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A. RECORD OF REVISIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 5
B. LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES ........................................................................................................................................ 6
C. OPS-GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................. 7
AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 18 General ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 Minimum experience to act as PIC and PIC Solo (Helicopter R22) ................................................................... 18 SOLO FLIGHT ................................................................................................................................................ 19 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................... 20 ENGINE START-UP ......................................................................................................................................... 20 ENGINE SHUT-DOWN ................................................................................................................................... 20 POST-FLIGHT / SECURING ............................................................................................................................. 20
E. OPERATIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS COMPANY ............................................................................................................ 21
DESIGNATED TRAINING / PRACTICE AREAS ............................................................................................................................ 21 Practice area A (“The Academy”) .................................................................................................................. 21 Practice area B (“East Hills”) ......................................................................................................................... 21
AIRPORTS USED FOR FLIGHT TRAINING ....................................................................................................................... 22
F. MANEUVERS MANUAL ......................................................................................................................................... 22
G. SAFETY NOTICES ................................................................................................................................................... 22
H. ADVISORY CIRCULAR AC 90-48C ........................................................................................................................... 23
I. AC 90-48C ............................................................................................................................................................. 29
J. WAKE TURBULENCE AVOIDANCE .......................................................................................................................... 30
K. TRAINING COURSE SYLLABUS ............................................................................................................................... 32
Specialized Helicopters, inc. located at the Watsonville Airport, Watsonville California, holds Air Agency Certificate No. _____________, and is owned and operated as: Specialized Helicopters 150 Aviation Way, Suite 101 Watsonville, Ca. 95076
COURSE TITLES
Each course of training under FAR part 141 will have a course name that corresponds to the FAR part 141 appendix appropriate to the training course the student is enrolled in. Our Current lists of approved courses are:
1. Private Pilot – Airplane (FAR §141 Appendix B) 2. Private Pilot – Helicopter (FAR §141 Appendix B) 3. Instrument Pilot – Airplane (FAR §141 Appendix C) 4. Instrument Pilot – Helicopter (FAR §141 Appendix C) 5. Add-on Instrument Pilot-Airplane (FAR §141 Appendix C) 6. Add-on Instrument pilot – Helicopter (FAR §141 Appendix C) 7. Commercial Pilot – airplane (FAR §141 Appendix D) 8. Commercial Pilot – Helicopter (FAR §141 Appendix D)
GENERAL
This Manual is one of the 3 listed below that are used to meet all of the curriculum requirements for the FAR part 141 course of training the student has selected to be enrolled into.
1. Student Operations Manual (SOM), [this manual] 2. Course Syllabus 3. Aircraft Maneuvers Guide –[specific to each category of aircraft]
The student materials provided in each course will include these 3 documents for each course of training that you enroll in. The SOM will be exactly the same for any course we offer but the course syllabus and maneuvers guide will change depending on the course of enrollment. The SOM is used for both Helicopter and Airplane students. As both aircraft categories are used in our daily operations and operated from the same ramp space, it is advisable to have general knowledge of both areas for safety purposes. The company SOM will be your general guide to the day to day operations that will help you learn
while keeping safety as a primary concern. It will assist you with knowing how the facility works and the rules and regulations that apply throughout the learning and flying process.
The SOM will also have any updates, in the appropriate section of this manual, for any updates or changes that would be required in our syllabus or maneuvers guides. The course Syllabus is a separate document specific to the course of training. This syllabus is a
guide to the training content, lessons and structure of your selected course of training. Any updates or changes that might be required prior to a full version change will be in the SOM under the appropriate section of this manual for each course or on the appropriate website listed in the update section of this manual below. The maneuvers guide is a general reference on how to fly each maneuver. This might include a manual on how to fly basic turns to how to maneuver the aircraft under instrument conditions. This manual is included in the course materials and books for each course.
TCO UPDATE RESOURCES
Specialized Helicopters makes every effort to deliver the most current information available when distributing each TCO. From time to time the FAA, text book publishers and other sources change or update information. Often these changes are not reflected prior to a major revision or change to text books or materials. In order to manage updates correctly this school has established several functions to assist with keeping our student materials and TCO’s as current as possible. Depending on the course you are enrolled in, you can use the following web address or sections in this manual to ensure you have the most up to date information thought your course of training. Prior to issuing a student the course materials, our Chief Flight Instructor will check and insert any updates into the appropriate section as required. This can also be done thought the training course if changes occur. - All ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.) provided materials- Goto www.asa2fly.com and find there “updates” section. Click on the appropriate materials and print the update pages offered. - In house Materials – Goto the last sections of this manual and find any attached pages or materials in the section for your course.
