POLICIES & PROCEDURES

01General Standards

The non-negotiables. These apply to every person who flies any Apex aircraft.

1.1 Pilot Certification

Every pilot operating an Apex aircraft must hold a valid FAA pilot certificate appropriate to the aircraft and operation, plus a current FAA medical certificate (or BasicMed where applicable). Sport Pilot operations are subject to FAR 61.303 limitations. Foreign certificates require a current 14 CFR 61.75 certificate or M-1 visa documentation on file with the Director of Training.

1.2 Currency Requirements

Beyond the FAA's regulatory minimums (FAR 61.56 flight review, 61.57 takeoffs/landings, instrument currency under 61.57(c)), Apex enforces additional currency standards for renter access:

• Single-engine piston (DA-20, DA-40 NG, Archer TX, SR-20, SR-22, SR-22T): 5 hours and 10 takeoffs/landings in type or category within the past 90 days, or recurrent training with an Apex instructor.
• Multi-engine piston (DA-42, Seminole): 3 hours in type within the past 60 days, or annual recurrent ground & flight evaluation.
• Turboprop (PC-12, M700, King Air): 6-month recurrent training cycle conducted in-house or at an approved Part 142 training center.
• Jet (SF50, Phenom 100EV): 6-month recurrent training plus annual line check. Type rating currency per FAR 61.58.

1.3 Drug, Alcohol & Fitness for Flight

Apex follows the FAA 8-hour bottle-to-throttle rule as an absolute minimum. Internal policy is 12 hours from any alcohol consumption to flight. The aircraft will not be released to any pilot whom the dispatcher, instructor, or front desk staff reasonably suspects of impairment from alcohol, prescription medication, recreational drugs, or fatigue. There is no appeal process at the dispatch desk — the flight is canceled and the pilot is invited to reschedule.

1.4 Personal Equipment

Pilots are expected to provide their own headset, kneeboard, current charts (paper or digital), and a functioning portable EFB. iPads & ForeFlight are recommended; Garmin Pilot is also supported. Apex provides aircraft headsets in each plane as backup only and does not guarantee their availability or condition.

02Student Pilot Policies

Enrolled student requirements and progression standards.

2.1 Enrollment Requirements

To enroll in any Apex training program, a prospective student must complete the following before the first lesson:

• Submit a complete application with valid government-issued ID
• Provide TSA AFSP citizenship verification (U.S. citizens) or AFSP fingerprinting and approval (foreign nationals)
• Complete a discovery flight or stage check with an Apex instructor
• Receive a current FAA medical certificate appropriate to the certificate sought (3rd class for Private/Commercial, 1st class for ATP-Ready programs)
• Sign the Apex Training Agreement and Liability Waiver
• Pay the program deposit (typically 25% of total program cost) or arrange financing through an approved lender

2.2 Stage Checks & Standardization

Every Apex Part 141 program includes mandatory stage checks at defined milestones (typically pre-solo, pre-cross-country, pre-checkride). These are conducted by a check instructor other than the student's primary CFI. Failure of a stage check requires remedial training and a re-check before progression.

2.3 Solo Authorization

Solo flight requires a current 90-day endorsement from the student's primary CFI, plus same-day weather and aircraft authorization from the dispatcher. Initial solos are restricted to KAPA traffic patterns only. Solo cross-country requires a separate FAR 61.93 endorsement and a pre-flight briefing with a CFI on duty.

2.4 Student Conduct

Apex students are expected to maintain professional conduct at all times. This includes punctuality (arriving 30 minutes before a scheduled lesson for preflight), thorough preparation, honest self-assessment, and respect for instructors, staff, and other students. The Director of Training may issue formal warnings or suspend training privileges for repeated violations.

03Rental Aircraft Policy

Effective July 1, 2026 — Apex aircraft are now available for rental to certificated pilots through our tiered membership program.

