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 HA-420 type rating practical test is conducted to the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the ATP certificate with a HA-420 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 HondaJet Elite II 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 HondaJet Elite II 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 ACS Areas of Operation completed to ATP practical test standards (not Private/Commercial) — Apex holds the type to ATP standard regardless of applicant certificate level
Oral examination conducted by Apex TCE: minimum 90 minutes covering all ACS knowledge areas; no critical areas unsatisfactory
Practical test conducted in the actual HA-420 aircraft (not the simulator) by Apex-designated TCE
Takeoffs and landings: within ±5 knots of target airspeeds; touchdown in first third of runway; directional control maintained
Instrument approaches: within ±100 ft altitude, ±5 knots airspeed, ±½ dot CDI/glideslope throughout final approach segment
Engine failure procedures: immediate recognition and correct initial action within 3 seconds; aircraft maintained within ±10° of heading, ±100 ft altitude during single-engine maneuvering
Emergency procedures: all required items completed in correct sequence without reference to checklist for memory items
G3000 avionics: demonstrated proficiency in flight plan loading, approach selection, autopilot management, and reversionary procedures without instructor prompting
No unsatisfactory grades in any area — any unsatisfactory requires remedial training and re-examination of that area before issuance of type rating
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 HA-420 type rating privileges. Apex conducts 61.58 checks in the Level D HA-420 FFS.
Apex annual recurrent — $15,000: 10 hours Level D FFS + 2 hours actual HondaJet Elite II 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.