Airman’s Proficiency Center Catalog
Airman’s Proficiency Center Catalog
Center
A Division of Hillsboro Aero Academy, LLC.
School Catalog
December 2014
Introduction
Institutional Mission Statement 3
Non-Discrimination Statement 3
About the School 3
Facilities and Equipment 4
Admission Requirements 4
Admission Procedures 5
Enrollment 5
Program Information
Airplane Professional Pilot Program 6
Helicopter Professional Pilot Program. 9
Tuition and Fees 10
Graduation 10
Student Services
Housing 17
Advising 17
Transportation 17
Placement Assistance 17
Student Store 17
Learning Resource System 17
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Veteran Information
General 19
Minimum Standards 19
Miscellaneous
Clock Hour Definition 20
Student to Teacher Ratio 20
Yearly Calendar 20
Student Conduct 20
Addendum
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INTRODUCTION
Institutional Mission Statement
The mission of Airman’s Proficiency Center (APC) is to provide quality flight
training programs that prepare a graduate for a career as a professional pilot.
The school is also committed to being recognized as a nationally and
internationally renowned flight training school for airplane and helicopter
pilots.
Non-Discrimination Statement
This institution does not discriminate due to sex, race, national origin, color,
creed, political and/or sexual orientation. Airman’s Proficiency Center does not
tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind on the premises or within the
realm of the education.
In 1992, Edward Cooley, former CEO of Precision Cast Parts, acquired Hillsboro
Helicopters. Under his direction the company developed a greater dedication
to training methodologies that produce competent and proficient pilots for
careers in aviation. In 1996, the parent corporation of Airman’s Proficiency
Center changed its name from Hillsboro Helicopters to Hillsboro Aviation, Inc.
to better reflect the full scope of the services the company offers.
Max Lyons took ownership of the company in May 1999. Lyons has been an
employee of Hillsboro Aviation since 1988. During this time he has held the
positions of helicopter flight instructor, school manager and charter pilot
before taking over as general manager in 1992. He is also a graduate of the
school. The Troutdale satellite campus was purchased in October 2005 to help
serve Portland’s east side residents and allow for further expansion of the
school.
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In November of 2014, Lyons sold the flight school portion of Hillsboro Aviation
to Renovus Capital Partners, an education-focused private equity firm. The
flight school subsequently changed its name to Hillsboro Aero Academy.
School management and staff stayed in place throughout the transition
offering students the same quality, consistent training they’ve come to expect
from Airman’s Proficiency Center.
Satellite Campus—Troutdale
The campus is a 12,136 square foot building which includes an aircraft dispatch
area, classrooms to accommodate 12-40 students depending on the size of the
classroom, aircraft hangar/maintenance facility, airplane simulator, helicopter
simulator, pilot lounge, kitchenette, student store, instruction offices and
employee offices.
Equipment used for training at both campuses includes Cessna 152, Cessna
162, Cessna 172, Cessna 172SP, Cessna 172RG, Piper Seminole, Robinson R-22,
Robinson R-44 and Bell 206 aircraft. FRASCA simulators are flight training
devices used for both airplane and helicopter training. Additionally, the full-
motion Red Bird simulator is available for airplane flight training at the main
campus.
Admission Requirements
Students enrolling in the professional pilot program must:
Possess a high school diploma, G.E.D. or its equivalent (international
students must provide documentation of a secondary education)
Be age 17 prior to taking the private pilot flight test
Be age 18 within six months of initial enrollment
Be able to read, speak, write and understand English
Return the application with a $100 registration fee or a $200
registration fee for international students
Acquire the appropriate FAA Medical Certificate prior to starting
flight training (it is recommended that the medical exam be
completed prior to enrollment, but it is only required prior to
starting flight training)
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Provide proof of US citizenship or complete the required
Transportation Security Administration registration (non-US citizens)
Provide financial verification of training and living expenses
(international students only)
Obtain any necessary non-immigrant visas (international students
only)
Important note: Students with prior flight training experience (or certificates)
should contact the school for information related to the transferring of credit. To
be eligible for flight training credit a student must provide verifiable credit.