3.1 Eligibility

Rental privileges are available to pilots who meet all of the following:

• Hold a valid FAA Private Pilot certificate or higher (Sport Pilot accepted for DA-20 only)
• Hold a current FAA medical certificate or BasicMed
• Maintain Apex's currency standards as defined in §1.2
• Carry renter's insurance meeting the minimums defined in §5
• Complete an Apex aircraft checkout in each model to be rented (see §6)
• Active membership in good standing at the appropriate tier (see §4)

3.2 Hobbs Time & Billing

All Apex rentals are billed in Hobbs time, charged in tenths of an hour. Rates are wet — fuel and oil are included at all KAPA-based operations. At away airports, the renter is responsible for purchasing fuel and Apex will reimburse at the average KAPA fuel price for the month. Receipts must be submitted within 7 days of the flight.

3.3 Daily & Trip Minimums

• Local rentals (return to KAPA same day): 1.0 Hobbs hour minimum
• Day-trip rentals (away <12 hours): 2.0 Hobbs hours per calendar day
• Multi-day rentals: 3.0 Hobbs hours per calendar day, regardless of actual flight time

3.4 Approved Use

Rental aircraft may be used for personal travel, recurrent training with an Apex instructor, currency flights, and pleasure flying. Prohibited uses include: commercial operations of any kind, towing, banner/glider tow, aerobatics outside designated aerobatic aircraft, intentional spins outside utility-category aircraft, low-pass formation flight, and any operation outside the aircraft's certificated envelope.

04Membership Tiers

Three tiers of access. No commitment beyond month-to-month after the initial 90-day period.

05Insurance Requirements

Renters must carry their own renter's insurance. Apex's commercial hull policy does not extend to renter liability.

5.1 Minimum Coverage

5.2 Approved Carriers

Avemco, AOPA Insurance Services, Falcon Insurance, and Starr Aviation are pre-approved. Other carriers may be accepted at the Director of Operations' discretion. A current Certificate of Insurance naming Apex Flight Academy as Additional Insured must be on file before any rental.

5.3 Apex Hull Coverage

Apex carries comprehensive hull insurance on every aircraft. The renter remains responsible for the deductible (up to the in-motion hull amount listed above) in the event of damage. Apex's commercial policy covers passengers and ground damage caused by the aircraft, but does not cover renter liability claims.

06Checkout Procedures

Every aircraft requires a model-specific checkout before solo rental.

6.1 Standard Checkout

For piston-single aircraft (DA-20, DA-40 NG, Archer, SR-20):

• 2.0–3.0 hours of dual flight with an Apex CFI
• Aircraft-specific written exam (40 questions, 80% pass)
• Demonstrated proficiency in normal & emergency procedures, including engine-out, electrical failure, and partial-panel scenarios
• Successful 3 takeoffs & landings to a full stop, including one short-field and one soft-field

6.2 High-Performance & Complex Checkouts

For SR-22 NA, SR-22T, DA-42, Seminole, and any aircraft requiring a high-performance or complex endorsement under FAR 61.31:

• 5.0–8.0 hours of dual flight
• Type-specific systems exam (60 questions, 85% pass)
• For Cirrus aircraft: CAPS training per Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) curriculum
• Demonstrated unusual attitude recovery, V_MC demos (multi), and one full-stop landing in gusty crosswind conditions

6.3 Turboprop Checkout

PC-12 NGX, King Air 250, and King Air B200 require a full type-rating-equivalent course, even though no FAA type rating is required for the PC-12 (single-engine, <12,500 lbs). Plan on 25–40 hours of ground/sim/flight depending on prior turboprop experience. Contact the Director of Training for a custom syllabus.

6.4 Recurrent Checkouts

If 12 months elapse without a flight in a given type, a re-checkout (typically 1.0–2.0 hours dual) is required before solo rental resumes. This is in addition to FAR 61.56 flight review requirements.

07Cancellation & No-Show Policy

Aircraft and instructor time are finite resources. Late cancellations cost the academy and the next student in line.

Weather cancellations initiated by the dispatcher or by the renter using the published Go/No-Go criteria (§8) carry no charge regardless of timing. Mechanical cancellations initiated by Apex carry no charge and the renter is offered first-priority rebooking.

