STUDENT / EMPLOYEE /

CONTRACTOR
OPERATIONS MANUAL
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Purpose of Manual .................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Responsibilities and Revisions ................................................................................................................... 6
2. Departmental Responsibilities......................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Administration .......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.1 Partner/Manager................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1.2 Operations Manager ........................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Flight Department ...................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.1 Chief Instructor .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2.2 Assistant Chief Instructor ................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.3 Check Instructors ................................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.4 Flight Instructors ................................................................................................................................. 8
2.2.5 Dispatcher ........................................................................................................................................... 8
2.3 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................. 8
2.3.1 Organizational Structure ..................................................................................................................... 8
2.3.2 Director of Maintenance ...................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.3 Aircraft Maintenance Technician ......................................................................................................... 9
3. Safety Program ............................................................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Purpose.................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Philosophy ............................................................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Reporting Accidents and Incidents ........................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Reporting Hazardous Events or Observed Behaviors ................................................................................ 10
3.5 Fire Safety Precautions and Procedures.................................................................................................... 10
4. Scheduling .................................................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Aircraft Rental ......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 No Show Policy ........................................................................................................................................ 11
4.3 Aircraft Return ........................................................................................................................................ 11
4.4 Policy for CFI Lateness ............................................................................................................................. 11
5. Ramp Operations ........................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Starting Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 12
 5.3 Seatbelt Use ............................................................................................................................................ 12
5.4 Passenger Briefing ................................................................................................................................... 12
5.5 Taxiing Guidelines ................................................................................................................................... 12
5.6 Parking .................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.7 Ground Operation Restrictions ................................................................................................................ 13
6. Local Procedures ............................................................................................................................................ 13
6.1 General .................................................................................................................................................... 13
6.2 Weather Minimums ................................................................................................................................ 13
6.3 Traffic Patterns........................................................................................................................................ 14
6.4 Practice Areas and Limitations ................................................................................................................. 14
6.5 Touch and Go Landings ........................................................................................................................... 14
6.6 Class B Operations and Requirements ..................................................................................................... 14
6.7 Radio Communications............................................................................................................................ 15
6.8 Aircraft Avoidance Procedures ................................................................................................................ 15
6.9 Check In / Out Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 15
7. Pre / Post Flight Operations .......................................................................................................................... 15
7.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 15
7.2 Pilots “I’M SAFE” Checklist....................................................................................................................... 16
7.3 Equipment .............................................................................................................................................. 16
7.4 Aircraft Preflight...................................................................................................................................... 16
7.5 Pre / Post Flight Briefings ........................................................................................................................ 16
7.6 Local Fueling Procedures / Fuel Reserves................................................................................................. 17
8. Night Operations ........................................................................................................................................... 17
8.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 17
8.2 Night Solo Operations ............................................................................................................................. 17
9. Cross-Country Operations ............................................................................................................................. 17
9.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 17
9.2 Restrictions ............................................................................................................................................. 17
9.3 Cross-Country Flight Planning .................................................................................................................. 17
9.4 Fuel Requirements For Cross-Country Flights-Refer to FAR 91.151 .......................................................... 18
9.5 Dispatching Cross Country Flights ............................................................................................................ 18
9.6 Cross-country Departure and Enroute Operations ................................................................................... 18
9.7 Fueling Enroute ....................................................................................................................................... 18
9.8 Local Fueling Procedures / Special Fueling Requests ................................................................................ 18
9.9 Charges Reimbursed ............................................................................................................................... 18
9.10 Arrivals .................................................................................................................................................. 19
 9.11 Forseen/Unforseen Situations ............................................................................................................... 19
10. Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................... 19
10.1 Aircraft Care .......................................................................................................................................... 19
10.2 Aircraft Discrepancies ............................................................................................................................ 20
10.3 Operations With Inoperative Instruments or Equipment ....................................................................... 21
10.4 Inspections and Scheduled Maintenance ............................................................................................... 21
10.5 Airworthiness Directives and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness.............................................. 21
10.7 Procedure for Determining Airworthiness............................................................................................ 21
10.8 FSP Online Squawk Form ....................................................................................................................... 22
11. Emergency Operations ................................................................................................................................ 22
11.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 23
11.2 Deteriorating Weather .......................................................................................................................... 23
11.2.1 General .......................................................................................................................................... 23
11.2.2 VFR Flights ...................................................................................................................................... 23
11.2.3 IFR Flights ....................................................................................................................................... 24
11.3 Medical Emergencies ............................................................................................................................ 24
11.4 Airsickness ............................................................................................................................................ 24
11.5 Accident or Incident Notification Procedure .......................................................................................... 24
12. Restrictions and Limitations ........................................................................................................................ 26
12.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 26
12.2 Carriage of Firearms .............................................................................................................................. 26
12.3 Alcohol and Drug Restrictions ................................................................................................................ 26
12.4 General Flight Restrictions ..................................................................................................................... 26
12.5 Weather Restrictions ............................................................................................................................. 27
12.6 Thunderstorm Policy ............................................................................................................................. 27
12.7 Spin Restrictions .................................................................................................................................... 28
12.8 Single Engine Aircraft Restrictions ......................................................................................................... 28
12.9 Non-towered Airport Restrictions .......................................................................................................... 28
12.10 Towered Airport Restrictions ............................................................................................................... 28
12.11 Dual Instruction ................................................................................................................................... 28
12.12 Primary Student Operations ................................................................................................................ 28
12.14 Instrument Training Operations ........................................................................................................... 29
12.14.1 General......................................................................................................................................... 29
12.14.2 Simulated Emergencies................................................................................................................. 29
12.14.3 Basic Attitude Instrument Maneuvers (BAI) .................................................................................. 29
12.14.4 Unusual Attitude Maneuvers ........................................................................................................ 29
 12.14.5 Instrument Approaches ................................................................................................................ 29
12.15 Flight/Duty Time Restrictions .............................................................................................................. 30
12.16 Endorsements ..................................................................................................................................... 30
13. Training ....................................................................................................................................................... 30
13.1 Syllabus and materials ........................................................................................................................... 30
13.2 Record Keeping ..................................................................................................................................... 31
13.3 Flight Training Lesson Structure ............................................................................................................. 31
13.4 Ground Training .................................................................................................................................... 31
14. School Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 32
14.1 Acceptable Behavior.............................................................................................................................. 32
14.2 Company Morale ................................................................................................................................... 32
14.3 Illness .................................................................................................................................................... 32
14.4 Harassment ........................................................................................................................................... 33
14.5 Smoking ................................................................................................................................................ 33
Appendix A. Practice Areas Defined .................................................................................................................. 34
Appendix B. Safety/Accident Reporting Forms .................................................................................................. 36
1. Introduction

1.1 About Us
Great Planes Aviation L.L.C. was established in 2016 at Rochester International Airport in
Rochester, Minnesota. Great Planes is committed to providing clean, modern, well maintained aircraft
backed by seasoned flight instructors and highly experienced crew. For business or pleasure, travel is both
an experience and an investment. As your trusted advisor, we’ll help you develop a strategy that
maximizes your aviation investment. With Great Planes Aviation, you’re never tied to a single aviation
solution. Based on your training requirements/flight history, we’ll consider flight training, pilot services,
charter, membership, ownership or any combination of these services. By leveraging our internal
resources and tapping our network of preferred providers, we can offer the best possible options, even as
business conditions and your flight requirements change.

We will provide exceptional late-model, well-maintained, well-equipped, airworthy aircraft. We

want pilots to be able to enjoy their training and pilot privileges safely in a high quality aircraft they are
proud to fly and show their friends and family.

Our organizational philosophy is to provide services tailored to each customer’s needs whether
they be student, passenger or client. We want our customers, partners, and staff to be as passionate about
aviation and Great Planes Aviation as we are.

1.2 Purpose of Manual

The Great Planes Aviation Student, Contractor, Employ information, processes and procedures
within this document are designed to ensure safe, orderly, and efficient operation. Each person connected
with this operation is expected to fully comply with both the attitude and intent of these directives. It is
recognized that all possible situations cannot be foreseen; therefore, unusual situations will be evaluated
in light of the known circumstances and the judgment displayed by the persons involved.

1.3 Responsibilities and Revisions

This revision of the Student/Employee/Contractor Operations Manual (SECOM) supersedes all
previous editions. A current copy of the SECOM will always be available online.

Students and staff members of Great Planes Aviation are required to comply with the regulations,
policies, and procedures contained within this manual as well as the Minnesota state regulations and
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s). Failure to comply with any of the above may result in disciplinary
action including dismissal from partnership and/or employment.

