This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
LOFT
Line-Oriented Flight Training
Line-Oriented Flight Training is a simulator training methodology in which crews practice realistic, full-mission flight scenarios that replicate actual line operations rather than isolated maneuver practice. A LOFT session typically covers an entire flight from pre-departure briefing through pushback, taxi, departure, cruise, arrival, and landing, with realistic ATC communication, weather, and traffic incorporated throughout. Abnormal or emergency situations may be embedded in the scenario without the crew being told in advance that they are coming, requiring them to manage unexpected events in the context of a complete operational flight rather than as a discrete drill.
LOFT was developed in the 1970s as part of the broader shift toward Crew Resource Management (CRM) training, recognizing that cockpit accidents often resulted from failures of teamwork, communication, and decision-making rather than technical skill alone. By replicating the full operational environment, LOFT allows evaluators to observe how crews prioritize tasks, communicate under pressure, manage workload, and apply CRM principles in realistic conditions. LOFT is a required element of Advanced Qualification Programs (AQP) approved by the FAA and Transport Canada, and is widely used in recurrent training programs at major airlines worldwide.