SAFETY PROCEEDURES & PRACTICES 1.0 - GENERAL The following procedures, established by Excell Aviation Inc., are for your safety. We ask that you follow them at all times. Any pilot who willfully disregards any limitations placed on them by their instructor, printed school policy, or FAA Regulation will be terminated from the school and no further flying will be permitted in Excell Aviation Inc. airplanes. 2.0 - PILOT QUALIFICATION AND CURRENCY A. Before acting as PIC in a company aircraft, customers must complete a. Student/Renter Information & Hold Harmless Agreement Form b. Appropriate aircraft checkout for the make & model flown c. Appropriate written tests (if applicable) B. Before acting as PIC in a company aircraft, customers must maintain currency in: a. Night flight (3 takeoff & landings to a full stop in the preceding 90 days)* Note see Night Flight section for PIC limitations b. Current IPC if they wish to fly under instrument conditions, otherwise, the customer must complete an Instrument Proficiency Check as per 14 CFR 61.57 c. The most complex airplanes they are authorized to fly based on their qualifications. Otherwise, to act as PIC, the customer must complete a flight review (14 CFT 61.56) in the most complex aircraft they are authorized fly. d. To act as PIC, pilots shall have accomplished three takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days in each category and class of aircraft they wish to fly. Pilots not meeting these qualifications must accomplish a re-currency check for that make and model aircraft e. Pilots shall fly with a company instructor to regain any currency. All endorsements will be maintained the Pilot/Renters folder 3.0 - DISPATCH The individual dispatching an aircraft will ensure the PIC has a completed Rental agreement on file which ensures: A. PIC has read the pertinent sections of this manual B. PIC has presented a valid government picture identification C. PIC Meets the currency requirements of Section 2-B D. PIC has a valid FAA Pilot Certificate E. PIC has a valid FAA Medical Certificate F. PIC has been checked out in the aircraft being dispatched by company flight instructors G. A student pilot will identify themselves as a solo student to an Excell Aviation Inc. instructor prior to checking out an aircraft for solo flight. H. An Excell Aviation Inc. flight instructor must be informed when a student pilot is conducting solo flight training. Aircraft will not be dispatched to a PIC or student unless/if: A. Authorization is verified B. Has an account in good standing C. He/She meets Pilot currency requirements D. If a student pilot makes an unscheduled landing, the aircraft will not be re-dispatched without an Excell Aviation Instructor or Owner s authorization. E. If any pilot makes a precautionary landing because of a suspected aircraft malfunction, the aircraft will not be re-dispatched unless approved by an Excell Aviation Instructor or Owner s authorization.
4.0 - PREFLIGHT ACTIONS A. Pilots shall not begin a flight unless there is sufficient fuel to complete the flight to the point of intended landing, fly from that airport to an alternate, and then fly after that for at least 1 hour at normal cruise consumption. Pilots will terminate the flight and land at the nearest appropriate airport if, at any time during the flight it appears the aircraft will not have at least 1 hour s fuel reserve. Student pilots conducting dual flight with company instructors will comply with FAR 91 fuel requirements. B. Unless weight and balance limitations dictate otherwise, pilots will takeoff with full fuel for any flight outside the local area as defined as exceeding 50 nautical miles from Shafter-Minter Field Airport (KMIT). C. Each passenger shall occupy a seat with an individual seat belt; children under 4 years old or less than 40 pounds shall occupy a Department of Transportation approved infant/child seat restrained by an individual seat belt. D. Pilots will be knowledgeable of weather, takeoff distance requirements for each flight, aircraft performance and limitations and aircraft weight & balance requirements. The pilot will not attempt to takeoff if aircraft performance is inadequate. E. Pilots will ensure loose items are secured prior to flight. 