Throughout the remainder of this manual, the term “student pilot” refers to a pilot who has not yet
attained the Private Pilot’s Certificate; the term “student” refers to anyone participating in a course of
training at Great Planes Aviation; the term “pilot” refers to students, instructors, staff, and anyone else
piloting a Great Planes Aviation aircraft.

2. Departmental Responsibilities
2.1 Administration

2.1.1 Partner/Manager
The duties of a Partner/Manager encompass all aspects of the operation of Great Planes Aviation.
Specifically, implementing and revising policies and procedures, strategic planning activities, managing
school staff, coordinating compliance issues and requirements with various monitoring agencies, and
developing, administering and revising information systems throughout the organization. The manager is
also responsible for the efficient operation of the aircraft fleet. In addition, the Partner/Manager is
responsible for answering and returning phone calls and email messages to the flight school as well as
maintaining all pilot documents and records. All customer questions and comments shall be the
responsibility of the Partner/Manager.

2.1.2 Operations Manager

The Operations Manager is responsible for the business operations of Great Planes Aviation.
Specifically, the Operations Manager will oversee the following.
1. Billing and invoicing customers
2. Accounts Payable and purchasing
3. Income reporting and taxes

2.2 Flight Department

2.2.1 Chief Instructor

The Chief Instructor must meet the minimum qualification requirements per 14 CFR 141.35.
Requirements for specific courses will be listed within the TCO for that course.

The Chief Instructor duties include:

1. Overall responsibility for the flight school training program.
2. Conducting initial and annual qualification checks of flight instructors, unless delegated to
the Assistant Chief Instructor or an approved stage check pilot.
3. Certification of student training records, graduation certificates, stage and final test reports,
and stage and final test recommendations. These duties are detailed in GPA’s Student
Training Record Certification process and may be delegated to the Assistant Chief
Instructor.
4. When training is taking place the Chief Instructor or designate will be available for
consultation in person or by phone, email, or text.

2.2.2 Assistant Chief Instructor

The Assistant Chief Instructor must meet the minimum qualification requirements per 14 CFR 141.36.
Requirements for specific courses will be listed within the TCO for that course.

The Assistant Chief Instructor Duties include:

1. Duties as delegated by the Chief Instructor and outlined above.
 2. When training is taking place if the Chief instructor is not available, the Assistant Chief
Instructor or designate will be available for consultation in person or by phone, email, or
text.

2.2.3 Check Instructors

Check Instructors must meet the minimum qualification requirements per 14 CFR 141.37 for a Private
Pilot, Airplane Single Engine Land training course. Specifically, they must hold a commercial or airline
transport pilot certificate, along with a current flight instructor certificate, for an airplane, single engine
land. There is no minimum flight time requirement; however, check instructors must pass a test, given
by the chief instructor, on teaching methods, applicable provisions of the Aeronautical Information
Manual, applicable provisions of 14 CFR 61, 91, and 141, and the objectives and course completion
standards of this TCO. Check Instructors will be designated in writing by the Chief Instructor and
approved by the FAA.

The duties of Check Instructors include:

1. Perform stage checks appropriate to their FAA approval letter
2. Assist in student record certification, as defined in GPA’s Student Training Record Certification
process.
3. Perform duties as delegated by the Chief Instructor. A Check Instructor may serve as the primary
instructor for a student provided he/she does not conduct a stage check for that student.

2.2.4 Flight Instructors

Flight Instructors must hold at least a commercial pilot certificate for an airplane, single engine land, and
a flight instructor certificate for the same category and class. Flight

Flight Instructor duties include:

1. Train students per the appropriate0 TCO,
2. Document all training in the students’ records
3. Ensure training records for their assigned students are kept in good order and in accordance with
GPA’s record-keeping plan.

2.2.5 Dispatcher
Dispatchers are responsible for releasing flights during normal training hours. GPA will train dispatchers
on how to enter aircraft and student information, how to review student flight logs and documents for
appropriate endorsements and currency, how manage the electronic dispatch system, and how to
understand aircraft maintenance due dates, among other duties.

2.3 Maintenance

2.3.1 Organizational Structure

The aircraft maintenance department currently consists of a Director of Maintenance and
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians.
 2.3.2 Director of Maintenance
Director of Maintenance responsibilities include:
1. Manage aircraft maintenance personnel
2. Direct aircraft maintenance scheduling
3. Oversee management of parts department
4. Develop and oversee budget for each fiscal year
5. Evaluate, select, and coordinate scheduling of maintenance by third party maintenance
providers for such work as engine and propeller overhauls, painting, and avionics
upgrades
6. Oversee purchase of special tools and equipment
7. Develop and implement plans for improvement and, if necessary, expansion of
maintenance facilities
8. Oversee maintenance of ground support equipment and maintain related records
9. Supervise the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians on staff by directing and scheduling
their activities as it relates to the aircraft maintenance workload.
10. Function as an airframe and powerplant technician and perform FAA required
inspections and maintenance on Great Planes Aviation aircraft
11. Oversee the implementation of Great Planes Aviation safety standards as related to
occupational health, hazardous materials handling, and work area environment
12. Supervise the aircraft maintenance technicians, work study and part time student
employees by directing and scheduling their activities as it relates to special projects
and non-aircraft related jobs.
13. Ensure the completion, recording, and filing of aircraft maintenance records
14. Perform ancillary functions relative to the operation of the department’s aircraft fleet,
including but not limited to: towing aircraft, ground deicing, aircraft cleaning, refueling,
aircraft storage, and security
15. Assist in the maintenance of ground support equipment and physical facilities, as
necessary

2.3.3 Aircraft Maintenance Technician

All Aircraft Maintenance Technicians are FAA-Certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P)
maintenance technicians employed or specifically contracted by Great Planes Aviation. Several of the
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians also hold Inspection Authorization (A&P/IA). Those Aircraft
Maintenance Technicians who hold A&P/IA will be responsible for Annual Inspections, 100-hour
Inspections, and return to service after major repairs or alterations.

Otherwise, Aircraft Maintenance Technician responsibilities include:

1. Perform FAA required inspections and maintenance on GPA aircraft, as allowed by
federal regulation and as directed by the Director of Maintenance or his/her designee
2. Supervise part-time student employees, as directed by the Director of Maintenance or
his/her designee
3. Comply with Great Planes Aviation safety practices and procedures
4. Assist in the completion, recording, and filing of aircraft maintenance records, under the
direction of the Director of Maintenance or his/her designee
5. Perform ancillary functions relative to the operation of the department’s aircraft fleet,
including but not limited to: towing aircraft, ground deicing, aircraft cleaning, refueling,
aircraft storage, and security
6. Assist in the maintenance of ground support equipment and physical facilities, as directed
by the Flight Maintenance Technician Supervisor
7. Perform return to service inspections and complete all required maintenance record entries
3. Safety Program

3.1 Purpose

The goal of Great Planes Aviation's Safety Program is to eliminate unsafe situations through
superior training and education.

3.2 Philosophy

The philosophy of the safety program is to identify and eliminate unsafe situations in order to
prevent injury or equipment damage.

Great Planes Aviation staff will collect safety related information and disseminate this data to all
students, pilots, and staff members in an effort to educate and apply safety procedures in order to create a
safe work and flight environment where safety is a way of thinking.

All Great Planes Aviation staff, students and clients are responsible for helping each other maintain
the highest level of safety and quality control. Giving and receiving constructive feedback is critical to
the success of each member of the Great Planes Aviation community. Remember constructive feedback
is critical to the success of every pilot and the responsibility of everyone, no matter their relationship to
the organization.

3.3 Reporting Accidents and Incidents

Accidents or accidental damage to Great Planes Aviation’s property, aircraft or otherwise, must
be reported to Great Planes Aviation’s management staff or representatives as soon as possible. Please
see Section 11.5 for more detail.

3.4 Reporting Hazardous Events or Observed Behaviors

In the interest of safety, all staff and students are responsible for reporting any hazardous events
or observed unsafe behaviors to management.

3.5 Fire Safety Precautions and Procedures

In the unfortunate event that a fire occurs involving either facilities or aircraft, fire extinguishers
are located in each aircraft, as well as in the business office, classroom space and maintenance hangar.
The Rochester Airport Fire Department also has a unit stationed on the airport property.

Fire extinguishers located in the hangars are inspected annually by trained Rochester Fire
Department inspectors.