Training credit will only be awarded after an evaluation is conducted (written
examination, flight check or both). Training credit is issued at the sole discretion of
APC.
Admission Procedures
All persons displaying an interest in enrolling in the professional training
programs at Airman’s Proficiency Center receive an information packet which
includes a brief outline of the programs, current tuition and an application for
admission. When the application is returned with the appropriate registration
fee, the student is contacted and an appointment is made to tour the facility.
During the tour, the prospective student has an opportunity to ask questions,
examine the aircraft, meet staff and receive a catalog. Those students residing
outside the local area who are unable to visit the school will be mailed a
catalog. After all admission requirements have been met, applicants will be
notified in writing of their status with the school.
Enrollment
We have an open enrollment policy at Airman’s Proficiency Center. This means
that because our training is done on a one-on-one basis, students can begin
their training at any time. Once a student has been accepted to the school, the
student will need to decide on a starting date for their training and attend
orientation. Orientation is held once per month and may be attended after
training has begun. Generally, we require a minimum of two weeks’ notice from
the date the student notifies the school of his or her intended start date and
the actual start date.
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PROGRAM INFORMATION
Airplane Professional Pilot Program
The Airplane Professional Pilot Program is designed to provide the student the
required basic experience, training and skills necessary to gain employment in
an entry-level pilot position. The entry-level position that most graduates of
the Airplane Professional Pilot Program obtain is as a certified flight instructor
(CFI). Experience gained as a CFI may lead to opportunities as a pilot for charter
companies, cargo and airlines.
The normal length of time to complete the Airplane Professional Pilot Program
is 52 weeks with a minimum completion time of 26 weeks. Within this period
the student will complete a minimum of 565.0 clock hours and take the
following courses:
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Private Pilot Certificate
Prerequisites: Class III Medical Certificate
Introduction to Commercial
Prerequisites: Class III Medical Certificate
Private Pilot Certificate
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Instrument Rating
Prerequisites: Class III Medical Certificate
Private Airplane Certificate
Study of the aeronautical subjects necessary to prepare the student to operate
an airplane under instrument flight rules. Upon completion of this course the
student will have fulfilled all of the FAA requirements necessary to take the
instrument written, oral and practical tests. Subjects included in this course are
the use of communication and navigational facilities, fundamental and
advanced instrument flight maneuvers, attitude instrument flight, instrument
approaches and preparation and execution of cross-country instrument flights.
Continued study of the maneuvers and procedures necessary to prepare for the
commercial pilot practical test. Upon completion of this course the student will
have fulfilled all of the FAA requirements necessary to take the commercial
written, oral and practical tests. The subjects offered within this course include
operation of a complex airplane, precision commercial flight maneuvers,
attitude instrument flight and long distance cross-country day and night
flights.
Multi-Engine Rating
Prerequisites: Private or Commercial Airplane Certificate
Class III Medical Certificate
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knowledge and maneuvers of the student pilot, lesson planning,
responsibilities of the CFI, fundamentals of instruction and teaching of all
required subjects in the private and commercial pilot certificate program and
preparation for the flight instructor’s FAA tests.
Multi-Engine Instructor
Prerequisites: Class III Medical Certificate
Commercial Airplane Certificate (Multi-Engine)
Airplane Flight Instructor Rating
Instrument Rating (Multi-Engine)
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Helicopter Professional Pilot Program
The Helicopter Professional Pilot Program is designed to provide the student
with the required basic experience, training and skills necessary to gain
employment in an entry-level pilot position. The entry-level position that most
graduates of the Helicopter Professional Pilot Program obtain is as a certified
flight instructor (CFI). Experience gained as a CFI may lead to opportunities as a
pilot in TV/radio news reporting, emergency medical services, scenic tours,
executive charter, firefighting, agriculture, logging and off-shore support.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Private Pilot Certificate
Prerequisites: Class III Medical Certificate
A study of the aeronautical subjects necessary to prepare the student for the
operation of a helicopter as a private pilot. Upon completion of this course the
student will have fulfilled all of the FAA requirements necessary to take the
private pilot written, oral and practical tests. Subjects include Federal Aviation
Regulations (FARs), basic aerodynamics, aircraft systems and operations,
attitude flying, night flight, flight physiology, emergency operations, VFR flight
planning and aircraft weight and balance.