Three no-shows in a 12-month period will result in suspension of scheduling privileges pending review by the Director of Operations.

08Weather & Go/No-Go Standards

Apex enforces conservative go/no-go standards above and beyond FAA minimums.

8.1 Solo Student Minimums

• Ceiling: 3,000 ft AGL or higher
• Visibility: 5 SM or greater
• Surface wind: 12 knots gusting no more than 5 kt above sustained
• Crosswind component: not to exceed 50% of the demonstrated crosswind for the aircraft
• No reported or forecast convective activity within 25 NM during the flight window

8.2 Renter Minimums (VFR)

• Ceiling: 2,000 ft AGL or higher
• Visibility: 4 SM or greater
• Surface wind: 18 knots gusting no more than 8 kt above sustained
• Crosswind: 75% of demonstrated crosswind

8.3 Renter Minimums (IFR)

• Ceiling at destination & alternate: 200 ft above lowest published minimums (or 600/2 if higher)
• Forecast freezing levels at or above flight altitude — no flight into known or forecast icing in non-FIKI aircraft
• No flight in or near forecast convective activity (CB, TCU within 20 NM of route)

8.4 Density Altitude (KAPA-Specific)

KAPA's field elevation is 5,883 ft MSL. On hot summer days density altitude routinely exceeds 9,000 ft. Apex enforces a published density-altitude performance check on all takeoffs above 8,500 DA, requiring the pilot to compute and brief takeoff distance, accelerate-stop distance, and climb gradient before departure.

09Fuel & Squawks

9.1 Fuel Policy

Aircraft are dispatched topped off unless otherwise noted on the dispatch sheet. Pilots are responsible for verifying fuel quantity during preflight and matching fuel to the planned mission with appropriate reserves (FAR 91.151 plus 30 minutes additional Apex reserve). Aircraft must be returned with a minimum of 1 hour fuel reserve at landing or topped off — whichever is greater.

9.2 Squawks & Discrepancies

Any in-flight or post-flight discrepancy must be reported immediately upon return using the Squawk Form (paper or app). Discrepancies fall into three categories:

• CAT-1 (AOG): Aircraft is unsafe for further flight. Aircraft is grounded immediately.
• CAT-2 (Deferred): Aircraft is safe under MEL but requires repair within 10 flight hours.
• CAT-3 (Monitor): Cosmetic, comfort, or non-airworthiness item logged for next inspection.

9.3 Damage Reporting

Any damage — even hangar rash or unexplained dings — must be reported in writing within 24 hours. Failure to report damage that is later attributed to your flight may result in full repair cost responsibility, suspension, or termination of rental privileges.

10Cross-Country & Overnight Rentals

Premier and Elite members may take Apex aircraft on overnight and multi-day trips with prior approval.

10.1 Cross-Country Checkout

Before any overnight or multi-day rental, the renter must complete an Apex Cross-Country Checkout, which includes:

• 2.0 hours of dual flight covering performance planning, alternate selection, and high-altitude operations
• Review of Apex's Away-Field Procedures (fueling, tie-down, hangar arrangements)
• Review of Apex's emergency contact procedures and after-hours dispatcher line

10.2 Daily Minimums Apply

See §3.3 for daily minimum Hobbs charges on multi-day rentals. The aircraft is unavailable to other members during your trip — the daily minimum compensates for that opportunity cost.

10.3 Tie-Down & Hangar at Away Fields

Renters are responsible for arranging and paying for tie-down or hangar at away fields. Aircraft must be hangared overnight if hangar space is available within 25 NM of the destination, or if forecast winds exceed 25 kt or hail is forecast within 50 NM. Tie-down receipts are reimbursable up to $50/night for Premier and $150/night for Elite tier.

10.4 Returning Late

The aircraft is due back at the time stated on the dispatch sheet. Late returns disrupt subsequent bookings. If you anticipate a late return, contact dispatch before the original return time. Unannounced late returns are billed at 1.5× the hourly rate for the overage period and count as a no-show event for repeated occurrences.

11Mountain & High-Altitude Operations

Colorado terrain is unforgiving. Apex requires specific training before flights above 10,000 ft MSL or into terrain-restricted airports.

