About Us
From scheduling to certification, our team of experts is here to help
Our Story
Over 20 Years of Elite Training
We are often asked what makes LOFT better than other citation training providers, and our answer is always the same: Our people.
Drawing from our rich history of training thousands of pilots in Citation and CJ series jets, LOFT’s dedicated team has been able to create and deliver a unique, hands-on program.In 2009, our CJ1 full flight simulator was the very first simulator in the country to be awarded certification under the new FAR Part 60 standards. This allows us to provide an unprecedented level of personalized training.
To this day, LOFT is a family owned and operated business with a mission of providing high quality instruction to aviation professionals world-wide.
Creating a Sense of Place for Aviators Since 2004
As aviators ourselves, we constantly strive to provide the best all-around environment and pilot training experience to our clients.
We believe that will be evident from the moment you step into our facility.
About Our Team
We capitalize on your experience by employing seasoned veteran pilots who are current and qualified in the airplanes in which they teach.
Their broad backgrounds include private, military, airline, and charter operations with tens of thousands of hours of experience flying everything from fighter jets to commercial airliners and Citation Jets to Gulfstreams.
From the moment you call us until you pass your checkride, you are working with experienced aviators and instructors here in Carlsbad to guide you through the entire training process.
Over 10,000 Pilots Train With LOFT
what pilots who train with LOFT believe
Trusted by Aviation Professionals
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I recently completed my ATP and CE-525 type rating at Loft and the entire experience was outstanding. The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and invested in my success. The right seat pilots were top-notch and the whole office staff was super helpful, ensuring my training went smoothly. Not to mention the entire place is a time capsule of the coolest aviation memorabilia. Highly recommend!
Mateo Caicedo
December 4, 2025Just completed my C525B recurrent training in their Carlsbad facility. Their new CJ3 sim is a wonderful addition to their center and very much appreciated. The instructors are fabulous and adheres to their mantra of pilots helping pilots. I always walk away with additional knowledge that makes my flying safer. The facility is also wonderful. I appreciate the break room and the location in Carlsbad.
Ben Joseph
September 19, 2025Coming from Australia, I was a little anxious about my CJ3 type rating. But having now completed the rating I can confirm that this is an excellent Training organisation. The Team at loft were able to fit me into a course at fairly short notice, guiding me through the process from start to finish. The admin staff very helpful and attentive. Facilities and equipment top notch. All the ground school and sim instructors were highly experienced and very pro. Don’t turn up to your course underprepared, the team set very high standards, when you get signed off you have definitely earned it. Oh by the way Carlsbad is beautiful and the centre is very cool, with some great breweries nearby.
Ben B
September 18, 2025Just attended 525S recurrent training. It was a lot to digest in 3-days. I valued the opportunity to learn from the very high experience level of the instructors. Their focus on what we need to know enhances safety along with practical applications of the technical aspects of the CJ. I plan to return.
Tom Warren
August 7, 2025 -
Great place! Everyone very friendly and helpful. Shane C
cradad
August 4, 2025Had the pleasure to work with the LOFT team to schedule a 560XL recurrent on short notice. A cancellation provided the opportunity to compare this experience with my initial 18mths ago. The upgrades to the facility were amazing, and their new instructors added great depth of knowledge to the team. A shout out to Tony, former Quantas 747 pilot, great working with you. From the front office to the sim techs, the support you provide to the experienced instructor staff makes for a winning combination. Highly recommended.
Chris Granger
July 31, 2025Exceptional training environment with excellent instructors and a concentration on safety and progression towards your goals. Full motion simulators are awesome. Staff is awesome. Well done all around. Don’t eat too many cookies.
Tim Smith
July 30, 2025I found the training extremely detailed and the simulator performance superior to the competition.
Matthew Pilgrim
July 2, 2025 -
2025: CE500 recurrent. Another excellent experience. LOFT is a well organized machine with personality with that individual touch. 2024: CE500 Single Pilot Exemption. Great experience throughout the entire process from scheduling, arrival, ground instruction, simulator instructors, debrief. Ultra sim. Encore differences course available if you need it. Hotels/food are nearby and a short walk. Izzy, Par, Maggie, Corie, Colin, Rick, Rachel, and the entire Loft team that I came in contact with – thank you for the exemplary experience. I’ll be back for those warm afternoon cookies!
David Henry
July 2, 2025Good training, good people. You can’t go wrong with LOFT. 5 stars and 2 👍👍
Phil White
June 29, 2025I had an amazing experience at LOFT! I went for my Citation CE-500 recurrent in their Citation Ultra simulator. All of their staff was absolutely amazing to work with. My training coordinator Maggie was great, all of my instructors, my TCE, and my seat support LOFT SIC. Great experience!
Kirk Hamilton
June 29, 2025I found the instructors to be very knowledgeable and current in what they were teaching. One of my best training experiences.
Bob Zook
June 28, 2025 -
LOFT always has great staff and knows how to keep a pilot proficient.
Michael Johnson
June 28, 2025Experienced aviators, sharing actual operational knowledge of the aircraft. Very strong instructor corps.
Brad Heck
June 27, 2025High quality experience yet again. Derek and staff hit it out of the park.
Robert Bell
June 24, 2025