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Certified Flight Instructor
Prerequisites: Class III Medical Certificate
Commercial Helicopter Certificate
Development of the skills and tools necessary to train students seeking private
and commercial licenses. Upon completion of this course the student will have
fulfilled all of the FAA requirements necessary to take the certified flight
instructor written, oral and practical tests. Subjects include learning to fly the
training aircraft from the instructor’s seat, learning to analyze the actions,
knowledge and maneuvers of the student pilot, lesson planning,
responsibilities of the CFI, fundamentals of instruction and teaching of all the
required subjects in the private and commercial pilot certificate program and
preparation for the flight instructor tests.
Graduation
In order to be considered graduated from the full professional pilot program,
airplane students must have completed their private, instrument, commercial,
CFI, MEI and CFII training. Helicopter students must have completed their
private, instrument, commercial, CFI and CFII training.
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Satisfactory Progress
In order to be considered as making satisfactory progress towards a certificate
or rating and to remain eligible for training and graduation, a student is
required to maintain minimum institutional and FAA standards. All programs
must be completed within 150% of the normal duration for that program.
Each course requires the student to take written examinations and flight
progress checks. To be considered as making satisfactory progress the student
must:
Pass all progress checks with a score of at least 70%
Pass all written examinations with a score of at least 80% for both
the helicopter and the airplane courses
Meet attendance requirements
Pass all FAA written, oral and practical tests associated with each
course within 15 days after the completion of each course
Graduation Requirements
A student must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for
graduation:
Pass all progress checks with a score of at least 70%
Pass all written examinations with a score of at least 80%
Satisfy all financial obligations to the school
Complete the program within 150% of the normal length of time
Complete 80% of published clock hours in the program
Receive credit for and/or complete all courses in the program
Grading System
Each course in the airplane and helicopter professional pilot programs includes
both flight and ground instruction. Students receive a flight grade and a
ground grade for each course.
Flight
Grades for the flight portions of each course are based on satisfactory
performance as evaluated during flight progress checks. Progress checks occur
at set intervals during training and students must receive a passing grade in
order to continue in the course. Course flight grades will be an average of all
progress check grades.
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Progress Check Passed Grade
First Attempt A
Second Attempt B
Third Attempt C
Fourth Attempt F
Ground
Grades for the ground portions of each course are based on stage check
written exams and the FAA knowledge exam. Stage check exams are given at
set intervals during training and students must receive a passing grade in order
to continue in the course. The FAA knowledge exam is the final exam for the
ground portion of the course and students must receive a passing grade to
take their practical exam. Course ground grades will be an average of all stage
check written exam grades and the FAA knowledge exam grade.
Failures
If the student fails a written test or progress check ride, the student may retake
the exam or progress check up to three times. Students unable to pass the
written test or progress check within three attempts may be terminated.
Make-up Work
An instructor may assign make-up work if the student fails a test or progress
check. Make-up work may be in the form of written material, reading, video
viewing or instructor consultation. Make-up work must be complete prior to
the next progress check.
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conclusion of the warning period, the student is required to have displayed
satisfactory progress. If the student fails to meet the satisfactory progress
requirements, the student is placed on probation through a written notice.
Probation
At the point the student is placed on probation, the instructor and chief
instructor meet with the student to evaluate the problem areas. The student is
required to attend additional instruction, over and beyond the normal daily
instruction. The student may be required to complete additional study material
and/or testing. The probation period is 14 days in length. If the student is
unable to meet satisfactory progress within this probation period, the student
is assigned to probation leading to termination.
Attendance
General Attendance
In order to be considered a full-time student, any student receiving Title IV
funding must attend instruction at least 12 hours per week (weather
permitting). This includes all flight and ground instruction, including simulator
time. All international students on a non-immigrant visa must be on campus at
least 22 hours per week. This includes all flight and ground instruction,
including simulator time, as well as time on campus spent studying and
preparing for lessons.
