Client = You
PIC = Pilot in Command per CFR 14
Instructor = Certified Flight Instructor
Operator = Pilot Rise, LLC
Aircraft Policies
Insurance:
While flying Pilot Rise, LLC aircraft, the Client has limited liability coverage (up to $100,000). The aircraft has physical damage coverage, but Pilot Rise, LLC is the named insured and the insurer may choose to seek reimbursement from a client whose actions cause damage to the aircraft.
Renter Insurance:
Any person who acts as the Pilot in Command (“PIC”) per CRF 14 is required to provide Pilot Rise, LLC with a renter insurance policy. The policy must have at least $35,000 in physical damage coverage for all aircraft. The renter insurance policy must be through Global or AIG. Avemco is not accepted because they are known for refusing to pay claims. We cannot accept Starr policies because a claim on a Starr policy counts against our policy because we use Starr as our underwriter. Global is known for being the more affordable of the four options.
You can get a Global Rental Insurance Policy online here in under five minutes: https://aviationinsuranceexperts.aero.insure/dtm/home/pno/us
Aircraft Checkouts:
Before any Client may act as the PIC for any Pilot Rise, LLC aircraft, the Client must receive a checkout. A checkout flight is required for each aircraft type. Checkouts must be conducted by a Pilot Rise, LLC instructor, and the checkout flight must be approved by Pilot Rise, LLC management. If a Pilot holds an instrument rating and wishes to have instrument privileges, an instrument checkout must be completed. A VFR checkout will be conducted with standards twice as strict as Private Pilot ACS Standards. An IFR checkout will be conducted with standards twice as strict as the Instrument ACS standards.
Passenger Rules:
Each Client acting as PIC must ensure their passengers have completed the Pilot Rise, LLC waiver: https://pilotrise.com/sign-waiver/ All Clients are responsible for their own passengers. If a passenger causes damage or steals items, the Client will be responsible to pay for damages.
Operating Handbooks:
Each Client must follow the operating handbook for each aircraft.
Checklists:
Each Client must follow the quick checklist provided by the operator for each aircraft unless there is a conflict with the operating handbook. The operating handbook takes precedence.
Paperwork:
The Client must agree to the aircraft rental agreement prior to using any Pilot Rise, LLC aircraft. The Client allows Pilot Rise, LLC to keep a copy of their unexpired Driver's License, a Credit Card, Pilot Certificate, Passport, Birth Certificate, Medical Certificate, and/or any other required paperwork on file. Pilot Rise, LLC agrees to not ever sell or trade any personal information for any Client to any 3rd party without the consent of the Client.
Regulations:
The Client must follow FAA Regulations and all other relative regulations.
Keys:
Clients acting as PIC must never take the hangar key from the property, and the Client must also return the aircraft keys after each flight. Failing to do so may result in a fee.
Towing:
Clients are not allowed to tow aircraft in or out of the Pilot Rise hangar except with supervision from a Pilot Rise instructor. Clients who are at least a Private Pilot may remove N15759 from its hangar. If a Pilot Rise Instructor is not available, the Client must park the aircraft in the parking area at Hicks Airport.
No client may operate the golf cart as a tug.
Securing:
The Client must ensure each aircraft is secure before leaving the aircraft. This includes visiting other airports. The Client must chock the aircraft, lock the flight controls, put up window shades, lock the doors, and take the keys.
Stolen Items:
The Operator is not responsible for any stolen, lost, or misplaced items by the Client.
Damages:
The Client is responsible for finding damages on the aircraft before each flight and reporting them to the Operator. The Client is responsible for any damage caused which is not by natural causes which were not preventable by due diligence. When with an instructor and the instructor causes damages to the aircraft, then the instructor would be responsible for the damages.
Pilot Documents:
Each Client must ensure they have all their pilot documents including a valid medical, pilot certificate, photo ID, and any applicable endorsements applicable for their flight or operation.
Alcohol and Drugs:
The Client or any occupants may not fly under the influence of alcohol or any drugs and must follow all FAA regulations. They also may not take any drugs or alcohol on the flight. All passengers must be sober for their own safety.
For Hire Operations:
The Client may not conduct any for-hire operations without prior approval from Pilot Rise, LLC.
Flight Instruction Flights:
No Client may receive or give flight instruction during any flight in Pilot Rise, LLC aircraft unless the instructor is approved by Pilot Rise, LLC.
Weather:
VFR checked out Clients may not fly in lower than 2500 feet ceilings and less than 5 miles of visibility without prior approval from the Operator or a Pilot Rise, LLC instructor. VFR checked out Clients may fly in as low as 1500 foot ceilings and 3 miles of visibility if staying in the traffic pattern.
IFR checked out Clients may fly into weather at their discretion and judgment.
Client's may not ever fly into known icing or thunderstorms.
