G400 — Aircraft Phase Syllabus

In this document

Why the Aircraft Phase Exists Session Syllabus — 16 Hours Total Flight Time Logging Weather Minimums — Aircraft Phase

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Section 1

Why the Aircraft Phase Exists

Phase 01

eLearning

Pre-arrival

Phase 02

Ground School

On campus

Phase 03

CPT

Cockpit trainer

Phase 04

FFS

Level D sim

Phase 05

Aircraft

Actual flight

Phase 06

Practical Test

TCE checkride

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 G400, 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 G400 in live KFXE operations is materially more prepared than one who has only flown it in a simulator. This is the design intent.

Section 2

Session Syllabus — 16 Hours Total

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.

Aircraft Session 1 — Preflight, Ground & Normal Operations (4 hrs)

4 hrs logged in type

Comprehensive exterior preflight: fuel quantity dipstick/sight gauge verification (not gauges only); engine inlet and exhaust visual; control surface freedom of movement; tire condition and brake disc inspection; static wicks; navigation and landing lights

Interior preflight: oxygen pressure; circuit breakers; avionics power-up sequence; ATIS receipt and altimeter cross-check

Engine start: normal sequence; FADEC monitoring; ITT/N1 limits during start; oil pressure rise

Before-taxi checklist; request taxi clearance from KFXE Ground (121.9); runway lineup checks; Before-Takeoff checklist

Normal takeoff: rotation at Vr 142–162 KIAS; initial climb attitude; gear retraction on positive rate

Climb to VFR practice altitude; transition to cruise configuration

Steep turns: 45° bank, ±100 ft altitude, ±5 KIAS, rollout on heading ±5°

Slow flight: configuration, control effectiveness, stall warning awareness

Stall recognition and recovery: approach configuration; departure configuration; recovery without secondary stall

Visual pattern at KFXE: downwind, base, final; Vapp 125–136 KIAS; threshold crossing height

Full-stop landing: touchdown technique; directional control; brake application; rollout to taxi speed

Repeat circuit if time permits; shutdown and post-flight inspection

Stage Gate — Aircraft Session 1 → Aircraft Session 2

All of the following must be satisfied and documented by the Chief Standards Pilot before Aircraft Session 2 is authorized:

Preflight completed without instructor prompting — all items per AFM/checklist
Takeoff within ±5 KIAS of Vr 142–162; directional control throughout
Steep turns: ±100 ft, ±5 KIAS, heading ±5° — ACS standard
Landings: main gear touchdown within ±200 ft of target zone; no bounced landings
ATC communications: all calls made by student; no unread-back clearances

Aircraft Session 2 — IFR & Avionics in Actual Aircraft (4 hrs)

4 hrs logged in type

IFR clearance readback; departure checklist; KFXE ground and tower communication (live ATC)

IFR departure: SID if applicable; departure frequency; assigned altitude; transponder

Climb to FL200+ in actual aircraft: FMS comparison to FFS (actual aircraft FMS vs simulator FMS — note differences)

Actual ATC environment: en route frequency changes, altimeter settings, traffic advisories

ILS approach KFXE RWY 13 or 31: approach brief; FMS loading; localizer capture; glideslope intercept; DA decision

RNAV/GPS approach: FMS loading; LNAV vs LNAV/VNAV; missed approach procedure

Go-around from low altitude: full power; flap retraction schedule; climb attitude

Full-stop landing: flare technique in actual aircraft (different from FFS feel); directional control

Stage Gate — Aircraft Session 2 → Aircraft Session 3

All of the following must be satisfied and documented by the Chief Standards Pilot before Aircraft Session 3 is authorized:

ILS approach within ±100 ft altitude, ±5 KIAS, ±½ dot CDI throughout final
FMS operated proficiently in actual aircraft without instructor assistance
All ATC communications correct and timely; no missed frequency changes
TCE debrief: no areas requiring additional aircraft training before Session 3 (if applicable)

Aircraft Session 3 — Advanced Operations & Cruise (4 hrs)

4 hrs logged in type

High-altitude cruise operations in actual aircraft: actual FMS at cruise altitude; ATC coordination

RVSM operations: height-keeping monitoring; altimeter cross-check; reporting procedure

SATCOM/HF radio operation in actual aircraft

System abnormal at cruise altitude (non-critical): TCE introduces minor system indication; student diagnosis and checklist reference

Stage Gate — Aircraft Session 3 → Aircraft Session 4

All of the following must be satisfied and documented by the Chief Standards Pilot before Aircraft Session 4 is authorized:

RVSM height-keeping demonstrated: ±60 ft of cleared altitude for minimum 15 minutes
System abnormal diagnosed and referenced correctly without unsafe condition

Aircraft Session 4 — Final TCE Evaluation & Sign-Off (4 hrs)

4 hrs logged in type

TCE-directed review of any items from Sessions 1–2 debrief requiring additional practice

One additional instrument approach at TCE discretion (type selected based on training needs)

Emergency procedure awareness at altitude (without actual engine shutdown): memory item recitation in cockpit; simulated checklist reference

TCE practical test readiness evaluation: formal go/no-go determination documented in training record

If readiness confirmed: aircraft phase complete; practical test scheduled

Stage Gate — Aircraft Session 4 → Practical Test

All of the following must be satisfied and documented by the Chief Standards Pilot before Practical Test is authorized:

TCE formal written readiness sign-off in training record
No outstanding deficiencies from any aircraft phase session
Logbook endorsement from TCE confirming completion of aircraft phase

Section 3

Flight Time Logging

Logging category: Turbine, Multi-Engine Land · Aircraft type: G400 · Type cert: GVII

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.

This time is real. It counts toward ATP minimums, employer turbine time requirements, and insurance underwriter in-type specifications. It is not simulator time. It cannot be substituted by FFS hours in contexts requiring actual flight time in type.

Section 4

Weather Minimums — Aircraft Phase

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.

Gulfstream G400Aircraft Phase Syllabus

Gulfstream G400
Aircraft Phase Syllabus