Ground instructional facilities are located in Specialized Helicopters facility, located at Watsonville Airport, Watsonville, California. Training space consists of 1 training room, 13 feet by 14 feet, 3 private offices and a classroom sized 16 feet by 16 feet. An additional weather briefing room is equipped with 1 computer that allows the students to obtain weather and DUAT information and includes internet access. Each training space has a table and chairs for student and instructor. The classroom has accommodations for up to 10 students and each training office can accommodate up to 2 students if needed but are designed for 1 student at a time. The rooms are designed and located so that students will not be distracted by instruction conducted in the other rooms or by flight and maintenance operations at the airport. Specialized Helicopters has many instructional training aids to assist in the learning process. These include; DVD/VCR player, large selection of aviation training Videos, 3 Computers for students use, loaded with internet and weather software, Model helicopters, many actual parts from helicopters for demonstration of parts and systems to students, 10’x4’ Dry erase board, Overhead projector and more.
Watsonville Airport is the main operations base for training in this course. It has a hard-surfaced runway which meets the requirements of FAR § 141.38 for day and night flight operations. Maintenance services are available 24 hours. Fuel service is available 24 hours.
AIRPORT FACILITIES
Classrooms, weather briefing, training and office areas are equipped with windows, air-conditioning, heating and includes 2 restrooms for Men and Women including a shower. Each room is well ventilated and conforms to the city of Watsonville building, sanitation and health codes. The facility includes a pilot briefing area; the briefing area is equipped with Internet service, computer, a printer and a standard line telephone for obtaining weather briefings from the Flight Service Station (FSS). The facilities are used exclusively by students, airtaxi pilots, aircraft salesmen, itinerant pilots, and regular customers. The briefing areas have a full set of aeronautical charts, including the current AIM. Wall maps with a mileage indicator depict the entire training area. The local practice areas are shown and described on a detailed chart posted on the wall.
AIRCRAFT
Robinson Helicopters, Cessna or Mooney will be used for all flight training courses. These aircraft will meet the requirements of FAR § 141.39. Radio equipment will consist of at least one 360 channel transceiver and a 4096 code transponder with Mode C capability. Each helicopter and airplane is equipped for day and night VFR flying as specified in FAR 91.205.
Holds Current: Commercial Pilot Certificate, Flight Instructor Certificate; inclusive of appropriate category privileges, Second Class Medical Certificate. Has held the above described Flight Instructor Certificate with all aforementioned privileges for at least 24 months and has at least 500 hours of instruction given and at least 1,000 of PIC time logged.
Holds Current: Commercial Pilot Certificate, Flight Instructor Certificate; inclusive of appropriate category privileges, Second Class Medical Certificate. Has held the above described Flight Instructor Certificate with all aforementioned privileges for at least 12 months and has at least 250 hours of instruction given and at least 500 of PIC time logged.
Minimum Flight Instructor Requirements
Holds Current: Commercial Pilot Certificate, Flight Instructor Certificate; inclusive of appropriate category privileges, Second Class Medical Certificate. Has logged at least 200 hours total time in the appropriate category of aircraft that instruction will be given in.
Named Chief Flight Instructor – Helicopter (All Helicopter Courses)
Christopher C. Gularte, exceeds the above listed requirements.
Named Chief Flight Instructor – Airplane (All Airplane Courses)
Jonathon E. Thornton, exceeds the above listed requirements.
Named Assistant Chief Flight Instructor Helicopter (All Helicopter Courses)
Nicholas E. Siegel, exceeds the above listed requirements.
Flight Instructors
All flight instructors meet and/or exceed the above listed requirements and will be assigned by the chief flight instructor after initial training and testing for each course that Part 141 instruction will be given.
The information in this section is designed to give the student a general knowledge of the
safety procedures used by Specialized Helicopters. In the event you do not understand any part of this section you are required to talk with your flight instructor to insure knowledge of each area in this section.
The student’s flight instructor and Specialized Helicopters staff will cover, on a continuing basis,
the information provided in this section.
It is the students responsibility to maintain a “safety first” attitude toward flight training by adhering to this safety procedures and practices section. Specialized Helicopters reserves the option to remove the student for any violation to this section at its’ sole discretion.
Smoking / Alcohol
□ Smoking is not allowed in the vicinity of the aircraft or fuel trucks. IE: At least fifty (50) feet. Students will observe strict fire precautions while in the vicinity of the aircraft or hangar. Students will acquaint themselves with the location and operation of the fire extinguisher. In the event of an engine fire, students will follow the emergency procedure, which is detailed in the aircraft’s operating handbook.
