Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2
Aircraft Phase Syllabus

A Level D simulator replicates aircraft behavior to within measurable tolerances and satisfies FAA qualification standards. It does not replicate: real atmospheric turbulence, actual ATC workload in live Class D airspace, the specific tactile control forces of the actual Citation CJ4 Gen2, the visual environment of KFXE RWY 13/31 on final approach, or the experience of managing a real type-certificated aircraft with real consequences for errors.

The aircraft phase closes that gap. Every hour logged here is actual flight time in type — logged under 14 CFR 61.51, signed by the Apex TCE, counted toward ATP minimums, employer turbine time requirements, and insurance in-type experience specifications. It is categorically different from simulator time.

The practical test is conducted in this aircraft, by an Apex TCE. The student who arrives at the practical test having flown the actual Citation CJ4 Gen2 in live KFXE operations is materially more prepared than one who has only flown it in a simulator. This is the design intent.

Click each session to expand the exercise list and stage gate. Sessions are sequential. Each session begins with a formal preflight briefing (weather, NOTAMs, session objectives, student self-assessment). Each session concludes with a structured TCE debrief documented in the training record.

KFXE operations — all sessions: ATIS 125.625 · Ground 121.9 · Tower 120.9 · Approach 124.0. All ATC communications are made by the student from Session 1. The TCE does not assist with ATC unless the student is workload-saturated during a genuine emergency.

Logging category: Turbine, Multi-Engine Land · Aircraft type: Citation CJ4 Gen2 · Type cert: CE-525

Time counted: Hobbs from engine start to shutdown. All time logged as dual received — TCE is the flight instructor of record. TCE certificate number and signature in the student's logbook for every session.

Session 1: VMC only — ceiling not below 3,000 ft AGL, visibility not below 5 SM at KFXE. No convective activity within 30 NM.

Sessions 2+: IMC permitted at TCE's determination — ceiling not below 800 ft / 2 SM at KFXE and destination. No convective activity within 30 NM. No icing conditions for non-FIKI aircraft.

TCE authority: The TCE has final go/no-go authority for every aircraft phase session. The student may not override this determination. Weather cancellations are rescheduled at no charge within the program timeline.