The Student Pilot Cast

In Episode 88, Bill welcomes Jason Miller, two-time FAA Western Pacific CFI of the Year and founder of The Finer Points, to discuss how his platform evolved into an flight training app that models real-world lessons with briefings, flights, and debriefs across five courses. They talk about uneven student preparation, the 2015–2023 “explosive growth” period that left inexperienced CFIs training newer pilots, and signs of degraded proficiency and safety concerns, alongside the FAA’s overhaul of written tests to reduce memorization and align questions with the ACS. Jason explains the free CFI Club’s mentorship focus, monthly meetings, and “CFI Handbook” videos, and why he chose a career instructing path. They cover technology’s impact—YouTube safety content, EFB benefits and distractions, and best practices—plus thoughts on AI’s current limits and targeted uses. Miller also describes his mountain/canyon “airplane camp” adventure training emphasizing risk management and survival planning. This is Student Pilot Cast episode 087, Powered by Human Intelligence; A Conversation with Jason Miller.Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbriefLinks:Join The Finer Points on our Adventure Flying TripsThe Finer Points – Become a better pilotJoin The Finer Points CFI Club!Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

In Episode 86, we join Bill as he relaunches the podcast. Four distinct series, a new look, and more bad puns. I do a Briefing Room episode to launch things back off, and explain how things are changing, how they're staying the same, and what we want to focus on.Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbriefLinks:Radio Check – The Student Pilot CastHope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

In Episode 84, we join Bill and Kent again for another Beyond the Checkride segment. In this one we talk about getting out there on the proverbial open road, and going places with GA, in whatever airplane you have access to. Hope you enjoy our discussion on cross country flying and expanding your comfort zone a bit.Links:Video of this Episode - Video version of Episode of SPC #84.Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

Welcome back SPC listeners and Merry Christmas! In this special Christmas day episode, hosts Bill and Kent delve into the pilot's lifeline – checklists. Episode 82 of the Student Pilot Cast titled 'Making a List and Checking it Twice...or Never' brings forth a comprehensive discussion on the importance of good checklist habits beyond the checkride. They debate the utility and design of checklists, discuss personal anecdotes, and offer insight on the pros and cons of electronic versus paper checklists. This episode is a must-listen for both new and experienced pilots who want to improve their safety and efficiency in the cockpit. Join the conversation and share your thoughts!Links:Goose, your Digital Co-PilotHope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

In Episode 80 of the Student Pilot Cast we reunite with Nick Smith from Part Time Pilot to discuss the latest developments in his online ground school platform. We explore the addition of new features, such as an IFR ground school and a mobile app, and delve into the challenges of aviation training. Host Bill shares his journey to becoming a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), offering insights and updates along the way. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of aviation education and learn how Part Time Pilot is making flight training more accessible and efficient. See the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/97O5VzO1kZc Links:Video Version of Episode 80Part Time Pilot Online Flight Training & Ground School - Check out Nick's excellent ground school.Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

In Episode 78, we go back in time a bit. Back when Bill was a brand new pilot and was transitioning into a couple of new airplanes. The Cessna 182 has become one of my favorites and because it's coming up again for me right now, it got me thinking about my original transition into the 182 and my High Performance endorsement. I explain in the episode why, but I wanted to revisit that training during my transition for a couple of episodes.This episode also includes a Beyond the Checkride segment where Kent and Bill dive into descent planning for pilots. In this episode, they cover crucial techniques, from using avionics and EFBs to understanding rules of thumb and managing passenger comfort. Whether it's the mathematics involved or leveraging tools like Foreflight, get ready for a some tips on making your descent smooth and safe. Perfect for both seasoned aviators and those just starting their journey. See the video version of the segment here.Links:YouTube link for this episode's Beyond The Checkride segment on Descent Planning: https://youtu.be/Q19Drsd3xfgHope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2024, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

In Episode 76 of The Student Pilot Cast, host Bill recounts a challenginginstrument training flight under the guidance of instructor Eddie. The flightproved difficult due to busier-than-usual airport conditions, turbulence, andBill's struggle to stay ahead of the airplane. Flying under the hood, Billfaced issues with altitude management and task saturation, emphasizing theimportance of staying current and proficient. Despite the hectic experience,Bill reflects on the essential lessons learned about maintaining focus,prioritizing tasks, and the constant need for practice in aviation.Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2024, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

In Episode 74, we join Bill as he finishes up his first "under the hood" instrument training flight. We also include a 'Beyond the Checkride' segment on fueling your airplane which is something many new pilots were never taught before the checkride.Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2024, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

In Episode 72, we join Bill as he embarks on his instrument rating. This is the first flight lesson in that endeavor as he gets familiar with the airplane and a new instructor.Links:Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2024, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

In Episode 70, sit down with Bill and talk all about some upcoming plans for Airventure, for the podcast, and this episode includes a BIG announcement, so enjoy.This episode has a video version as well which can be found HERE.Links:Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2024, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

In Episode 68, we join Bill as he finishes flight one of his Flight Review with Ryan on his way back to being a pilot.Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth".Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI.Copyright 2008-2024, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

Today we talk about legacy, and legends of aviation. I recently found some old audio in the SPC archives from OSH 2011, and it brought me back, got me thinking about the legacy of some of the people we sometimes get to cross paths with. Some are important to the world and some are important more to us and a few others. In any case, I wanted to let you guys hear this audio, too. I hope you like it. Some notes from the show. * Jo Hunter’s Video of her Breezy Flight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pGxAyD9vUM (#OSH11 Breezy Flight)* “There I was” AOPA podcast of Gabrielle’s Mid-Air (Choose Episode 20): https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/podcasts/podcasts/there-i-was (https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/podcasts/podcasts/there-i-was)* In the Pattern Podcast: https://www.inthepatternpodcast.com/ (In The Pattern Podcast)* A Pilot’s Journey podcast: https://pilotsjourneypodcast.com/blog/ (Pilot’s Journey Podcast (pilotsjourneypodcast.com))

For this episode I got a chance to talk to Nick Smith from Part Time Pilot, an online private pilot ground school that packs a lot of personalized value into a rather inexpensive service. Learn about how he’s taking a more personal approach to online training and also learn how to get a discounted price on Part Time Pilot which will last a lifetime. For the tricks on discounts check this out from Nick: * If just getting started and wondering how to do it we have the step by step 5 day challenge to get started as a student pilot: https://bit.ly/3dJH5sX (https://bit.ly/3dJH5sX)* If already started and getting into your ground training or flight planning we have a free step-by-step cross-country planning guide: https://bit.ly/3wgosmG (https://bit.ly/3wgosmG)* Once you opt-in to either of those you will immediately get an email with your free content. For the free cross-country guide your 1st couple emails will have the links in the email to get the $50 off. For the 5-day challenge the link will be in the Day 5 email. Find out more about the service: * On the web: https://parttimepilot.com/ (https://parttimepilot.com/).* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/part.time.pilot/ (https://www.instagram.com/part.time.pilot/)* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parttimepilot (https://www.facebook.com/groups/parttimepilot)* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/parttimepilot (https://www.youtube.com/parttimepilot)