□ Alcohol consumption is not allowed at the facility.
□ Students will not be allowed to fly or take any instruction if within the preceding 8 hours they have consumed alcohol.
□ Only authorized company instructors may instruct in company aircraft.
□ Commercial use of company aircraft, such as giving or receiving instruction by a non-company instructor, or conducting photography, or survey by you or your passenger, is expressly forbidden.
□ At all times, the student must comply with all FAA regulations, federal and state laws, municipal laws, all limitations made by the flight instructor, and all requirements and limitations placed on the student. Prior to each flight the student will check to make sure the flight can be completed without violations to these areas. □ Each pilot will check the squawk status of the aircraft prior to each flight. Any discrepancies must be noted and reported to your CFI immediately.
□ The student will be present when any refueling of the aircraft is being performed. This gives you a chance to make sure the proper amount; type and refueling procedures are followed. Prior to commencing of flight, student shall ascertain that both fuel caps are properly secured. Any engine oil that is needed can be added by the student after verifying proper grade with a CFI.
□ It will be the student’s responsibility to make sure weight and balance computations are within limits and the take-off weight is recorded. Also the performance and capabilities of the aircraft will be observed using the POH.
Currency Requirements
□ All currency requirements according to the FAA regulations apply. Additionally, in order to fly solo, the student is required to take a company Safety Checkout every 30 days unless the pilot has flown dual with a company instructor within that 30 day period and has been found competent to fly the aircraft.
Flight Planning
□ Any non-rated student pilot is required to file an FAA flight plan for every flight of more than 50 NM distance from Watsonville Airport. For rated pilots the requirement is 100nm or more.
□ The student must obtain a complete weather briefing, including local area NOTAMs, for each flight. Company aircraft are not authorized to be flown outside the Continental US.
□ A fuel reserve of 20 minutes for helicopters day or night VFR and airplanes require 30 minutes
Day VFR or 45 minutes at night or under IFR. The student will order fuel accordingly.
□ Before starting the engine of a company aircraft the student will inspect the aircraft, its equipment and accessories. The student agrees not to accept the aircraft until satisfied as to its airworthiness and proper function.
□ No maintenance of any kind is authorized without prior approval from company maintenance
personnel. □ Each student shall check the squawk status of the aircraft prior to each flight. All discrepancies
before and after the flight shall be recorded in the appropriate manner on the squawk sheet.
□ The student must be checked out through a dispatch or a company Instructor prior to keys being issued. This is required for all flights (dual or solo).
Aircraft Operations
General
□ In the event of a precautionary landing, notify the company as soon as possible. The pilot in command is responsible for the aircraft until released by someone from the company. □ All pilots shall fly at an altitude consistent with FAR 91.119 – Minimum Safe Altitudes
□ Before the student takes the controls for the first time after the initial introduction training, he/she will adhere to the following positive exchange of the flight controls. When the instructor gives the command “I have the controls” the student will immediately relinquish the controls to the CFI, and reply, “you have the controls”. The instructor will then confirm by again stating, “I have the controls.” This will be practiced on a regular basis until the student’s reaction is appropriate. □ Over water flights are not permitted unless the aircraft is within power off glide distance of a suitable landing site on shore and free of persons or property. The only exception is during Dual instruction with life vests donned and during IFR training.
□ All ground operations are to be conducted in the safest manner possible. Pilots are responsible for their rotor down wash/prop wash. □ Passenger loading or unloading while the aircraft is running is prohibited. “Running” means “while the prop or rotor blades are turning.” You may not exit the aircraft for any non emergency reason while the prop or rotors are turning.
Minimum experience to act as PIC and PIC Solo (Helicopter R22)
The pilot of an R22 helicopter must have the following minimum experience and adhere to the following conditions to act as PIC:
A. Prior to any solo flight in the R22, all student and non-helicopter rated pilots must receive at least 20 hours of dual instruction in Robinson helicopters, of which at least 10 hours are in the R22
□ All training is to be conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation regulations. No student pilot may be authorized to start a solo practice flight from an airport until the flight has been approved by an authorized flight instructor whom has issued all appropriate endorsements for the flight and is present at that airport.
□ No emergency procedures of any kind may be practiced unless an instructor from the company is on board the aircraft.
□ No student will carry a passenger while on a solo training flight. Any student found to have done so will be reported to the Federal Aviation Administration and terminated from the program.