Fire extinguishers located in the aircraft are inspected monthly by Aviation Technology maintenance
technicians.
 In case of fire, the Rochester Airport Fire Department will be contacted immediately. To contact the
Fire Department first move to a safe distance from the situation, then dial 911. Let firefighters know the
situation and your location.

4. Scheduling

4.1 Aircraft Rental

Great Planes Aviation is dedicated to ensuring aircraft are as available as possible to clients actively
pursuing their flight training. With that in mind, Great Planes Aviation is not prepared to provide
recreational aircraft rental. The ability of current or past clients to utilize Great Planes aircraft for
purposes not directly related to a rating must meet the following criteria.

• Pilots must have flown with a Great Planes Aviation instructor in that specific
model/manufacturer for a minimum of 5 hours to ensure familiarity with the aircraft and its
systems.
• Pilots must complete a written review of the limitations, rules, and regulations (including Great
Planes Operating Rules) prior to approval to rent. The pre-solo exam for Private Pilot meets this
requirement and can be used with non PPL clients.
• Pilots must have a valid pilot license and have flown a Great Planes Aviation aircraft within the
past 30 days.
• No overnight flights/rentals are allowed.
• Non-training utilization should be scheduled during non-peak training times.
• Non-training utilization may be “bumped” in favor of training flights
• Any non-training utilization lasting longer than 3 hours must be approved by Great Planes
Aviation management prior to departure.

4.2 No Show Policy

A $25.00 No Show fee may be charged to a student if he or she fails to arrive for a scheduled flight
without prior contact to Great Planes Aviation, or if tardiness beyond 15 minutes is a recurrent problem.

4.3 Aircraft Return

Students and Instructors are expected to do everything in their power to safely return at the
scheduled time. If possible, students and instructors will contact Great Planes Aviation if a known delay
is encountered.

4.4 Policy for CFI Lateness

Should a CFI arrive 15 minutes late for an appointment or a flight, the following actions will take
place:
• On the first time arriving late, the CFI will receive a verbal warning.
• On the second time arriving late, the CFI will receive a written warning.
• For all occasions after the second time being late, the CFI will receive disciplinary action
without pay and this is considered grounds for termination.
5. Ramp Operations

5.1 General

This section contains safety policies and practices for Great Planes Aviation for preventing
accidents / incidents during ramp operation. Ramp operations may range from one or two aircraft to high
traffic flow. Extreme alertness is required to maintain safety. Ramp operations include refueling trucks,
mechanics and pedestrians as well as aircraft operations. Personnel must remain clear of the ramp when
not performing specific duties. Engine run-up procedures shall be completed prior to each flight and only
in designated run-up areas located just prior to the hold short lines of each runway.

5.2 Starting Procedures

All flights are to be preceded by a thorough pre-flight using a checklist as per the Pilot’s Operating
Handbook (POH). The POH and the accompanying checklists are to be followed diligently before, and
while starting the engine. A Great Planes Aviation CFI must be on-site during the pre-flight if the student
has yet to complete his or her first solo.

5.3 Seatbelt Use

Seatbelt and shoulder harness use is mandatory for all pilots and passengers during engine start,
aircraft taxi, take-off, and landing operations. The regulatory requirement is per FAR 91.107; refer to this
regulation for a more specific explanation of seatbelt use.

5.4 Passenger Briefing

Great Planes Aviation requires that all passengers receive a complete passenger briefing in
accordance with FAR 91.107(a)(1). Passengers must be briefed on smoking, location and use of
emergency exits and fire extinguishers, storage of personal items, and sterile cockpit procedures.

5.5 Taxiing Guidelines

Aircraft will be taxied only by Great Planes Aviation students, renters, instructors, contracted
mechanics, or other authorized persons from Great Planes Aviation. Aircraft will not be taxied into, or
out of, any hangar. A test of the aircraft’s brakes will be conducted before departing from the parking
area. Taxi operations will be conducted at a speed that the area permits. Use of the brakes should be kept
to a minimum. Crosswind control inputs are to be utilized at all times in which wind is present. No
aircraft shall be taxied in winds in excess of 30 Knots (sustained or gusts).

5.6 Parking
Aircraft must remain on the center-line of the taxiway unless obstacles prohibit this, or while
parking. No one may exit the aircraft until all engines have been completely shut down and the propeller
has stopped moving. Be sure the aircraft is in an appropriate parking area and a thorough post-flight has
been completed according to the checklist supplied with the aircraft.
5.7 Ground Operation Restrictions
• All personal automobiles shall be parked in designated parking areas only. Do not park
next to the office or tie-down area.
• Beacon light switches shall be left in the “on” position after shut-down. This is done for
safety reasons and will signify (from a distance) that the master switch may have been left
on. Remember to double check that the Master Switch and Magneto Switches are OFF
prior to exiting the aircraft.
• All pilots are required to report any known damage to the aircraft caused by their fault or
the fault of others.
• The pilot-in-command will be held responsible for all damage caused by negligence, such
as hangar or taxiing incidents.
• No student pilots are to pull aircraft out or push aircraft into the hangars. Signature Flight
Services moves all Great Planes Aircraft.

6. Local Procedures

6.1 General

This section contains policies and procedures for operations within the local area of Rochester
International Airport. The term “local area” is defined as the designated practice areas and the traffic
patterns at KRST. Student pilots must have express permission of their CFI written in their logbooks prior
to flying outside the local area.

6.2 Weather Minimums

Weather minimums for VFR flights:

• Private Pilot Student solo pilots must have 3000’ ceiling and 5 miles visibility or better in
order to conduct traffic pattern operations at KRST Airport.
• Private Pilot Student solo pilots must have 4000’ ceiling and 5 miles visibility or better in
order to conduct operations outside of KRST Airport.
• Private Pilot students will not fly above broken or overcast layers of clouds.
• All Students must obey any minimums given by their Great Planes Aviation CFI. These
minimums will be written in the student logbook.
• In the absence of written minimums from their Great Planes Aviation CFI, no Private Pilot
student solo pilots are to conduct operations in winds in excess of 15 knots sustained or a
crosswind factor of more than 8 knots.
• No aircraft shall be taxied or flown in winds in excess of 30 knots (sustained or gusts)
without the approval of Great Planes Aviation Administration.

Weather minimums for IFR flights:

• All Students must obey any minimums given by their Great Planes Aviation CFI. These
minimums will be written in the student logbook.
• Flights into known or forecast icing conditions are prohibited.
• Flights in actual conditions must be conducted at no lower than alternate minimums for
any given airport.
 • No aircraft shall be taxied or flown in winds in excess of 30 knots (sustained or gusts)
without the approval of Great Planes Aviation Administration.

6.3 Traffic Patterns

• All traffic patterns must conform to any Airport Facility Directory (AFD) requirements for
that specific airport.
• All traffic patterns must be flown in accordance with the Airman’s Information Manual
(AIM) Section 3 at uncontrolled airports.
• Aircraft will not make any turns less than 500’AGL at controlled airports unless otherwise
advised by ATC while conducting IFR practice approaches.
• Traffic patterns must be flown at a distance that will allow the pilot to land on the runway
in the event of an engine failure.
• Traffic patterns for single engine aircraft will be flown at 1000’ AGL unless otherwise
required in the AFD.
• No pilot may waive a wake turbulence delay assigned by ATC.
• Intersection departures are prohibited unless required by ATC NOTAMs.

6.4 Practice Areas and Limitations

Rochester Air Traffic Control and Great Planes Aviation have agreed upon three defined practice
areas near the airport. Diagrams of these practice areas are shown in Appendix A. at the end of this
document. The location and limits of these practice areas will be introduced and discussed with each
student by their instructor. Note that these practice areas have altitude restrictions and other airspace
hazards depicted on a current VFR sectional chart for this area. Additionally, instructors will document
and notify students of any additional limitations for these areas. These limitations are to be considered
written law and cannot be changed in any manner by anyone other than that student’s instructor.

For low-altitude maneuvering work, including simulated emergencies, pilots will first ensure the
area is clear of obstructions including other aircraft. Once visually cleared, except in the case of actual
emergencies, maneuvers must take place at or above 500ft AGL or at altitudes prescribed by the ACS
standards, whichever is higher.

The description and documentation of limitations also applies to solo pattern work and cross
country flights. The use of another airport more than 25NM from KRST by a Private Pilot student for
take-off and landing is prohibited unless it is a cross-country flight with a written endorsement from that
student’s instructor or in an emergency situation. Prior to any solo flight, students will inform an
authorized Great Planes Aviation instructor of their intended route of flight.