Damaging Weather:
If damaging weather, such as hail, is forecast and you learn about it, please contact Pilot Rise, LLC to warn us immediately. We will move our planes away from harm's way so everyone can keep using them.
Trash:
The Client must remove trash from the aircraft after their flight.
Oil:
If any oil was used, the Client must report the oil usage on the oil usage form.
Cleaning:
Clients and instructors are encouraged to use the cleaning supplies on hand to clean the windshield and leading edges of the aircraft after each flight.
Instructor Limitations:
No CFI may act as an instructor unless approved by Pilot Rise, LLC!
Landings:
- All landings including student landings should be within the first 1/4th of the runway. If you are going to touch down after that, it is considered unstable, and a go-around should be completed.
- If unstable, go around. (Unstable meaning: not on the centerline, not going to touch down in the first 1/4th, too high descent rate, landing checklist not complete, airspeed not stable below 200 feet AGL)
- Do not configure flaps for landing below 200 feet AGL
- No touch and go should be attempted if power is not at max and flaps are coming up by the first 1/4th of the runway.
Takeoffs:
- Ensure the approach end is clear before entering the runway.
- Do not loiter on the runway for more than a few seconds.
Traffic Pattern:
- Turn in the correct direction.
- Aim to be at pattern altitude by your turn to downwind.
- Stay within glide distance of the runway while on downwind and base.
Mixture Usage:
- Lean the mixture during taxi. This prevents spark plug fouling and saves fuel.
- For takeoff, either use full rich mixture or lean rich of peak.
For aircraft that have a hard time keeping the engine cool, use full rich.
On high-density altitude days, it may be best to takeoff with the mixture leaned rich of peak. - Above 3,000 feet AGL, your mixture should be leaned (even somewhat leaned during maneuvers). You may lean earlier than 3,000 feet.
- Don't forget to richen the mixture during descent as the air density increases.
Usage Limitations:
Aircraft may not be used for the following:
- Aerobatic Flight
- Spins
- Anything not allowed by the operating limitations of the aircraft
- Illegal Activity
- To carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.
- Flight below 1000 feet AGL except for landing or when a Pilot Rise, LLC instructor is onboard and acting PIC.
- In any race or speed contests
- Be flown by any person who is not approved by Pilot Rise, LLC
- Outside the limits of the Continental United States.
- In weather worse than the minimums provided by the Operator.
- For any flight for which the Renter is not properly rated or certified.
- Further than 75 nautical miles from Hicks Airport (T67) without prior approval from Pilot Rise, LLC management.
- Will not land on any non-paved surfaces except during an emergency or with a Pilot Rise, LLC instructor approved for non-paved surfaces.
STUDENT POLICIES
Citizenship:
Each student pilot must provide Pilot Rise with proof of US Citizenship via their original birth certificate and driver's license OR their valid US passport. This rule does not apply to commercial students.
BILLING
Payment Due:
Client payments are due to the Operator upon receipt for each lesson or flight.
Payment Methods:
Clients may pay with an accepted credit or debit card. Cards have a 2.9% subcharge.
Clients may pay with cash.
Clients may pay with Venmo (this is preferred).
Cash and Check Payments:
We accept cash and check, but payments must be made to our receptionist. They are normally in the office M-F from 9am to 3pm.
Instructors cannot accept cash or check.
Cash and check payments must be made in advance. Checks will not be applied to your account until clearing.
Chargebacks:
Chargebacks and refunds are not allowed. The Client will be billed your regular bill and for the operator's time for dealing with chargebacks.
Cards on File:
The Client agrees to authorize Pilot Rise, LLC to keep a payment card on file and charge the card for applicable fees and rental charges. The security is PCI complaint.
Account Balances:
Clients are encouraged to keep at least $1,500 on account for flight training. Aircraft rates for clients below this threshold will be $10/h more. This may be refunded at any time after paying for any outstanding invoices. If terminating training prior to completion of a certificate, you may be subject to an early termination charge.
Refunds When Financing:
When financing training through Stratus Financing, if you wish to terminate flight training, funds provided by Stratus Financing will ONLY be returned to Stratus Financing.
Charges:
The Operator may charge the client for:
- Aircraft rental at the Operator's rental rates. The rates are subject to change, but the Operator will provide notice of price change before your flight if the rental rates have changed.
- Instructor fees. Each instructor sets their own rate, and the operator will collect their fee. Instructor charges begin at the start of the lesson or the scheduled lesson time (whichever comes first), and end when the lesson ends. The instructor may charge less if they choose to.
- Any damages caused by the Client not limited to just the aircraft.
- Any legal fees due to the Client.
- Any landing fees, ramp fees, or any other fees at any airport due to the usage of the aircraft by the Client.
- Any fees charged by the Operator for not following a policy or compromising safety.