5.0 - GROUND OPERATIONS A. Pilots will not taxi, takeoff, or land on surfaces with standing water, snow & or ice cover. B. Fire extinguishers shall be readily accessible during aircraft refueling. Smoking is prohibited in, or within 50 feet of aircraft C. Pilots are personally responsible for escorting passengers on the ramp and to ensure the safety of all passengers while on the ramp. Passengers will not board or deplane when any of the aircraft engines are operating. D. Pilots will use the designated tow bar to move aircraft; use caution not to exceed the designated turn limit of the nose wheel, nor to push on the tail to move the nose of the aircraft. Pilots must park aircraft only in designated ramp area. Aircraft will be tied down, both main wheels chocked, flight control lock installed and all doors locked when parked E. Pilots shall treat all propellers as if the engine may start, pilots shall ensure: a. All passengers remain well clear of propeller arc b. Mixture is in the cutoff position c. Magnetos are off 6.0 - FUEL AND REFUELING A. Aircraft are rented wet ; i.e., the fees include gas and oil. Should the Pilot require fueling at a destination, Excell Aviation Inc. will credit the total charge for the fuel & oil at Epic s full service rate. All Excell Aviation Inc. aircraft are to be fueled with 100LL, oil type to be used can be found on the oil filler door sticker. (we use 15w50 aeroshell) B. Pilots shall not depart with less than half tanks of fuel. It is the Pilot s responsibility to verify fuel quantity visually. C. It is the Pilot s responsibility to ensure: a. the aircraft is grounded and chalked when it is being fueled b. that all aircraft power has been turned off prior to refueling c. cell phones are not used during refueling d. the aircraft is not refueled if thunderstorms are present in the airport vicinity 7.0 - ENGINE STARTING AND TAXIING
A. Aircraft Taxi and Ground Operations will be conducted according to the guidance in the Pilot s Operating Handbook (Aircraft Flight Manual) and the Aeronautical Informational Manual. B. Before starting engines pilots will turn on the rotating beacon, thoroughly clear the immediate area, and ensure nearby personnel are aware of the impending engine start. C. Pilots must use caution to prevent damage as a result of propeller blast. D. Pilots must be thoroughly familiar with engine fire procedures during start. Pilots should: a. Use caution not to over prime. b. In case of engine fire during start, follow manufactures guidance; however, do not endanger yourself or your passengers. c. Do not try to fight a fire if you have exited the aircraft E. When operating out of the Bakersfield Meadows Airport, pilots will perform all engine run-ups, and operational checks at the hold short line, or in the runup area, before taxing on to the runway. F. Pilots will obtain taxi clearance at controlled airports, or self announce taxi intentions at uncontrolled airports before leaving the parking spot. G. Pilots shall not taxi within 10 feet of an obstacle unless designated taxi lines, suitable for the make and model aircraft being operated, are used. H. Pilots shall not exceed 5 MPH taxi speed in congested areas, and 10 MPH in uncongested areas. I. Pilots shall not taxi when ground visibility is less than 1/8 SM. 8.0 -STUDENT PILOTS Solo Student Pilots shall not: A. Conduct a solo flight without a current "90 day instructor endorsement". It is the student s responsibility to confirm the 90 day currency requirement. B. No student pilot shall make an x-country flight, without a flight plan which has been reviewed by a Excell Aviation Instructor and on file with the nearest FSS and a copy of the flight plan left with an instructor. C. Participate in flight training with out a valid Third Class medical certificate D. Fly when the crosswind component exceeds 10 knots E. Fly when the surface wind exceeds 20 knots F. Fly in the traffic pattern when weather is less than 1500 Ceiling and 3 Miles Visibility G. Fly in the local training area when weather is less than 3000 Ceiling and 5 Miles visibility H. Fly Cross Country when the weather is or is forecasted to be less than 5000 Ceilings and 5 miles visibility I. Perform touch-and-go landings unless authorized to by their instructor J. Fly more than 10 hours solo or exceed 30 days without a dual proficiency flight. This flight will include all items listed in 14 CFR 61.87 (d) and (e) K. Fly solo between the hours beginning 1 hour before Sunset and ending 1 hour before Sunrise unless authorized by their CFI. L. Conduct simulated forced landings M. All solo flights must be approved by a Excell Aviation Inc. flight instructor. N. Student pilots must carry a current Los Angeles Sectional during local practice flights and the appropriate Sectional Charts for cross-country flights. These charts must be easily accessible from the front of the cockpit during flight. O. A student must carry their logbook, student pilot certificate and medical certificate with them at all times during solo flight. P. A student pilot shall not land at any airport unless specifically endorsed to practice at that specific airport (see your logbook). Q. No student pilot shall carry a passenger. 9.0 - PRACTICE AREAS
