Section 1
Regulatory Standard
Phase 01
eLearning
Pre-arrival
Phase 02
Ground School
On campus
Phase 03
CPT
Cockpit trainer
Phase 05
Aircraft
Actual flight
Phase 06
Practical Test
TCE checkride
The CE-525 type rating practical test is conducted to the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the ATP certificate with a CE-525 type rating. Apex holds the standard to ATP regardless of the applicant's certificate level — a Commercial Pilot receiving a type rating must demonstrate ATP-standard performance in all aircraft tasks.
The practical test is conducted by an Apex Training Center Evaluator (TCE) in the actual Citation CJ4 Gen2 aircraft at KFXE. The TCE has FAA-issued authority to conduct the practical test. The result is entered into IACRA and generates a temporary certificate immediately on the day of the test if passed.
The student does not schedule the practical test. The TCE schedules it upon determination of readiness following completion of all aircraft phase sessions and the TCE sign-off.
Section 2
Performance Standards — Maneuver Tolerances
The following standards apply to the practical test in the actual Citation CJ4 Gen2 aircraft. These are Apex-specific standards which meet or exceed the ACS minimums. Where Apex specifies a tighter tolerance than the ACS (e.g., ±50 ft at DA vs ACS ±100 ft), the tighter standard applies.
All CE-525 ACS Areas of Operation completed to ATP practical test standards
Oral: minimum 90 minutes; all ACS knowledge areas satisfactory; limitations committed to memory (Vmo, Mmo, Va, Vfe schedule, MTOW, structural limits)
Practical test conducted in actual CJ4 Gen2 by Apex TCE with full TCE designation authority
V1 cut demonstrated: aircraft maintained within ±5° heading, ±200 ft altitude through initial single-engine climb to 400 ft AGL
Instrument approaches: ±100 ft altitude at DA, ±5 KIAS, ±½ dot CDI throughout final
Thrust reverser deployment: correct technique on landing; no inadvertent deployment
Pro Line Fusion proficiency: demonstrated ability to load alternate approach in FMS during approach briefing without interrupting aircraft management
Section 3
Failed Practical Test
A Notice of Disapproval specifies the exact Areas of Operation in which unsatisfactory performance was demonstrated. Re-examination covers only the failed areas. Before scheduling re-examination, the student must complete additional training in the failed area(s), receive a new recommendation from the primary instructor and the Chief Standards Pilot, and have documented satisfactory performance in the failed area.
The re-examination TCE fee is the student's responsibility — the initial practical test TCE fee is included in the program price; re-examination is not. Additional training required between attempts is billed at Apex standard rates.
Section 4
Post-Completion Currency
14 CFR 61.58 annual proficiency check: Required within the preceding 12 calendar months to exercise CE-525 type rating privileges. Apex conducts 61.58 checks in the Level D CE-525 FFS.
Apex annual recurrent — $20,000: 12 hours Level D FFS + 2 hours actual Citation CJ4 Gen2 flight time. Satisfies 61.58 requirement. Includes all emergency and abnormal procedures currency. 2–6 days on campus depending on aircraft category.
Lapse: Under 6 months — 61.58 check only. 6–18 months — full recurrent. Over 18 months — Director of Training review; additional aircraft phase may be required.