SCHEDULING
Cancellation Policy:
Flights and lessons cancelled without 24 hours of the lesson may be subject to a $50 fee. This is usually waived if it was cancelled due to weather or maintenance. If the reason was due to weather, and the weather was forecast to be poor, the Client may still be subject to the cancellation fee due to poor planning unless the flight was with an instructor.
No Show Policy:
If the Client does not show up to a flight or lesson or fail to cancel at least one hour in advance, they may be subject to a $100 no show fee. This is because other people waiting on the schedule could not take your place.
Canceling a Flight:
If the Client needs to cancel a flight or lesson, they must call and leave a voicemail with their instructor or Pilot Rise, LLC. Texting is also acceptable as long as a Pilot Rise admin acknowledges prior to your scheduled time.
Scheduling as a Renter:
If the Client is checked out for a flight, they may schedule at your discretion at FlightCircle.com. If the Client wishes to schedule a flight longer than one day, they must call or text Pilot Rise to schedule.
Scheduling as a Student:
If the Client is scheduling with an instructor, they must schedule with that instructor to make sure they are available.
Altering Schedules:
If the Client alters a scheduled flight within 24 hours it MAY be considered a cancellation.
Check-Out:
Before departing, Clients must checkout their flight on FlightCircle. This is the instructor's responsibility if it is an instruction flight. The Client must also take a picture of the Hobbs and Tach times.
Check-In:
Before leaving the aircraft on arrival, the Client must check-in the aircraft. The Client must also take a picture of the Hobbs and Tach times.
Fuel Receipts:
To get reimbursed for fuel, the Client must email a picture of your fuel receipts to Pilot Rise, LLC immediately after a flight. If the Client failed to obtain a receipt, then they may provide a bank statement to Pilot Rise, LLC as long as the fuel charge has cleared.
BUILDING
Security:
The main building is under 24/7 surveillance on a normal day.
Damages:
Damaging or stealing from the building may result in a fee or prosecution as necessary.
Locks:
When using the lockbox, the Client must be sure to immediately return the hangar key once opening the hangar door. There may be others who will need to enter after. When leaving, even if there is someone inside the hangar, the Client must lock up the main hangar doors and entrance door. Please turn off the lights only if no one else is inside the hangar.
Access Codes:
Clients approved to act as the PIC for an aircraft will receive an access code from the Operator to access the lockbox for hangar entrance and aircraft keys. The Client may not share their access code. The operator reserves the right to remove access at any time for any reason.
Limited Access:
Clients are allowed access to use the hangar restroom, office restroom, flight school office, study books, whiteboards, and courtesy drinks. Other areas and items are off-limits. The operator reserves the right to remove access at any time for any reason.
Smoking:
Smoking is prohibited in or around the building or ANY aircraft.
TRANSIENT POLICIES
Maximum Distance:
Each flight MUST remain within 75 nautical miles of Hicks Airport (T67) except with prior approval from management. Flights that are approved for further than 75 nautical miles from Hicks Airport must file and open a flight plan.
Survival Gear:
As required by the Private Pilot ACS, every pilot should plan to be able to survive in the environment in which they are flying for 48 to 72 hours. This also includes any passengers.
When flying away from the airport or practice area, be sure to bring water, clothing, and shelter.
Here are a couple of items for your survival bag (you may not need some of these for all seasons) (all of these add up to 4.5-5.5 pounds):
- Emergency Sleeping Bag (4.1oz)
- Emergency Tent (8.7oz)
- Lifestraw (2oz)
- Small Survival Pack (~2.5lbs)
Knife, flashlight, paracord, compass, misc tools, survival blanket, first aid kit, and flint and steel - 1-2 water bottles (~1-2lbs)
Weather:
The Client may not attempt to fly in weather that could present a danger to the aircraft or occupants.
Mechanical:
At Pilot Rise, LLC, we make every effort to keep our fleet of rental aircraft in excellent mechanical condition. However, an occasional breakdown may occur while away from our facility.
In the case of a mechanic malfunction or issue away:
- Report to Pilot Rise, LLC and your instructor immediately
- Do not authorize any repairs without approval from Pilot Rise, LLC.
- Pilot Rise, LLC will reimburse you for any repairs if they were authorized.
Stranded Away from Home Base:
Although rare, it is possible to become stuck at an airport away from home. This can happen due to many reasons such as, but not limited to:
- Bad / Low Weather
- Unforeseen mechanical issues
- Light bulb burning out
- Airport out of fuel
- Airport closures
- TFRs
- Popped tire
When planning your trips, be sure to have a backup plan in mind.
