 BKN040 TEMPO 1413/1417 4000 TSRA BKN020CB PROB30 1414/1416 2000 +TSRA BKN015CB FM141800 36004KT 9999 SCT025 BKN050 FM150000 VRB03KT 9999 FEW020 SCT040
En RouteSKPE
TAF SKPE 140530Z 1406/1506 VRB03KT 9999 SCT030 BKN060 FM141000 04004KT 8000 SCT025 BKN050 FM141200 04006KT 6000 RA BR SCT015 BKN030 OVC060 TEMPO 1212/1216 3000 TSRA BKN015CB FM141800 VRB04KT 8000 SCT020 BKN045 FM150000 VRB03KT 9999 SCT030
ArrivalSKBO
TAF SKBO 140530Z 1406/1506 04006KT 8000 -RA SCT015 BKN030 FM141000 04008KT 5000 RA BR SCT012 BKN025 OVC050 FM141200 05010KT 4000 +RA BR SCT010 BKN020 OVC045 TEMPO 1212/1216 2000 +RA FG BKN008 FM141600 04008KT 5000 RA BR SCT012 BKN025 FM150000 VRB04KT 8000 -RA SCT018 BKN035 FM150200 VRB04KT 9999 SCT020 BKN050
Lesson Profile
| Phase | Time | Altitude | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing & Setup | 0:00-0:20 | Ground | International operations briefing: ICAO procedures, altimetry (transition levels), metric/imperial conversions. Review SKBO approach plates. Discuss Andean terrain and required obstacle clearance altitudes. |
| Departure | 0:20-0:35 | 6,955-FL200 | Depart SKRG RWY 01. Climb from 6,955-foot valley through mountain passes. Performance-limited climb at high density altitude. Contact Bogota Control. |
| Enroute | 0:35-0:55 | FL200 | Cruise over Andean ridges. Turbulence from mountain effects. Monitor weather at SKBO. Transition altitude/level considerations. International communication protocols. |
| Descent & Approach | 0:55-1:20 | FL200-8,361 | Descend to the Bogota plateau (Sabana de Bogota at 8,361 feet). ILS RWY 13L in rain and reduced visibility. High-altitude approach speed adjustments needed. |
| Landing | 1:20-1:30 | 8,361 | Land at 8,361 feet elevation. High groundspeed, long runway rollout. Taxi at one of South America's busiest airports. |
| Debrief | 1:30-2:00 | Ground | Review international operations, high-altitude performance management, Andean weather, and approach technique at extreme elevation. Discuss differences from US domestic IFR operations. |
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.
Approach 2
SKBO
ILS RWY 13R
Parallel ILS approach; practice high-altitude precision approach with increased groundspeed
Approach 3
SKBO
ILS RWY 31L
Opposite direction ILS; practice approach from different arrival sector with terrain awareness
Training Objectives
Proficiency
- Execute IFR operations at extreme field elevations
- Navigate through Andean mountain terrain on airways
- Fly the ILS RWY 13L at Bogota El Dorado
Progress
- Apply international IFR procedures and ICAO standards
- Manage performance at high-altitude airports (8,000+ feet)
- Interpret South American mountain weather patterns
Single-Pilot CRM
- Communicate with Spanish-speaking ATC (simulated English)
- Manage workload in an unfamiliar international environment
- Apply conservative decision-making in challenging terrain
Prepare for Your Session
What performance considerations exist when operating at 8,361 feet elevation?
At 8,361 feet with typical Bogota temperatures, density altitude can exceed 10,000 feet. True airspeed is approximately 15% higher than indicated. Approach groundspeed is higher, requiring earlier descent planning. Takeoff and climb performance are significantly degraded.
What are ICAO altimetry differences compared to US procedures?
ICAO uses transition altitude (TA) and transition level (TL) instead of the US standard 18,000 feet. Below TA, use local altimeter setting. Above TL, use standard pressure (1013.25 hPa / 29.92 inHg). Between TA and TL is the transition layer where neither is used for level flight.
What unique weather patterns affect flights through the Colombian Andes?
The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) brings persistent moisture and convective activity. Afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily along the ridgelines. Mountain obscuration is common. The "seasons" in Colombia are wet and dry, not warm and cold.
Why is the approach to Bogota El Dorado considered challenging even in VFR conditions?
The airport sits on a high plateau surrounded by mountains. The approach corridor is constrained, the field elevation is 8,361 feet (among the highest major airports in the world), and the high density altitude means faster approach groundspeeds and longer landing distances. Additionally, the runway complex handles heavy international traffic.
Instructor Notes
This scenario exposes students to international operations in a high-terrain environment. Even if they never fly in South America, the principles apply to any high-altitude mountain operation. Focus on: transition altitude procedures, performance planning at extreme elevations, and the mindset shift required for international IFR. The weather at SKBO is IFR but manageable — the challenge is the overall environment complexity, not a single weather decision.
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.
Beyond CRAFT: Instrument Clearances
Master IFR clearances — complex routings, amendments, and Class B procedures.
Efficient Cross-Country Flying
Flight planning and execution strategies for longer IFR routes.
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