Tardiness
Due to the nature of flight training, students are required to be on time for
scheduled flights or tutorial training sessions. Students are asked to arrive 15
minutes prior to the actual flight. Students are tardy when they are more than
five minutes late for a scheduled flight/lesson. Students who are tardy may
forfeit their time slot and must reschedule to maintain progress. Students who
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are more than 15 minutes tardy may be charged for the cost of the aircraft
and/or instructor in addition to forfeiting the time slot. Continual tardiness may
lead to termination from the school.
Absences
If for any reason a student cannot keep a scheduled flight or lesson, the
student must notify the school at least 18 hours in advance. Students who do
not notify the school at least 18 hours in advance may be charged a
cancellation fee.
Leaves of Absence
Airman’s Proficiency Center allows leaves of absence (LOA) providing the
student supplies written notification to the school director stating the last day
of attendance and the date of the student’s return which cannot exceed 90
days. If a student does not return on the specified date and has not contacted
the school director or the instructor, the student may be terminated.
If the student does contact the school prior to the specified return date to
postpone the return, the request must be formalized and directed to the
instructor or the school director. Once the request is made, the student is
granted the request provided it does not extend the leave over the 90 day
maximum. If the maximum is exceeded the student is terminated but the file is
archived for reenrollment.
Withdrawals or Drops
Withdrawals or drops require written notification from the student to the
school director. A withdrawal or drop terminates the student’s active file and all
training.
Terminations
General reasons for termination:
The student is unable to maintain satisfactory progress
Continual tardiness and/or absences
The student is unable to obtain an FAA Medical Certificate
The student does not abide by the rules and regulations defined by
the school and/or the FAA
Continual violation of the payment policy
The student knowingly destroys or damages school, instructor or
fellow student’s property
Failure to complete the program within 150% of the normal length of
time
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Incompletes and Course Repetitions
Incompletes and course repetitions are not granted at Airman’s Proficiency
Center.
Appeals
The student may appeal a determination of unsatisfactory progress and the
subsequent termination by forwarding a formal appeal in writing to the school
director. The appeal should explain the extenuating circumstance surrounding
the student’s lack of progress. The school director may determine that the
student is making satisfactory progress toward a certificate or rating despite
failure to conform to the minimum institutional standards. However, all FAA
standards must be maintained.
Complaints
Airman’s Proficiency Center is committed to providing superior customer
service and meeting all training needs of our students. Complaints or concerns
should first be brought to the attention of the student’s instructor. If the
instructor does not satisfactorily resolve the complaint or if the student is
uncomfortable approaching his/her instructor about the complaint, the student
should contact one of the following:
chief flight instructor
director of admissions
school director
[Link]/feedback
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A copy of ACCSC’s complaint form is available at the school and may be
obtained by contacting the school director or online at [Link].
Payments
At the completion of a lesson, the student will be invoiced for the amount of
instruction and/or aircraft rental time compiled during the lesson. This time will
be multiplied by the corresponding hourly rate(s) associated with the aircraft
and/or instructor. The student is required to pay the invoice immediately
following the lesson. A student may pay by cash, check, traveler’s check, Visa,
MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Students also have the option of
paying in advance and having the invoice amount deducted from their pre-
paid amount.
If a student does not make a payment after the completion of a lesson and has
not pre-paid for the lesson, the student will be in violation of the payment
policy and will not be allowed to schedule another lesson until payment is
received. Repeated violations of the payment policy may lead to termination of
the student from the school.
Refunds
If a student has personal funds deposited on account with the school, those
monies that have not been used are fully refundable. Students requesting
cancellation and a refund of monies on their account must submit a request to
the school director or director of admissions. A check will be issued to the
student within ten business days from their last lesson. Funds from other
parties will be returned to the source of funding.
Applicants who have not visited the school prior to enrollment will have the
opportunity to withdraw without penalty within three days following either the
regularly scheduled orientation procedures or following a tour of the school
facilities and inspection of the equipment where training and services are
provided.
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STUDENT SERVICES
Housing
Housing is available for students to rent on a weekly basis. Housing consists of
two or three bedroom apartments in which each student has their own
bedroom and shares the living, kitchen and bathroom areas. The master
bedroom has its own bathroom. Each bedroom is equipped with a single bed,
desk, lamp and clothing storage. The kitchens are stocked with dishes, glasses,
silverware and cooking utensils. The current fees for housing are shown in the
addendum to this catalog.