Pilot Rise, LLC will cover any maintenance costs if it was due to natural causes. If the maintenance issues were due to Client negligence, improper operating, or damages, then the Client will be responsible for any maintenance costs. If any maintenance issue comes up and the Client was not complying with any portion of this agreement, then the Client may be responsible for maintenance expenses. Pilot Rise, LLC is not responsible to pay for any hotels, travel expenses, airline fairs, rental cars, meals, etc in association with maintenance issues, weather issues, or any other reasons which could result in becoming stranded away from the home airport.
In the case of being stranded (other than off-field emergencies or accidents) then these are the options:
- If you are a flight student or building time and flying with an instructor, contact your instructor. Management may not even be in town to assist. Before any flight, make sure to have a plan with a friend, family, or your CFI. Whatever plan you have, you may be responsible for paying for the aircraft to get returned. If it is an easy fix, it is probably best to stay with the aircraft to fly it home. However, we recommend making a plan with your CFI to have them fly it home if something happens where you are stranded.
- Wait with the plane until it is repaired or the weather clears up. (Note: Mechanics do not work on weekends typically).
- Return home via airlines, friend picking you up, ferry permit with the aircraft.
There are very few times when we will be able to pick you up by car or aircraft, and we will need to be reimbursed for any expenses incurred to pick you up, so be sure to coordinate with friends, family, and your CFI.
Any regular fees from Pilot Rise, LLC associated with the flight may be charged.
If you leave the aircraft, you will be responsible to pay the regular rate for the aircraft to be returned. You will also be responsible for the travel expenses and cost of the pilot (pilot rate limited to $30 / hour). If you retrieve the plane, then there will be no expenses for travel and pilot. You will still be responsible to pay the hourly rate of the aircraft to return it to your home base even if you choose to not fly it.
We will do everything in our power to prevent delays and issues away from home, but there are items out of anyone's control. If we are able to, we will try our best to assist with some of the expenses as well as assisting with travel and retrieval arrangements.
If you fly further than 75 nautical miles, you may be responsible for the mechanic's expenses to travel to the aircraft. We will try to find a mechanic within the vicinity of the stranded airport to avoid this extra cost.
miscellaneous
Contact:
Members and students must provide a reliable means of contact to Pilot Rise.
INSTRUCTOR POLICIES
Towing:
Instructors may tow planes with the golf cart only if trained and approved by management.
Instructors may tow planes with the tow bar or motor tow if trained and approved by management.
Instructors may let their students use the tow bar, but they are responsible for what happens, and they must supervise the whole process.
Scheduling:
Instructors may make their own schedules.
Instructors should create scheduled times on FlightCircle indicating when they are available to be scheduled for flights such as discovery flights. Management may then schedule you for those times up to 24 hours in advance.
When scheduling solo students or student rentals, try to match their time with another instructor flight so the other instructor could pull the aircraft out of the hangar. Avoid scheduling them as the last flight of the day unless an instructor will be around to put the plane up.
Dispatch:
Instructors must dispatch each flight, and they must confirm the client meets the requirements prior to any dispatch.
If a client is not in the system yet, the instructor must contact management prior to dispatching any flight.
New Clients:
Instructors must complete the new client form for any new clients. They must also collect a copy of the client's driver's license and pilot documents.
TSA Endorsements:
Except for discovery flights, instructors must confirm US Citizenship via a US-issued non-expired photo ID and an original US birth certificate or US Passport. The instructor must review the documents in person with the originals as required by the TSA regulations. The instructor must complete a TSA endorsement and issue it to the client. The TSA endorsement must list the ID number and exploration date for each document reviewed. The instructor must email a copy of the endorsement to management and keep a copy in their records as well.
Check-in Lessons:
When checking in from a lesson, instructors must show the invoice to the client. If the client needs the invoice emailed, the instructor must notify management to send the invoice to the client.
The instructor may accept the following payments: Venmo, card, and check (only if the client is approved to use checks).
Aircraft Parking:
Aircraft should be parked by the fuel pumps between flights if the following conditions are met:
- Flight scheduled after you.
- No inclement weather forecast for the remainder of the day or the before the next flight.
- There is room for parking.
Aircraft may be parked outside overnight only if there is no forecast precipitation and forecast light winds.
Fueling:
Whenever able, please purchase fuel from airports cheaper than Hicks.
These airports usually have cheaper fuel and are great places to practice: KXBP, KLUD, KCPT, 50F, KGDJ.
For cross countries: KRPH, KINJ, 1F0, KSWI, F41, KSEP.
Oil:
You MUST log any oil used for each flight. ONLY log to oil if the oil was taken from the supplies area and placed in the aircraft or in the engine. If you place oil in the aircraft compartment, this is considered being used.
Employee Cards:
Employee cards may only be used to purchase fuel. We still need all receipts. If you forget a receipt, email the date, amount of fuel, location, and total cost to the manager.
Looking Outside:
Clients who cannot easily see over the cowling are required to use a booser. As an instructor, you need to enforce this. It makes it much easier for them to learn as well.