11.1 Mountain Flying Endorsement

Required before any flight that crosses or operates within 10 NM of terrain above 10,000 ft MSL, or into any of the following airports: ASE, EGE, RIL, SBS, GUC, MTJ, TEX, LXV, AJZ, KGWS, K20V. Endorsement requires Apex's 8-hour Mountain Flying Course (4 hours ground, 4 hours flight) covering density altitude, mountain wind patterns, weather decision-making, and terrain escape maneuvers.

11.2 High Altitude Endorsement

Per FAR 61.31(g) for any operation above 25,000 ft MSL. Required for SF50, Phenom 100EV, M700 Fury, PC-12, and King Air operations to typical cruise altitudes. Includes hypoxia/decompression training and supplemental oxygen system familiarization.

11.3 Oxygen Requirements

Apex policy is more conservative than FAR 91.211: supplemental oxygen is required for all occupants above 12,500 ft MSL (vs the FAR's 14,000 ft after 30 minutes). Pulse oximeters are provided in every aircraft above the SR-20 class.

12Jet & Turboprop Access

12.1 Vision SF50, Phenom 100EV, M700 Fury

These aircraft are not part of the rental membership program. Access is through one of the following:

• Type Rating Program: Full FAA-approved syllabus per FAR 61.58. SF50 and Phenom require a single-pilot type rating; M700 requires high-performance and high-altitude endorsements.
• Transition Course: For pilots who already hold the type, a 5-day standardization course covering Apex SOPs, KAPA-specific operations, and recurrent items.
• Mentored Flight Program: Time-share-style access for owners considering an Apex-managed aircraft. Contact the Director of Charter Operations.

12.2 Currency for Type-Rated Aircraft

Per FAR 61.58 and Apex policy, type-rated pilots must complete a proficiency check within the preceding 12 calendar months in any type rating they wish to exercise. Apex offers in-house 61.58 checks for all SF50, Phenom, and King Air pilots.

12.3 Single-Pilot vs Two-Pilot Operations

SF50 and M700 are certified for single-pilot operations. Phenom 100EV is certified for single-pilot with type rating. King Air 250 and B200 require a two-crew operation under Apex SOPs unless the pilot completes the Apex Single-Pilot King Air program.

13Discipline & Termination of Privileges

Apex reserves the right to suspend or terminate flying privileges at any time, with or without cause.

13.1 Grounds for Immediate Suspension

• Any operation outside the certificated envelope of the aircraft
• Reckless operation, low passes outside published procedures, buzz jobs, or stunting
• Violation of an FAR resulting in an FAA Letter of Investigation
• Flight while impaired or with reasonable suspicion of impairment
• Falsification of currency, training, or insurance documentation
• Damage to the aircraft not reported within 24 hours
• Three no-shows or three late returns in a 12-month period

13.2 Review Process

Suspended pilots may request a review with the Chief Standards Pilot and the Director of Operations within 30 days. The review may result in reinstatement (with or without conditions), continued suspension, or termination of the membership. Membership fees are not refunded for suspensions resulting from cause.

13.3 Voluntary Termination

Members may terminate their membership at any time after the initial 90-day period with 30 days' written notice. Pre-paid hours and unused training packages are refundable on a pro-rated basis less a 10% processing fee.

14Privacy & Records

14.1 Pilot Records

Apex maintains training records, flight records, and currency documentation per the requirements of FAR 141.101 and 141.103, plus internal record-keeping for insurance, billing, and continuous improvement. Records are retained for 7 years from the last activity date.

14.2 PRIA Compliance

For pilots seeking employment in Part 121 or Part 135 operations, Apex complies with the Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) and the Pilot Records Database (PRD). Pilots may request a copy of their PRIA/PRD record at any time.

14.3 Personal Data

Apex does not sell personal data to third parties. We share necessary information with our insurance carrier, payment processor, and regulatory authorities (FAA, TSA, IRS) as required by law. Marketing communications can be opted out at any time. Full privacy policy available upon request.