A. Student pilots must have specific airspace endorsements for travel in all class Bravo and Charlie airspace during solo flight. (See your logbook.) B. Student practice shall be limited to areas authorized by a Excell Aviation Inc. instructor. (See your logbook.) 10.0 - WEATHER MINIMUMS A. Day VFR minimums are 1,500 foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility for the local area, 2500 ceiling and 5 miles visibility for all other flights. B. Night VFR minimums are 3,000 foot ceiling and 5 miles visibility. C. Weather minimums for IFR takeoff shall be no lower than the lowest compatible circling minimums, both ceiling and visibility, at the departure airport or takeoff minimums listed in the Terminal Flight Information Publication for the airport, whichever are greater. D. Pilots shall comply with maximum crosswind component posted in the aircraft checklist. Student pilots will not fly solo when surface winds exceed 10 knots calculated crosswind unless authorized by their CFI. Pilots shall not takeoff when a tailwind component exceeds 10 Knots. E. Unless accompanied by a company instructor, flight will not be initiated if surface winds are forecast to be greater than 25 knots, and flights will be terminated as soon as practicable if surface winds exceed 25 knots. F. Flight under special VFR, as defined in FAR Part 91, is limited to special approval by an Excell Aviation Instructor. All other flights under these conditions must be flown IFR. 11.0 - NIGHT FLIGHT The following operations shall not be performed at night: A. Aerobatics B. Unusual attitudes, stalls, approach to stalls, or slow flight, except as required by a company syllabus of instruction, with an instructor that is qualified to act as PIC under instrument conditions in the aircraft. C. Operations at airports without runway lighting D. Simulated emergency training, to include forced landings, except to lighted runways E. Flight outside the local area unless the flight is operated under IFR, or the flight is required to be conducted under VFR by an approved syllabus of instruction and the instructor is qualified to act as PIC under instrument conditions in the aircraft used for the flight, or the Pilot has at least 75 hours as PIC F. Local VFR night flight, unless the pilot has logged at least 40 hours as PIC and maintains visual contact with an airport approved for night operations or holds a current instrument rating G. Simulated night instrument practice in the local area unless a second pilot, with night currency is onboard as a safety observer and has access to the flight controls H. Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO) 12.0 - OPERATIONS AT UNCONTOLLED AIRPORTS Pilots shall: A. Avoid extended holding delays across the hold line or in takeoff position B. Self-announce pattern position on crosswind, downwind, base, and final leg using the phraseology recommended in the Aeronautical Information Manual C. Only land at active airports listed in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) flight information publications, or those designated by the Flight Instructor/Owner D. Not takeoff or land on runways less than 2,000 feet long, or the sum of the computed aircraft takeoff and landing roll, whichever is greater
E. Not takeoff or land on runways less than 50 feet wide F. Over-fly (500' Above Ground Level (AGL) minimum) an uncontrolled airfield with unknown runway surface or approach conditions before landing. (Note: Not applicable to actual instrument approaches.) 13.0 GENERAL OPERATIONS DUAL/PIC/Solo students shall: A. Not fly below 1000 feet AGL (2000 feet in designated mountainous terrain) unless required by specific regulation, airspace restriction, for takeoff or landing, or when accomplishing requirements directed by an approved syllabus of instruction B. Not perform simulated forced landings unless required by company flight instruction training C. Not descend below 500 feet AGL unless the aircraft is established on a stabilized approach D. Not descend below 500 feet AGL during practice simulated forced landings, except to approved runways E. Ensure proper engine operation at least every 500 when performing simulated engine failures in single engine aircraft F. Not conduct aerobatic maneuvers including spins. G. Not perform stalls, turns over 45 degrees of bank, slow flight, or unusual attitudes below 1,500 feet AGL in single engine aircraft 14.0 - OTHER RESTRICTIONS Pilots shall not: A. Conduct formation flights B. Use company aircraft for towing aircraft or banners C. Use company aircraft for commercial purposes other than those that are performed and approved through