6.5 Touch and Go Landings

Student pilot solo “touch and go” practice is not allowed until authorized by that student pilot’s
Great Planes Aviation instructor.

6.6 Class B Operations and Requirements

Student pilots must have received training, instructor logbook endorsement, and ATC clearance
prior to entering Class B airspace. During all operations in Class B airspace, all student pilots are
encouraged to have in their possession a current Terminal Area Chart depicting that Class B airspace. A
copy of any endorsements made by the instructor must be kept in the student’s training record.

Student pilots are not permitted to enter any Class B airspace without the above requirements being
met. Private pilots and higher must become very familiar with any Class B intended for use, prior to
entering. The regulatory requirements for Class B operations are found in FAR 91.131.

6.7 Radio Communications

Proper radio procedure is essential to maintaining a safe and orderly flow of air traffic. All pilots
are expected to know and practice radio communication requirements detailed in the FAR/AIM. Specific
requirements for differing airspace are found in FAR part 91. Further, all Great Planes Aviation flights
are conducted with Flight Following/Air Traffic Advisory services and/or an IFR Flight Plan.

6.8 Aircraft Avoidance Procedures

All Great Planes Aviation pilots are expected to practice “see and avoid” whenever possible.

During taxiing, pilots must read-back and obey all taxi instructions. While the aircraft is moving,
pilots must be scanning for traffic. If the pilot actively controlling the aircraft needs to copy clearances
or any other activity that requires focus inside the aircraft, the pilot must bring the aircraft to a complete
stop. At each intersection, pilots must clear left, clear right then proceed in the cleared direction. Aircraft
may not cross or enter a runway without first clearing both directions, including the final approach path.

During flight, pilots must continually scan for traffic outside the aircraft. While ADS-B has the
ability to increase situational awareness, it is not a substitute for visually scanning the airspace around the
aircraft. To further increase situational awareness, Great Planes Aviation pilots are expected to be in
contact with ATC at all times. Pilots must request flight following/traffic advisories for every flight
outside of the pattern.

If conditions do not allow for “see and avoid”, the pilot is instrument rated, and current, they must
notify ATC of their inability to comply due to IMC. If they are not instrument rated or current, they must
declare an emergency and request ATC assistance to find VMC airspace that does allow “see and avoid”.

6.9 Check In / Out Procedures

Pilots are expected to arrive at Great Planes Aviation on time and ready to begin the day's lesson.
Aircraft are dispatched electronically from the front desk at which time the front desk staff may ask for
current copies of the state provided photo identification, pilot’s license, medical, and logbook
endorsements, which the pilot must have on his/her person. The pilot is responsible for verifying that the
starting hobbs and tach time listed in the aircraft dispatch systems (electronic and paper) match the actual
starting hobbs and tach in the aircraft BEFORE DEPARTURE. Discrepancies must be brought to Great
Planes Aviation management’s attention at that time. Credit cannot be given for missing hobbs or tach
hours once the aircraft has been started.

7. Pre / Post Flight Operations

7.1 General
 A major component of maintaining a high level of safety in aviation is through pre/post flight
operations. Pilots must make themselves aware of all available information pertaining to each flight per
FAR 91.103.

7.2 Pilots “I’M SAFE” Checklist

The acronym “I’M SAFE” is recommended by the FAA as a guideline to check your readiness for
flight.

Illness
Medication
Stress
Alcohol
Fatigue
Emotion

7.3 Equipment

Pilots must have all appropriate equipment and documentation pertaining to each flight. It is the
pilot’s responsibility to ensure that all needed items are on his or her person and readily accessible. The
following list pertains to all pilots:

• Pilot certificate, medical certificate, logbook including appropriate endorsements (for student
pilots), a Government issued photo ID.
• A working headset.
• Current charts, as required for flight.
• All equipment required for cross-country flight, if appropriate
• A functional flashlight for all night flights

7.4 Aircraft Preflight

All flights will begin only after a thorough preflight inspection. Aircraft must be inspected per
Great Planes Aviation checklists and the POH along with applicable FAR’s. During the preflight
inspection, take time to note any damage, abnormal tire wear, or paperwork discrepancies, and report them
to Great Planes Aviation Administration prior to flight. Please refer to section 10.2 for more information
regarding maintenance discrepancies.

7.5 Pre / Post Flight Briefings

Prior to each dual flight, stage check, or student pilot solo, the student will be briefed on which
maneuvers will be performed during that flight. The preflight briefing must include the objective,
description, and completion standards of each flight maneuver. After each dual flight or stage check, the
instructor will brief the student on his or her performance during each maneuver, ensuring that the student
fully understands his or her strengths, weaknesses, points of possible improvement, and completion
standards.

Prior to each flight consisting of multiple pilots, a pre-flight briefing must occur. During the briefing it
must be determined who is pilot in command (PIC). The briefing must include the objective, description,
and expectations of the flight, the roles of each participant, and contingency plans in case of emergency.
After each flight, participants will review the performance of the flight including points of possible
improvements.

7.6 Local Fueling Procedures / Fuel Reserves

Whenever possible, aircraft should be refueled after every flight. If service crew are not available
to refuel, the PIC must calculate available fuel using that aircraft’s performance information and verifying
by visual inspection. All flights must land with a minimum of one hour of fuel, as calculated using cruise
performance for that aircraft.

8. Night Operations

8.1 General

With night flight operations, pilots must prepare themselves thoroughly with preflight planning
and equipment requirements. Safety is the first and foremost concern in night operations.

• All external lighting must be operational and illuminated during night operations.
• No pilot will make night takeoffs or landings without the landing light illuminated unless
accompanied by a Great Planes Aviation CFI.
• Each pilot will have a working flashlight on all night flights.

8.2 Night Solo Operations

No Private Pilot student solo activity will be conducted after sunset. Night activities by other
students must be fully briefed and approved by a Great Planes Aviation CFI.

9. Cross-Country Operations

9.1 General

This section contains policy and procedures that all Great Planes Aviation’s students must adhere
to prior, during, and after cross country flights.

9.2 Restrictions

Great Planes Aviation’s aircraft are not authorized to be flown outside the boundaries of the
Continental United States or more than 500NM from KRST without expressed permission from Great
Planes Aviation.

9.3 Cross-Country Flight Planning

 All student pilot cross–country flights must have a complete review of the navigation log by that
pilot’s CFI. Student pilots are not permitted to operate Great Planes Aviation aircraft without this review
and endorsement. The flight instructor must review for the following:

• The cross-country flight meets the syllabus objectives.

• The student understands the requirements of the flight and all required route and communication
procedures.
• The pilot has in his/her possession appropriate and current charts, plates, and information
• The navigation log is complete and accurate.
• The navigation log has a sketch of all airports intended for use.
• The pilot must have in his/her possession all required identification, pilot certificates, logbooks
and endorsements.

9.4 Fuel Requirements For Cross-Country Flights-Refer to FAR 91.151

Aircraft must be refueled prior to departing cross-country. All flights must land with a minimum
of one hour of fuel, as calculated using cruise performance for that aircraft. If unable to complete a cross
country flight with one hour reserve, a planned fuel stop must be included.

9.5 Dispatching Cross Country Flights

Prior to an aircraft being dispatched for cross-country, it is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure that
at no time will any inspection or date/time-specific maintenance requirement be over-flown during the
flight.

9.6 Cross-country Departure and Enroute Operations

Pilots must be aware of their location at all times and are responsible to obtain ATC clearance
prior to entering controlled airspace as required by the FAR’s. All flights by Great Planes students and
staff must be conducted using ATC Flight Following, Traffic Advisories, or an Instrument Flight Plan.

9.7 Fueling Enroute

All aircraft are rented “wet”. If a pilot requires fuel and/or oil at locations outside of KRST, he/she
must purchase the services and submit the receipts to Great Planes Aviation for reimbursement. Keep all
fuel receipts. At the completion of the cross-country flight, pilots will give the original fuel receipts to
Great Planes Aviation Administration.

9.8 Local Fueling Procedures / Special Fueling Requests

Any pilot who requires fuel to be at any level other than “to the tabs” must make a request to Great
Planes Aviation front desk as early as possible before scheduled departure. Every effort will be made to
accommodate these requests. Due to scheduling conflicts and other factors, these requests may not be
able to be performed.

9.9 Charges Reimbursed

 Great Planes Aviation will reimburse the pilot for fuel and oil (as indicated in section 9.7). Should
repairs be required to the aircraft while at another airport, the pilot must have received prior permission
from Great Planes Aviation Manager to complete the repairs in order to be reimbursed.

