
Auxiliary Training
Beyond our core offerings, we also offer Differences, ATP Upgrades,
High Altitude Endorsements, RVSM, and Pinch Hitter Training.
Differences Training
Comprehensive Part 61 differences training for pilots flying or transitioning between different models under each type rating that we train.
1.) Remote Training
Complete your differences training from anywhere via live virtual sessions. Our instructors deliver the same comprehensive PowerPoint-based curriculum through video conferencing, allowing you to train without travel.
2.) On-Site Training
Train at our Carlsbad facility with an instructor for stand alone differences or during a training event.

Covered Type Ratings & Airframes
Differences training available for all airframes under each type rating.
CE-525 Type Rating
CJ series aircraft differences
- CE-525: CJ, CJ1, CJ1+, and M2
- CE-525A: CJ2 and CJ2+
- CE-525B: CJ3 and CJ3 +
- CE-525C: CJ4
CE-560XL Type Rating
Citation Excel and XLS series differences
- CE560XL (Excel)
- CE560XL (XLS)
- CE560XL (XLS+)
CE-500 Type Rating
Citation 500 series differences
- 500: Citation I
- 550: Citation II and Citation Bravo
- S550: Citation S/II
- 560: Citation V, Ultra, Encore, and Encore+
CL-30 Type Rating
Challenger 300 series differences
- Challenger 300
- Challenger 350
- Challenger 3500
Part 61 Differences Training
Instructor-led PowerPoint presentations covering all critical aircraft differences.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Our differences training is conducted under Part 61 regulations through detailed PowerPoint presentations delivered by experienced instructors. Each session covers the specific differences between aircraft variants within a type rating family.
Maneuver Differences
- Engine Start Procedures
- Takeoff and Rejected Takeoff Procedures
- Go-Around and Missed Approaches
Design Differences
- Weights
- Dimensions
- Speeds and Altitudes
System Differences
- Aircraft General
- Flight Controls
- Landing Gear, Brakes and Steering
- Pressurization
Avionics Differences
- Flight Instruments
- Autopilot
- Flight Management System
High Altitude Endorsement
The High Altitude Endorsement qualifies pilots to act as pilot in command of pressurized aircraft with a service ceiling above 25,000 ft MSL. Training combines classroom ground instruction with hands-on simulator time in an FAA-approved Level C or D Full Flight Simulator.
Course Format
- 2.5 hours of ground instruction
- 1 hour of simulator instruction
Ground Curriculum
- High altitude regulations and aerodynamics
- High altitude meteorology — thunderstorms, turbulence, cloud types
- Respiration and physical gas laws
- Hypoxia — types, signs, symptoms, and susceptibility factors
- Hyperventilation, trapped gas, and altitude decompression sickness
- Supplemental oxygen systems and mask types
- Pressurization systems and malfunctions
- Types of decompression — slow, rapid, and explosive
- Emergency descent procedures
Simulator Training
- High altitude maneuvers — steep turns, stalls, unusual attitude recovery
- Pressurization system malfunctions
- Rapid decompression and emergency descent procedures
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
Eligible pilots may complete their ATP practical test concurrently with any initial type rating course at LOFT. Accomplishing both milestones in a single checkride event with your initial, minimizing time away and maximizing training efficiency.
Prerequisites
- Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multiengine Instrument Rating
- ATP-CTP course completion certificate
- ATP written exam (passed)
- 1,500 hours total time (or applicable R-ATP minimums)
- All requirements of §61.153 and §61.159 satisfied
Combined Checkride
- Because all type rating checkrides are conducted to ATP Airman Certification Standards, adding your ATP check ride to the practical test is a natural and efficient option. Simply notify LOFT at enrollment so your examiner can be prepared accordingly.
What to expect on the oral exam
- Pilots pursuing a combined checkride should expect a more comprehensive oral examination. The TCE will evaluate both general ATP aeronautical knowledge per the ATP ACS and aircraft-specific systems, limitations, and procedures for the type rating being sought.
RVSM Training
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) training prepares pilots to operate safely in RVSM airspace between FL290 and FL410, where aircraft are separated by just 1,000 feet. Our ground-based course covers all regulatory requirements, operational procedures, and contingency planning needed for RVSM authorization.
Course Overview
- Ground training only in a classroom environment
- Instructor-led presentation format
- Covers flight planning, preflight, in-flight, and post-flight RVSM procedures-Includes contingency and emergency deviation procedures
Curriculum Topics
- RVSM regulations and airspace structure
- Wake turbulence awareness in RVSM airspace
- Altimetry system requirements and failure procedures
- Flight planning and aircraft RVSM approval verification
- Preflight and pre-entry equipment checks
- In-flight altitude monitoring and cross-check procedures
- Contingency procedures and ATC coordination
- Post-flight logbook and maintenance reporting
- Flight level deviation reporting requirements
Pinch Hitter Course
Designed for non-pilot passengers who regularly fly in light jets, the Pinch Hitter course provides the essential skills needed to take control in an emergency and safely land the aircraft. Training is conducted in our full-flight simulator with qualified LOFT instructors in a low-pressure, confidence-building environment.
Course Format
- 30-minute pre-briefing — systems orientation and emergency overview
- 1.5 hours in the simulator — hands-on practice of all procedures
- 30-minute post-briefing — debrief and Q&A
What You Will Learn
- Engaging and monitoring the autopilot
- Declaring an emergency and communicating with ATC
- Following ATC vectors to an airport
- Controlling heading and altitude using autopilot inputs
- Setting appropriate power for cruise and approach
- Extending landing gear and flaps for landing
- Disconnecting the autopilot and landing the aircraft
- Braking and bringing the aircraft to a stop
Who Should Attend
- This course is ideal for spouses, family members, or frequent passengers of owner-operators and corporate pilots who fly in light jets. No aviation background is needed. The course is built around simple procedures that passengers can execute under stress.
Schedule Your
Training
Whether you’re expanding your qualifications or meeting a regulatory
requirement, our auxiliary programs are available on demand
around your schedule. Contact us to get started.