the company. D. Takeoff with snow or frost on the aircraft E. Land on runways with snow or ice coverage F. Conduct simulated emergency procedures unless a company instructor is on-board the aircraft G. Fly outside the United States (lower 48) without specific approval from the company and insurance provider in advance. H. Carry any hazardous cargo I. Attempt to takeoff if they have made an off-airport landing J. Attempt to takeoff if they have made a precautionary landing for a suspected aircraft malfunction K. Conduct contact approaches unless an emergency exists requiring it L. Hand prop any aircraft M. Perform intentional in-flight engine shutdowns, except as provided in Section 13.E The PIC shall occupy the left front seat in side-by-side aircraft or the front seat in tandem aircraft, except when: A. Prohibited by the flight manual B. Weight and balance considerations dictate otherwise C. A pilot is enrolled in an instructor pilot training program and has been endorsed by a flight instructor for solo flight in either seat, and is flying under visual flight rules D. The pilot is a flight instructor flying under visual flight rules E. The pilot is a flight instructor conducting flight instruction or receiving/administering flight checks 15.0 - EMERGENCIES AND FIRE
A. Do not smoke on the flight line or in the aircraft at any time B. If a fire should occur on the ground, shut the engine down, turn off all electrical equipment, and notify an Excell Aviation Instructor as soon as possible. If a fire should occur in flight, land as soon as possible after the appropriate checklist has been accomplished. Any time that the pilot determines that an emergency situation exists, that pilot shall notify ATC and Excell Aviation as soon as possible. C. If a student pilot should make an off airport landing that student shall call Excell Aviation INC.., explain the circumstances and request instructions from a flight instructor employed by Excell Aviation INC... A certificated pilot shall call Excell Aviation INC.. if problems are encountered and dispatch themselves at their own discretion. Don't forget to notify FSS if you are on a flight plan. 16.0 - MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES A. The Hobbs sheet is part of the dispatch book that every pilot will take to and from the aircraft. It is used to record your flight time as well as transfer Hobbs readings from the current aircraft to the dispatch desk for tracking and ensuring that maintenance & billing is kept current. Each pilot will fill out the form in the following manner a. Date mm-dd-yy 01/01/2001 b. Name Instructor First and Last/Instructor First John Doe/Jack Moe c. Out (Hobbs) xxx.x 050.5 d. In (Hobbs) xxx.x 051.5 e. Total (Hobbs) x.x 1.5 B. Customers must indicate any issues with the aircraft either verbally or on the Squawk Sheets in each aircraft binder. C. It is the Student/Renter s responsibility to properly secure the aircraft: a. Gust lock in place or seat belt across the control yolk b. Seat belts tied across the seat c. All doors locked d. Plane properly tied down 17.0 - AIRCRAFT GROUNDING PROCEDURES Any pilot may ground an aircraft if, in the pilot s opinion, the aircraft is not airworthy. Pilots shall document grounding on the aircraft Squawk Sheet. The aircraft will not be placed into operation until released by an authorized A&P mechanic. 18.0 - SCHEDULING AIRCRAFT All scheduling of Aircraft and Instructors will be done online at: http://www.excellaviationinc.com and follow the Schedule link All instruction times will be scheduled for a minimum of two hours unless coordinated with the specific flight instructor and student. 21.0 - AIRCRAFT STATUS Excell Aviation Inc. will assist in confirming that the aircraft STATUS sheet in the aircraft dispatch book is current. The instructor will not allow any aircraft that is not current and or airworthy to be dispatched to a student pilot. Renters as PIC are responsible to also check status sheet. 22.0 - FEES
Payment is due at time of service unless other arrangements have been made. Excell Aviation Inc. shall advise students of outstanding account balances and shall not allow any additional training to occur until all fees and balances have been reconciled if late account balances are present. 23.0 - SAFETY POLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENT: to be signed by student / renter to indicate that he or she received the safety policies and understands them. A copy of this policy can be found online at http://www.excellaviationinc.com/documents.html Students/Renters must acknowledge they have read this document and agree to it s guidelines on the Student/Renter Information & Hold Harmless Agreement Form