The following is a non-inclusive list of the types of charges that are non-reimbursable by Great Planes
Aviation:
• Hangar / Tie-down charges.
• Rental car / taxi expense
• Hotel expense
• Landing fees

9.10 Arrivals

Upon arrival at the destination airport, the PIC will ensure that the flight plan has been closed.
Pilots will recheck their fuel calculations for accuracy and completeness. All student pilots must notify
their flight instructors of their arrival at their final destination.

9.11 Forseen/Unforseen Situations

Aircraft operate in a very dynamic environment that can result in situations demanding good
judgment by pilots. Great Planes Aviation personnel, Instructors, and Students are expected to be prepared
for and react to foreseen and unforeseen circumstances to the best of their ability according to the
guidelines set forth in this manual. In any of these circumstances, the Pilot-in-Command shall take every
measure to ensure a safe termination of the training event and contact the Great Planes Aviation Chief
Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor or their Flight Instructor should safety be in question. Examples of
foreseen circumstances may include: change in weather conditions, mechanical issue with the aircraft, or
an aircraft servicing situation. If a circumstance is encountered that exceeds the Instructor’s or Student’s
level of knowledge and/or experience, they are expected, without hesitancy, to seek guidance and direction
by contacting the appropriate Great Planes Aviation personnel listed below.

• Weather/Flight: If encountering a change in weather that exceeds the limitations of the Instructor
and or Student, the flight shall return to base if practicable. If impracticable, divert to an approved
airport; if the situation dictates, divert to the nearest suitable landing area and land. Regardless of
whether the Instructor or Student lands at base or someplace else, pilots should debrief and receive
permission from the Great Planes Aviation Chief Instructor, the Assistant Chief Instructor, or if
the pilot is a solo student, with their Instructor before flying again.
• Mechanical: If encountering a mechanical situation requiring termination of the flight, the flight
shall return to base if practicable. If impracticable, divert to an approved airport; if the situation
dictates, divert to the nearest suitable landing area, contact the Director of Maintenance.
• Aircraft-Servicing: If encountering an aircraft-servicing situation away from KRST related to fuel
and airport service, contact the Director of Maintenance.
• Payment/Invoicing: If encountering problems with payment or invoicing of services, contact the
Operations Manager or Chief Financial Officer.
• Other Unforeseen Circumstances or if related Great Planes Aviation personnel are not available,
contact the Chief Instructor.

10. Maintenance

10.1 Aircraft Care

 Great Planes Aviation takes pride in the appearance and quality of its fleet. As such, we expect
our pilots to help keep the interiors clean and free of trash. At the completion of each flight, please remove
all paper and trash and dispose of it in a trash receptacle. Please refrain from bringing open-top beverages
in the aircraft (e.g., coffee cups without lids, etc.) as they may spill.

After returning to KRST, students and staff will secure the aircraft, buckle the seat belts, close the
windows and vents and lock the doors. Any cosmetic or cleanliness issues must be reported to
management as soon as possible.

If necessary, pilots may not clean aircraft windows with anything other than the supplies (cloth
towels) and window cleaner located in the aircraft.

All Great Planes Aviation Training aircraft maintenance and inspections are performed by FAA-
certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) maintenance technicians employed by Great Planes
Aviation. The Director of Maintenance or his designees (A&P technician holding Inspection
Authorization (A&P/IA)) are responsible for supervising and conducting approved maintenance and
inspections. All aircraft are maintained in accordance with 14 CFR parts 43, 65 and 91 and all required
records are maintained in the associated aircraft logbooks and aircraft maintenance files located in
the Great Planes Business Office located on the KRST airfield. Additionally, Great Planes Aviation also
tracks all maintenance requests and resulting actions within Flight Schedule Pro (FSP).

10.2 Aircraft Discrepancies

Flight instructors and students shall report maintenance discrepancies by completing an online
“Squawk” form within FSP. A sample of the form is provided at the end of this chapter. Flight
instructors and students will also temporarily ground the aircraft through FSP. The Squawk is
automatically forwarded electronically to the maintenance staff via email. Maintenance staff will
determine if the aircraft must remain grounded or can be released for service. Once the aircraft has been
grounded, FSP will not allow the aircraft to be dispatched until the maintenance department has
removed the grounding restriction from FSP.

After the discrepancy has been evaluated and the appropriate corrective action taken by
maintenance personnel, the aircraft will be returned to service in accordance with applicable Federal
Aviation Regulations. A written description of the corrective action, which shall be made in accordance
with 14 CFR 43.9 (content, form, and disposition of maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding,
and alteration records) which constitutes the approval for return to service, will be recorded in the
FSP Squawk Record by the maintenance technician approving the aircraft for return to service. The
completed report will then be filed with the applicable aircraft maintenance records for that particular
aircraft, which are located in the Great Planes Aviation Business Office and are available for inspection.
All aircraft maintenance records are retained for the specified periods as required by 14 CFR
91.417(a)(1). After the Squawk has been addressed and the aircraft returned to service, the maintenance
technician approving the return to service shall remove the grounding restriction from FSP, which
will then allow the aircraft to be dispatched.

In the event that a maintenance discrepancy occurs while the aircraft is away from KRST,
the student or instructor shall report maintenance discrepancies by completing an online Squawk
report within FSP. As above, Flight instructors and students will also temporarily ground the aircraft
through FSP. The Squawk shall then be forwarded electronically to the maintenance staff via email.
After the squawk has been submitted, the student or instructor will contact the maintenance department
by phone. Maintenance personnel will then determine if the aircraft must remain grounded and what
the appropriate course of action will be. Depending upon the nature of the discrepancy, the Director
of Maintenance (or his/her designee) may contract with a locally based aircraft maintenance provider
to help assess the situation and provide appropriate assistance. If necessary, the Director of
Maintenance (or his designee) may choose to send one (or more) Great Planes Aviation maintenance
technicians to the site to address the discrepancy. In any case, the student and instructor are not
permitted to operate the aircraft in question until a written description of the corrective action, which
shall be made in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 9 (content, form, and disposition of maintenance,
preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration records) which constitutes the approval for return
to service, will be recorded in the Squawk record of FSP by the maintenance technician approving the
aircraft for return to service. The completed report will then be filed with the applicable aircraft
maintenance records for that particular aircraft upon the aircraft return to KRST. All aircraft
maintenance records are retained for the specified periods as required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(1). After
the FSP Squawk record has been completed and the aircraft returned to service, the maintenance
technician approving the return to service shall notify the Dispatch Office and Chief Flight Instructor
or his/her designee. The student or instructor will be notified by Dispatch Office or the maintenance
technician onsite that the aircraft is approved for return to service which will then allow for continued
operation of the aircraft.

10.3 Operations With Inoperative Instruments or Equipment

Aircraft may be flown with inoperative instruments or equipment under certain circumstances
providing that they meet the requirements of FAR 91.213 and the pilot has received approval from Great
Planes Aviation management.

10.4 Inspections and Scheduled Maintenance

FSP monitors the time remaining until the next inspection date or time-based maintenance
activity is due for each aircraft and automatically “grounds” the aircraft when that date or time has
been reached. FSP will not allow an aircraft to be dispatched when the inspection or maintenance
due date or time has been reached. The Director of Maintenance and/or the Aircraft Maintenance
Technicians monitor the inspection status of each aircraft throughout the day and plan the aircraft
maintenance schedule accordingly. FSP will notify the Director of Maintenance via email when an
aircraft has reached an inspection due date or time and has been grounded. The Director of
Maintenance will review the necessary inspection and assign the inspection to an Aircraft Maintenance
Technician(s) qualified to perform the necessary inspection. That individual will perform the inspection.
All inspections are performed in accordance with CFR 14 parts 43, 65, and 91. Upon completion of
any inspection, the Aircraft Maintenance Technician will verify that all inspection requirements have
been met, and will complete the required maintenance record entries in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11
(content, form, and disposition of records for inspections). Any work that must be completed by an
A&P/IA will be completed and documented by the A&P/IA that accomplished the work. This constitutes
the approval for return to service. Upon completion of all maintenance record entries, the Aircraft
Maintenance Technician approving the return to service will update the applicable aircraft inspection
times in FSP and remove the grounding restriction, which will then allow the aircraft to be dispatched.

10.5 Airworthiness Directives and Instructions for Continued

Airworthiness

AD’s and ICA’s are monitored and compliance is tracked by the Director of Maintenance
and the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. Records are available for inspection in the Great Planes
Aviation Business Office at KRST.