□ When taxiing to and from the Specialized ramp area the student will use standard taxiway procedures and be aware of the prop or rotor wash and its effects on other aircraft. Students will give way to taxiing aircraft and inbound helicopters. Helicopters will hover at a five (5) foot skid height or as instructed by their instructor.
□ Solo training flights will be conducted in VFR weather conditions only. Solo students may not fly if the wind velocity is greater than fifteen (15) knots or in gust spreads of over ten (10) knots unless superseded by a logbook endorsement. No solo flight will be dispatched unless the ceiling is at least one thousand (1,000) feet AGL and visibility is at least three (3) miles.
□ Pilots will not fly at an altitude of less than five hundred (500) AGL while on cross-country training flights, except for the purpose of take-off or landing.
□ Solo students are not permitted to make off airport landings except for precautionary landings, unless endorsed in their logbook by their CFI to do so.
□ An official VFR flight plan must be filed for all solo cross-country flights. □ Students will exercise the utmost caution when operating in the vicinity of other aircraft, either on the ground or in flight. When in flight, students will follow the collision avoidance procedures as outlined in FAR 91.111, 91.113, and will practice the proper scanning technique as described in the Aeronautical Information manual paragraph 8-1-6 and 8-1-8.
□ If any damage is claimed by others and is caused by the student due to any violation of company, FAA, State of California rules, regulations, laws or the student exercises poor judgment in regards to the Airman’s information manual (AIM), the student may be liable for damages personally.
□ You are required to know the published manufacturer ’s and company limitations of the aircraft and to operate within them.
□ For Helicopters - You must occupy the right seat and remove all flight controls for the left seat unless accompanied by a company instructor.
□ Should a student have to make a precautionary landing for any reason, he/she will notify the company immediately at (831) 763-2244 and wait for further instructions. □ You must call for authorization and instructions before repairs are made away from the Watsonville Airport.
□ All students are required to have a complete knowledge of all emergency procedures prior to solo. Refer to the aircraft POH (Pilots Operating Handbook) or AFM (Aircraft Flight Manual) for a series of Emergency procedures specific to the make and model of the aircraft you will be flying.
ENGINE START-UP
□ All pilots will clear the immediate area of the aircraft prior to starting.
□ Students will not start the aircraft without the instructor’s permission.
□ Damage to the aircraft can be caused by improper control, throttle or inadvertent pilot action. Students must pay particular attention to this during start-up. Students will only start the engine after a complete cockpit check has been performed.
□ Helicopters only- ensure the throttle is completely closed prior to engine start.
ENGINE SHUT-DOWN
□ Students will remain in the aircraft with seat belt fastened while the rotor blades or prop are moving. After engine and props or rotors have stopped, it is the responsibility of the student to tie down the aircraft after shut down (helicopter – apply rotor brake). Students will not leave the aircraft unattended with the keys left in it under any circumstances.
POST-FLIGHT / SECURING
□ After securing the aircraft, a post flight walk-around of the aircraft will be performed to check for oil leaks, loose or lost fuel caps, tire damage or other problems not noted prior to departure. Any findings will be reported to your CFI or squawked appropriately.
This company utilizes practice areas defined by the depiction in the included SF sectional chart picture below. Any students entering or exiting the practice areas will self announce on the appropriate CTAF frequency while conducting operations in the training area. The announcement will consist at a minimum of; Tail number, name of practice area, your present position and altitude plus any information that should be included for safe flight in those areas. All students will maintain vigilance and a “safety first” attitude while working in the practice area. Any company aircraft in the area shall respond with an announcement of identification and position and update that position as often as necessary to maintain separation of aircraft of at least 500’ in all directions at all times.
Practice area A (“The Academy”)
Top = 1,500 MSL / avoid over water operations and be vigilant of aircraft in the vicinity.
