Briefing · Aircraft Checkout
Every pilot. Every aircraft type. No exceptions.
Regardless of total time or certificates held.
Whether you have 50 hours or 5,000, every pilot who flies our aircraft completes a checkout first. This is not a formality. It ensures you know the specific airplane, our local procedures, and the SoCal airspace environment around Long Beach before flying solo in our fleet.
The checkout flight is a minimum of one hour with one of our instructors. The actual duration depends on your proficiency. If everything looks solid, one flight is sufficient. If areas need work, additional time may be required before sign-off.
A written or oral quiz covering the specific aircraft you are checking out in. V-speeds, limitations, emergency procedures, fuel system, electrical system and weight and balance. This confirms you know the airplane, not just how to fly one.
A minimum of three takeoffs and landings to demonstrate competency in the traffic pattern at KLGB. This includes normal landings and may include short-field or soft-field techniques depending on the aircraft type and your intended use.
Demonstration of proper engine-out (engine failure) procedures. The instructor will simulate an engine failure at altitude and evaluate your decision-making, best-glide airspeed management, troubleshooting and field selection.
Both power-on and power-off stall demonstrations. Clean recognition, proper recovery technique and minimal altitude loss. This is standard procedure regardless of experience level.
Steep turns, slow flight and any additional maneuvers the instructor deems appropriate based on your intended use of the aircraft and the conditions of the checkout.
L · 01
Long Beach Airport traffic pattern procedures, noise abatement routes, runway assignments and tower communication protocols. KLGB is a towered Class D airport with specific local procedures.
L · 02
The Los Angeles basin airspace is some of the most complex in the country. LAX Class B, SNA and other surrounding Class D airports, TFRs, and the SoCal Approach transition procedures are all covered.
L · 03
Our designated practice areas, altitude restrictions, terrain awareness and common training routes. Knowing where to go for maneuver practice keeps you safe and efficient.
L · 04
Booking, dispatch, squawk reporting, fuel state requirements and return procedures specific to Aces High Aviation. Every school operates differently.
Schedule
Contact us to schedule your aircraft checkout. Bring your pilot certificate, medical, logbook and photo ID.