10.7 Procedure for Determining Airworthiness

 Prior to every flight, students/instructors are required to verify the aircraft they have been
assigned is airworthy. During dispatch and “Check Out” FSP displays any open squawks, as well as
listing pending inspections and time-based maintenance that may impact the flight. Additionally, Every
aircraft contains a checklist, which includes pre-takeoff and pre-landing items as well as aircraft
registration, airworthiness certificate and a manufacturer issued POH. All maintenance, checklist items,
and documents are to be reviewed and verified to be satisfactory by the Pilot In Command prior to
every flight.

10.8 FSP Online Squawk Form

11. Emergency Operations

11.1 General
The key to dealing with any emergency is prevention and thorough preparation through training
and situational awareness. In the event of an emergency, notify Great Planes Aviation as soon as practical
after taking proper corrective action. When an emergency arises, the first responsibility of the pilot is to
fly the aircraft. The first moments of an emergency will have a large impact on the outcome.

• Maintain control of the aircraft.

• Analyze the situation and take prompt corrective action.
• Land as soon as practical.

Always use every available resource of information to help in your situation. Often ATC, FSS, and other
pilots can provide help and options that may have been overlooked.

11.2 Deteriorating Weather

Deteriorating weather can result in an emergency situation that could be prevented.

11.2.1 General
• A pilot must never continue a flight into questionable conditions.
• If the pilot feels unsure of his/her experience level in the known weather conditions, he/she
must land or return to better weather conditions to avoid a possible emergency.
• FSS or Flight Watch will provide in-flight weather briefings upon request.

11.2.2 VFR Flights

• All VFR flights outside the KRST pattern must use Flight Following or request traffic
advisories.
• VFR pilots must maintain a constant knowledge of the changing weather factors during
flight.
• VFR pilots must never proceed into marginal weather.
• If the weather begins to deteriorate during a VFR flight, the pilot must take immediate
action. Each pilot must first remain calm and take proper action. A rule of thumb:
AVIATE, NAVIGATE, and COMMUNICATE.
• The pilot should concentrate on flying his/her aircraft.
• “Lost” procedures should be memorized so that they can be used.
• The pilot must advise ATC of the situation.
• The pilot should think his/her options over and take action.
• In the event that the pilot enters instrument conditions, he/she must declare an emergency
if he/she is not an instrument rated pilot.
• ATC will issue instructions to resolve the situation, but it is up to the pilot and his/her
training to safely fly the aircraft.
 11.2.3 IFR Flights
• All flights must be utilizing VFR Flight Following or an IFR flight plan.
• Inadvertent entry into bad weather on an instrument flight plan requires clear thought and
proper immediate action just as during VFR flight.
• The pilot should immediately solicit help from ATC.
• Prevention and complete flight planning is the best defense.
• IFR pilots must know and understand all weather factors pertaining to their route of flight.

11.3 Medical Emergencies

Any medical situation that may affect the safety of flight or interfere with the pilot’s ability to
perform his or her duties must be recognized and addressed promptly. If such a situation arises prior to
takeoff, the pilot must abort the takeoff. If a medical issue develops in-flight, the PIC must land at the
earliest, safe opportunity. If the landing is not at KRST GPA staff must be notified at the earliest possible
opportunity.

11.4 Airsickness

At some point in a pilot’s training his/her passengers may experience motion sickness. It is also
not uncommon for new students themselves to experience this at some point during training. To help
prevent motion sickness, students must be sure that they are in good health prior to flying. If at any time
a student should become airsick, he/she must notify his/her instructor immediately if on a dual flight. For
dual or solo flight, actions that may alleviate airsickness include the following:

• Open air vents.

• Maintain a visual focus point outside and in the distance.
• If needed, locate and use an airsickness bag.

All pilots must ensure that some kind of airsickness bag is in the aircraft. This is especially important
when passengers who are not accustomed to flight are on board. If someone is sick in an airplane, Great
Planes Aviation staff must be notified as soon as is practicable. Vomit or other bodily fluids can be both
unpleasant and dangerous within aircraft and must be cleaned up as soon as possible.

11.5 Accident or Incident Notification Procedure

If an accident or incident, forced landing or precautionary landing should occur, contact the Chief
Flight Instructor or designee.

When contact is made, ensure the following information is relayed:

• Date and time of mishap.

• Location of mishap.
• Aircraft model and tail number.
• Number of injuries.
• Describe what has happened.
• Pilot’s name or the name of the person making the report.
When the pilot returns to Great Planes Aviation, he/she must contact the Chief Flight Instructor or
designee as soon as possible for an interview and to complete the accident/incident report.

Chronological Flow for Emergency Response

Initial notification of an accident/incident could come from one of several sources. If the occurrence is at
Rochester International airport during the operating hours of the Rochester Control Tower, the Tower will
notify fire and rescue and contact Great Planes Aviation. If the occurrence happens when the control tower
is not in operation (before 5:00 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m. Central Time) the flight instructor in charge should
immediately notify the Chief Flight Instructor or his/her designee.

Upon notification, the Chief Flight Instructor (or his/her designee) will:
1. Contact fire and rescue (if not already accomplished)
2. Contact the Rochester Police Department (if not already accomplished)
3. Contact the Rochester International Airport Director (if not already accomplished)
4. Contact the RCTC Vice President of Academic Affairs or her/his designee
5. Contact the NTSB (If applicable)
6. Minneapolis FSDO if occurrence is Monday/Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7. Flight Service Station at all other times
8. Contact the Great Planes Aviation Director of Maintenance

The RCTC Vice President of Academic Affairs will:

1. Contact the RCTC Office of Marketing & Media
2. Contact the Dean or Associate Dean of the RCTC Aviation Program
3. Coordinate with appropriate RCTC personnel regarding further communication to RCTC
faculty and/or staff

RCTC Marketing & Media will:

1. Contact the media
2. Coordinate all releases of information with the RCTC Aviation Program, the media, the
Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB (if required under NTSB Part 830)

Contact Names and Telephone Numbers

KRST Fire and Rescue 911

Rochester Police Department 911
Chief Flight Instructor
Jim Perry ........................................................... Cellular 507-951-6816
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
Scott Koon ….................................................... Cellular 507-259-5737
Federal Aviation Administration
Minneapolis FSDO (7:30am to 4pm) 612-253-4400
FAA Regional Operations Center (4pm to 7:30am) 817-222-5006

Director of Flight Maintenance

Nick Fancher ............................................................ Cellular 612-275-7526
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Michelle Pyfferoen….................................................... Cellular 507-259-9448
Rochester International Airport Director
 John Reed….................................................... Cellular 507-282-2328

12. Restrictions and Limitations

12.1 General

All pilots are expected to abide by the most current rules set forth by the FAA and the policies and
procedures of Great Planes Aviation. The main objective is to provide a safe, effective, and orderly
training environment. All pilots will conduct all flights in strict accordance with the Federal Aviation
Regulations.

12.2 Carriage of Firearms

The transporting or carrying of firearms, ammunition, or deadly weapons aboard Great Planes
Aviation’s Aircraft at any time, for any reason, is strictly prohibited. The possession of such weapons is
prohibited on Great Planes Aviation facilities, and during Great Planes Aviation sponsored training and
functions.

12.3 Alcohol and Drug Restrictions

All FAR’s in the area of alcohol and/or illegal drug use will be strictly enforced by Great Planes
Aviation. Pilots and staff members are prohibited from performing duties for a period of 8 hours after the
intake of alcoholic beverages. Pilots must adhere to FAR’s under Part 91 with respect to over-the-counter
medication at all times.