The housing facilities are a short walk from the school and convenient to the
Portland-area light rail transit system which provides access to the local
community. Student housing is available to full or part-time students only.
Advising
Student advising is available through the office of the school director, director
of admissions, school administrator and chief flight instructors. Advising
sessions are on an as-needed basis and may be by appointment or walk-in.
Transportation
A student arriving from out of the area is entitled to an initial pick-up by a
school representative. To qualify for this pick-up the student must arrive at the
Portland airport, rail station or bus depot and must provide dates, times and
flight number to the school at least seven days in advance. The school does not
provide any local transportation for students aside from the initial pick-up.
Placement Assistance
Placement assistance services consist of resume writing assistance, interview
preparation, posting of employment opportunities, referring graduates to
known sources of employment and career path advising. The school does not
guarantee job placement to graduates.
Student Store
Books and other supplies are available at the school’s Aviator’s Supply Stores at
each campus. These stores are open to the students as well as the public. The
Aviator’s Supply Stores provide all materials necessary to complete the courses
and programs at Airman’s Proficiency Center.
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Learning Resource System
Airman’s Proficiency Center provides a Learning Resource System at each
campus to assist students in their training. The Learning Resource System
includes the library which consists of textbooks, current periodicals, videos
and DVDs, audio recordings, computerized test prep software and a list of
helpful websites. The Hillsboro campus library is housed in the testing center
office which also provides computer access for students when testing is not in
session. The Troutdale campus library is located in the student records room
along with computers that are available whenever the school is in operation.
In addition, students may ask any instructor to access the school’s Document
Finder from any computer on campus to find the student/renter handbook,
safety procedure manuals, practice tests, stage exams and other training
materials. Over the course of the training program, use of the Learning
Resource System is required and will be assigned by the flight instructor as
needed.
Student Activities
APC offers a Facebook page that students may join in order to communicate
with other students either before or after they arrive. The flight school page is
also used to notify students of events and classes that are being offered.
Monthly barbecues are held at which students and employees mingle and
enjoy food and drinks that are provided by the school. Informal sports teams
are led by school team members depending on the season and
student/employee interest.
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VETERAN INFORMATION
General
Before receiving veteran’s benefits, each person must apply directly to the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for eligibility. After receiving notification of
eligibility, the VA may reimburse the student for payments made toward flight
training at a rate of 60% of eligible costs under the Montgomery GI Bill and up
to the cost of tuition or $10,330 (whichever is less) per academic year under the
Post 9/11 GI Bill provided the student maintains the minimum VA standards.
No reimbursements are made for flight hours in the private portion of any
program, for hours which exceed the FAA minimums or for hours received in a
course not recognized by the VA. When given, the disbursements are made
directly to the student.
Minimum Standards
1. Students receiving veteran’s benefits for training are required to
participate in at least the minimum published hours. Students who do
not meet this requirement are placed on probation with the VA. During
this period, the student is expected to train for at least the minimum
hours. If the student does not train for at least 15 hours during the 90-
day probation period, the VA is notified and the student may be
terminated.
3. Prior to enrolling in the ATP course, the veteran must have a current FAA
Class I Medical Certificate.
Prospective VA students should contact the school and request a current copy
of the school’s veteran information bulletin.
All forms necessary to apply and receive veteran’s educational benefits are
available at [Link]. However, if additional forms are necessary or if the
student requires additional information the student should write or call:
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MISCELLANEOUS
Yearly Calendar
We have an open enrollment policy at Airman’s Proficiency Center and training
programs can begin at any time. The school is open seven days a week except
for the following holidays:
Student Conduct
Airman’s Proficiency Center students are required to conduct themselves in a
manner that is both appropriate and professional. Students shall comply with
applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) at all times
Upon enrollment, each student will receive an Aircraft Safety Manual and
Renter Handbook. Each student is expected to abide by all the aircraft
operation rules outlined in these documents. Prospective students may request
a copy of these documents in advance.
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