Practice area B (“East Hills”)
Top = 3,500 MSL / remain 1/2 mile from homes, cattle and vehicles
J. WAKE TURBULENCE AVOIDANCE Wake Turbulence Avoidance - The Problem All Pilots are taught to be aware of wake turbulence. However, recent incidents indicate that pilots need to keep in mind how severe wake turbulence can be. In any event, wake turbulence is still out there and it can put a pilot and the aircraft at risk. This page was prepared as a reminder to pilots, to make them aware of wake turbulence and how to best avoid it. Remember, the best defense against wake turbulence is to know and avoid areas where it occurs. What is Wake Turbulence? All Aircraft produce wake turbulence. Wake vortices are formed any time an airfoil is producing lift. Lift is generated by the creation of a pressure differential over the wing surfaces. The lowest pressure occurs over the upper surface and the highest pressure under the wing. This pressure differential triggers the rollup of the airflow aft of the wing resulting in swirling air masses trailing downstream of the wingtips. Viewed from behind the generating aircraft, the left vortex rotates clockwise and the right vortex rotates counterclockwise. The intensity or strength of the vortex is primarily a function of aircraft weight and configuration (flap setting etc.). Heavy aircraft, flying slowly, in a clean configuration, produce the strongest vortices. For example, a large or heavy aircraft that must reduce its speed to 250 knots below 10,000 feet and is flying in a clean configuration while descending, produces very strong wake. Extra caution is needed when flying below and behind such aircraft. Induced Roll - The Greatest Hazard While instances where wake turbulence caused structural damage have been rare, the greatest hazard is induced roll and yaw. This is especially dangerous during takeoff and landing when there is little altitude for recovery. Short wing span aircraft are most susceptible to wake turbulence. The wake turbulence-induced roll rates can be extreme. Countering roll rates may be difficult or impossible even in a high performance aircraft with excellent roll control authority. Parallel or crossing Runways - Stay Heads Up for the Wake During takeoff and landing, the vortices sink toward the ground and move laterally away from the runway when the wind is calm. A 3 to 5 knot crosswind will tend to keep the upwind vortex in the runway area and may cause the downwind vortex to drift toward another runway . At altitude, vortices sink at a rate of 300 to 500 feet per minute and stabilize about 500 to 900 feet below the flight level of the generating aircraft. Helicopter Wake Helicopters also produce wake turbulence. Helicopter wakes may be of significantly greater strength than those from
Stay On or Above Leader's Glide Path Incident data shows that the greatest potential for a wake vortex incident occurs when a light aircraft is turning
from base to final behind a heavy aircraft flying a straight-in approach. Use extreme caution to intercept final above or well behind the heavier
Warning Signs Any un-commanded aircraft movements (i.e., wing rocking) may be caused by wake. This is why maintaining situational awareness is so critical. Ordinary turbulence is not unusual, particularly in the approach phase. A pilot who suspects wake turbulence is affecting his or her aircraft should get away from the wake, execute a missed approach or go-around and be prepared for a stronger wake encounter. The onset of wake can be insidious and even surprisingly gentle. There have been serious accidents where pilots have attempted to salvage a landing after encountering moderate wake only to encounter severe wake vortices. Pilots should not depend on any aerodynamic warning, but if the onset of wake is occurring, immediate evasive action is a MUST! How to Avoid Wake Turbulence
1. Takeoff If you think wake turbulence from the preceding aircraft may be a factor, wait at least 2 or 3 minutes before taking off. (See AIM para. 7-58 b & c). Before taking the runway, tell the tower that you want to wait. Plan your takeoff to liftoff before the rotation point of the preceding aircraft.
2. Climb If you can, climb above the preceding aircraft's flight path. If you can't out climb it, deviate slightly upwind, and climb parallel to the preceding aircraft's course. Avoid headings that cause you to cross behind and below the preceding aircraft.
3. Crossing If you must cross behind the preceding aircraft, try to cross above its flight path or (terrain permitting) at least 1,000 feet below.
4. Following Stay either on or above the preceding aircraft's flight path, upwind, or at least 1,000 feet below.
5. Approach Maintain a position on or above the preceding aircraft's flight path with adequate lateral separation.
6. Landing Ensure that your touchdown point is beyond the preceding aircraft's touchdown point, or land well before a departing aircraft's rotation point.
7. Crossing Approaches When landing behind another aircraft on crossing approaches, cross above the other aircraft's flight path.
8. Crosswinds Remember crosswinds may affect the position of the vortices. Adjust takeoff and landing points accordingly.
9. Helicopters Helicopter wake vortices may be of significantly greater strength than fixed wing aircraft of the same weight. Avoid flying beneath the flight paths of helicopters
The following pages or course books will act as your guide to completing this specific course of instruction. It will include both Ground and Flight instruction outlines, training times and many other important items to help guide you through the process.
Your instructor will explain the process and materials in this outline and give you a clear understanding of the many parts required for training under this type of syllabus.
You will use the course syllabus along with the TCO update section appropriate to your
course to ensure completion of the FAR part 141 required training times along with assisting you in your day to day education.
In some areas of the courses syllabus you might find overlapping materials, information or references to other books or materials, don’t be alarmed, this is normal and a regular part of the aviation training system to ensure complete learning.
Ensure you have the correct Manual, Syllabus and maneuvers guide for each course you are enrolled in.
Ensure they are the current edition or version.
Check the following update pages for the appropriate course you are enrolled in to be sure you have current information.