12.4 General Flight Restrictions

• No careless or reckless operation of aircraft.
• Aerobatic maneuvers or flight maneuvers not stated in the syllabus and not directly related to the
clear objective of the lesson are prohibited.
• All minimum safe altitudes will be enforced per FAR 91.119.
• All pilots must perform clearing turns prior to flight maneuvers.
• Simulated forced landings will terminate prior to 500 feet AGL unless in the traffic pattern of an
airport. Student pilot solo emergency landing practice is prohibited.
• No Great Planes Aviation Aircraft will be flown lower than 500 feet AGL except for takeoff,
landing or declared emergency.
• Except in an actual emergency, all landings must be conducted at approved airports.
• Aircraft checklists must be complied with as directed in the POH and this document.
• Flight into known or forecast icing conditions is prohibited in Great Planes Aviation’s Aircraft.
• The responsibility for the aircraft and equipment rests with the PIC. On instructional flights, the
instructor is the PIC.
 • All pilots shall have in their possession a pilot certificate with appropriate ratings, a current medical
certificate, and a government issued photo identification.
• All pilots who have not previously flown Great Planes Aviation Aircraft will be given a flight
check (for each aircraft to be flown) by a Great Planes Aviation CFI. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Any pilots not flying with Great Planes Aviation within the preceding ninety (90) days will be
required to receive a recurrent checkout flight with a Great Planes Aviation Instructor.
• A minimum of 3 hours flight time may be charged for each 24 hour period of aircraft rental in
which the aircraft is not available to Great Planes Aviation. regardless of hobbs time flown.
• Great Planes Aviation reserves the right to cancel any flight, and/or reschedule any aircraft if the
student/renter has not arrived at Great Planes Aviation within ½ hour of the scheduled time period,
and no prior notification has been given to Great Planes Aviation.
• Great Planes Aviation reserves the right to cancel any flight and/or reschedule any aircraft if the
staff believes safety is at risk.
• It is the responsibility of the student/renter to keep their Pilot Registration information up-to-date
with Great Planes Aviation. Any new documents (medical, pilot certificate, driver’s license) shall
be copied and updated in Great Planes Aviation’s records.
• All payments are due at the end of each flight unless you hold a current account or prior
arrangement has been made with Great Planes Aviation. Any outstanding balances or overdue
accounts may be subject to an additional fee. Pilots will not be dispatched an airplane if account
is negative.
• Grass strip runways may only be used for landing with Great Planes Aviation approval and only
if they are listed in the AFD.
• The following pilots may fly Great Planes Aviation Aircraft:

1. Great Planes Aviation Flight Instructors.

2. Regularly enrolled students under instructor supervision.
3. Pilots employed by Great Planes Aviation for specific tasks.
4. Special students by authority of a Partner/Manager or their representatives.
5. Mechanics with appropriate rating and current medical certificate that have been authorized
by Great Planes Aviation.
6. Any renter pilot checked out by Great Planes Aviation and qualified to fly the appropriate
aircraft that holds a valid pilot's certificate and current medical certificate.

12.5 Weather Restrictions

• No aircraft shall be taxied or flown in winds in excess of 30 knots (sustained or gusts) without the
approval of Great Planes Aviation Administration.
• Private Pilot student solo pilots must have 3000’ ceiling and 5 miles visibility or better in order to
conduct pattern operations.
• Private Pilot student solo pilots must have 4000’ ceiling and 5 miles visibility or better in order to
conduct operations outside of the pattern unless otherwise specified by their CFI.
• Students may not fly aircraft if the air temperature is -26C (-15F) or less. Students and staff flying
in the winter must have in their possession appropriate cold weather clothing in case of emergency.

12.6 Thunderstorm Policy

Flight shall be planned to avoid thunderstorms by a minimum of 20NM. The PIC must use his/her
best judgment to avoid flights near thunderstorms.
If on the ground:
• Cancel or reschedule the flight.
• Delay your departure until the weather has dissipated.
• Securely tie down the aircraft.
• Install the control lock(s) – if applicable.
• Close all aircraft vents and windows.

If airborne:
• Use appropriate diversion procedures to an airport not affected by the storm.

12.7 Spin Restrictions

• At no time may student pilots practice spins solo.

• Spins will only be practiced when accompanied by a Great Planes Aviation instructor.
• Spins must be only practiced in aircraft approved for spins.
• Spins will not be permitted on federal airways.
• Spins must be recovered prior to 2000’ AGL.

12.8 Single Engine Aircraft Restrictions

• No flight over water at a distance greater than safe glide distance from shore.
• No simulated engine failure by any other means than retarding the throttle.
• No flight above Vne, in the event of unintentional Vne, maintenance must be notified by aircraft
discrepancy procedures before the aircraft can be returned to service.

12.9 Non-towered Airport Restrictions

All operations at non-towered airports will follow the guidelines in chapter 4 of the AIM.

12.10 Towered Airport Restrictions

At all controlled airports, operations will follow the appropriate FARs and the AIM. Aircraft
intending to remain in the pattern must make this request to ATC prior to entering the airspace.

12.11 Dual Instruction

All flight instruction given in Great Planes Aviation airplanes is to be conducted only by Great
Planes Aviation staff.

12.12 Primary Student Operations

• Great Planes Aviation Private Pilot students flying without a CFI are not allowed to carry
passengers under any circumstances.
• Solo students will not practice emergency approaches or forced landings.
• Solo students will not practice aerobatic maneuvers.
• Solo students will not practice “hood work”, unusual attitudes, full stalls or spins.
• Solo students will not fly lower than 1,000’ AGL except for takeoff and landing.
 • Solo students will not fly outside the local practice areas except on cross-country flights with
authorization from their instructor.
• Solo students will not fly above overcast or broken layers of clouds.
• No solo operations will be conducted without a current medical certificate, their logbook
containing current, proper endorsements, an approved aircraft checklist, and current sectional
chart in the pilot's possession.
• Prior to cross-country flights, solo students are required to leave an electric or “hard” copy of
their navigation log and flight plan with their Great Planes Aviation instructor.
• All student solo cross-country flights are to be completed and aircraft back on the ground at
KRST within one half hour prior to the official sunset.
• No student solo activity will be conducted after sunset.
• Solo students will not land on grass or dirt runways except in an emergency.
• Except to avoid documented airport closures, no intersection departures without express
permission of Great Planes Aviation management.

12.14 Instrument Training Operations

12.14.1 General

• All simulated instrument flights will have an appropriately rated instructor or safety pilot
aboard the aircraft.
• Compliance with FARs and alternate airport requirements is mandatory.

12.14.2 Simulated Emergencies

• Simulated emergencies will not be practiced when in actual instrument flight.

12.14.3 Basic Attitude Instrument Maneuvers (BAI)

• All BAI will be practiced in visual meteorological conditions prior to using them in
actual instrument conditions
• Maneuvers must not be practiced above a ceiling during night operations.
• All maneuvers must be recovered above 1500 feet AGL.
• Unusual attitude practice will not exceed 60 degrees of bank angle or 30 degrees of nose
pitch (up or down).

12.14.4 Unusual Attitude Maneuvers

• Unusual attitudes must be recovered above 1500 feet AGL.

• Students must not practice unusual attitude recoveries without an instructor.
• Unusual attitude recovery practice is prohibited at night.

12.14.5 Instrument Approaches

• All pilots are expected to adhere to all applicable FARs during practice or actual
instrument approaches.
12.15 Flight/Duty Time Restrictions

• Instructors are limited to 8 hours of flight time in a 24-hour period.

• All flight instruction given in Great Planes Aviation’s airplanes is to be conducted only
by Great Planes Aviation employees.
• All flight instructors are to acquire all of the proper documentation for any pilot who is
checked out in Great Planes Aviation aircraft as well as students who are starting with Great
Planes Aviation prior to the first flight. This information must be documented in Great Planes
Aviation’s flight reservation system.
• All flight instructors shall review and endorse their student’s flight plan and weather for
the initial solo cross-country flight no more than 1 hour prior to the actual departure time.
• Flight instructors will endeavor to make themselves available to accompany private pilot
students on their checkride. If the checkride is not at KRST, the flight instructor will accompany
the student and remain at the airport at which the checkride will be conducted until the
completion of the checkride.
• All flight instructors are to make themselves available during the first half hour of their
student’s checkride in case of any discrepancies.

12.16 Endorsements

• No instructor will endorse a student for solo use of an aircraft unless he/she has flown with the
student at least five (5) hours, the student has completed a written review of the applicable
limitations and regulations (pre-solo exam), and the student has demonstrated solid
understanding of the aircraft and its limitations. Further, the instructor must verify the student
has demonstrated good Aeronautical Decision Making skills.
• No instructor will endorse a student for a check ride unless he/she has flown with the student at
least three hours within the previous 2 calendar months.
• Student pilot solo cross-country flights must be endorsed by that student’s primary instructor.

13. Training
Great Planes Aviation is responsible for providing a professional training environment for its
students. As such, it is important that training process and practices be as uniform as possible. Further,
billing and record keeping must also be uniform.

The following sections describe the process and billing practices for different types of training.

13.1 Syllabus and materials

Great Planes Aviation utilizes the King School’s syllabus ground school and an FAA approved
flight training syllabi. Ground training progress is expected to be completed by the student at the pace
agreed upon by the student and the instructor. Flight Instructors are not required to document their
student’s ground training progress but are encouraged to understand how the student is progressing
through the materials. Flight training progress will be tracked utilizing the students logbook and in the
student’s training file.
 As we attempt to obtain Part 141 certification it is expected that flight instruction will follow the
order and tasks outlined in the syllabus and tracking sheets. Any variation must be approved by the
Chief Instructor or Assistant Chief Instructor.

13.2 Record Keeping

The Private Pilot Certification Course and Instrument Pilot Rating courses are hybrid courses.
This means the material is presented using a mixture of classroom and online materials.

For the Private and Instrument courses, official records for the ground and flight training lessons
will be filed and stored at the Great Planes Aviation corporate office. Copies of flight training records
can be viewed by students and instructors within FSP at ww.flightschedulepro.com. Students may also
request physical copies of their records by request of the Chief Instructor. Students can monitor their
progress in the course via their logbook and access to FSP.

Written tests and quizzes required by the syllabus or the Training Course Outline will be graded
and debriefed in accordance with the syllabus and appropriate regulations. The results will be stored
physically in their training file and electronically in the student’s training records within FSP.

The flight instructor will log flight or simulator sessions in the student’s physical Logbook, and in
the student’s training file. Copies of the records can be viewed using FSP. The flight instructor will
monitor course progress throughout the pilot training course using FSP.
Instructors and staff will track student progress and will not allow the student to progress without
meeting the standards for the appropriate lessons and progress checks.

Upon graduation:
• The student’s training information and records on FSP will be audited by the assigned flight
instructor and chief instructor to ensure they are completed correctly.
• Certificate of Graduation, if required for Part 141 flight training, will be issued by the Chief
Instructor for that particular course, and a copy will be scanned and stored in the student’s
online records.

13.3 Flight Training Lesson Structure

The instructor is responsible for making certain each student’s experience is as productive and
efficient as possible. With that in mind, each lesson will follow the same basic structure.

• Preflight – The instructor will quickly review the last lesson and ask if there are any
questions and address them, identify what will be covered in the current lesson, and if
necessary assist the student with the preflight inspections.
• During flight – The instructor is responsible for covering the materials discussed on the
ground. If changes to the lesson plan need to be made, those will be clearly communicated
to the student along with an explanation of the reason why (any changes must also fit
within scheduled time).
• Post Flight – The instructor and student will review and critique the just-finished lesson.
The instructor will offer helpful feedback and, whenever possible, provide sources for
further information. Finally, the instructor will ensure all appropriate documentation and
billing are complete.

13.4 Ground Training

Great Planes Aviation recognizes two types of ground training. The first type of ground training is
knowledge-based training designed to prepare students to take the appropriate written knowledge test(s).
For Retail Students, Great Planes utilizes the King Schools Video Courses. For RCTC students, this
ground training utilizes a mixture of King Schools Videos and classroom training.

The second type of ground training consists of the training required to transfer flight-based knowledge
and skills to the student. Further, the FAA requires that pilot training contain a mixture of flight and
ground training. Because Great Planes Aviation Instructors are highly-trained professional staff and
because ground training is a critical portion of the educational process, students will be billed for any
ground training obtained as part of their flight training.

Structure of ground instruction may vary as the situation dictates, but will follow the following general
guidelines.

• Introduction – The student and instructor will agree on the topics to be covered and a general
outline of how instruction will occur.
• Actual lesson – The lesson plan will be executed. Any changes will be discussed and agreed
upon by both the student and the instructor.
• Post-lesson review – The instructor and student will review and critique the just-finished lesson.
The instructor will offer helpful feedback and, whenever possible, provide sources for further
information. Finally, the instructor will ensure all appropriate documentation and billing are
complete.

Questions can be directed to the Chief and Assistant Chief Instructor.

14. School Policy

14.1 Acceptable Behavior

Students at Great Planes Aviation are being taught to become professional pilots; as such, their
behavior is expected to be appropriate. The following, while not limited to, includes violations of the
school’s student conduct policy: destroying or damaging school property, engaging in unlawful or
improper action, acting with disrespect toward a member of the school staff or another student, alcohol
or drug abuse, non-compliance with FAR’s.

14.2 Company Morale

It is the duty of both staff members and students to keep the morale of Great Planes Aviation at a
high level. Slandering of other students, members of Great Planes Aviation, or Great Planes Aviation
itself, will result in termination of flight privileges or employment.

14.3 Illness
 In case of illness, the student/renter needs to inform Great Planes Aviation as soon as possible
before any scheduled activities, so measures can be taken to advise or reschedule the persons and
aircraft concerned.

14.4 Harassment

Great Planes Aviation is committed to providing a quality working and learning environment for
men and women of all ages, races, creeds, and ethnic origins. This goal is best achieved when the
environment supports respect for the individual and academic freedom. Harassment on the basis of age,
sex, race, creed or ethnic origin of any Great Planes Aviation staff member or student undermines the
basic principles of the community and will not be tolerated.

14.5 Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in any aircraft, on the flight line or within 50 feet of any fuel or of any of
Great Planes Aviation facility unless in a designated smoking area.
Appendix A. Practice Areas Defined
KRST has three local practice areas. These areas have been created in cooperation with KRST
ATC to enable flight training while minimizing congestion and maximizing safety within the area
managed by KRST ATC.

The North West Practice Area consists of the air space bounded by 43.89N/92.64W,
43.89N/93.06W, 44.00N/93.06W, and 44.00N/92.64W.
 The South West Practice Area consists of the air space bounded by 43.89N/92.64W,
43.89N/93.06W, 43.74N/93.06W, and 43.74N/92.67W.

The North East Practice Area consists of the air space bounded by 43.95N/92.35W,
44.03N/92.20W, 43.85N/91.90W, and 43.73N/92.14W, 43.95N/92.35W.
Appendix B. Safety/Accident Reporting Forms

Aviation Safety Data Report

Flight Instructor Student

Date of Event (MM/DD/YYYY) Approx. Local Time of Event Type of Training Activity (Dual/Solo)

Route of Flight Location of Event Flight Course

Aircraft Type Aircraft Registration

Phase of Operation
□ Hangar Movement □ Taxi-Out □ Cruise □ Crosswind □ Short Final □ Other
□ Towing Aircraft □ Takeoff □ Holding □ Downwind □ Landing
□ Parked □ Initial Climb □ Descent □ Base □ Rollout
□ Ramp □ Climb □ Pattern Entry □ Final □ Taxi-In
Runway Number (if applicable) Runway Condition (dry, wet, other)

Inflight/Airfield Weather Factors (Turbulence, Wind shear, etc) Aircraft Altitude (AGL or MSL)

Wind Visibility WX Phenomena Ceiling Temp/Dewpoint Altimeter

/

Error Type
□ Accident (per NTSB 830) □ Aircraft Departing Illegally (Past Event, etc) □ Communication Error
□ Incident (per NTSB 830) □ Runway / Taxiway incursions □ Judgement / Decision Making
Event Type
□ Aborted Takeoff □ Emergency □ Gear System □ PAX Illness/Injury □ Icing Encounter
□ Aircraft Damage □ Engine Shutdown □ Handling Difficulty □ Prop Strike □ Wake Turbulence
□ Bird/Wildlife Strike □ Engine System □ Loss of Braking □ Tail Strike □ Weather
□ Comm/Nav Failure □ FOD □ Lost/Disoriented □ Wing Strike □ Other Safety Concern
□ Crew Illness/injury □ Fuel Quantity □ ATC incident □ Property Damage □ Other Maintenance Concern
□ Eletrical System □ Fuel System □ Runway Excursion □ Operating Procedures
Event Description (including any relative factors such as weather, ATC, airfield facilities, etc.) Use the back if necessary
 Complete the following questions appropriate to your event
What went wrong? Why?

What went right? Why?

What was learned? (describe)

What would you do differently if faced with this or a similar situation again?

Near midair Collision / Air Traffic Control (ATC) Incident

Mark passage of aircraft relative to you, in place on the left and in elevation on the right.
Assume YOU are at the center of each diagram.

Estimate Lateral Distance to Other Aircraft ________ft ________nm Estimate Lateral Distance to Other Aircraft ________ft ________nm
Severity of Risk? LOW / MEDIUM / HIGH Avoiding Action Taken? ____YES ____NO
Reported to ATC? _______________________________Facility Frequency in use?
Heading? Altitude? ______________ft AGL or MSL
Other Aircraft Registration? Other Aircraft Type?
Other Aircraft Callsign? Any other information?

CFI Signature ________________________________________ Student Signature ________________________________________

Date _________________________ Date _________________________

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