The VSL Aviation Podcast

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth interviews Adam Boyd, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with extensive experience in aviation. They discuss the importance of preparation for check rides, common pitfalls applicants face, and the significance of briefings and debriefings. Adam shares insights on airworthiness, endorsements, and the oral exam process, emphasizing the need for instructors to teach students effectively. The conversation also covers flight maneuvers, instrument rating challenges, and multi-engine procedures, highlighting the critical skills necessary for success in aviation training. Editor's Note: At 49:54, Adam stated there is "no high altitude endorsement." What he meant to say is that there is no high elevation endorsement. His point was that pilots who primarily operate at sea level may not receive adequate training on high density altitude operations, and there is no regulatory requirement mandating such training. The takeaway: if you don't feel proficient in a particular environment or task, seek additional training—regardless of your certificate level. Takeaways Preparation is key for check rides. Briefings and debriefings enhance learning. Airworthiness knowledge is essential for pilots. Endorsements must be clear and accurate. Understanding weather is crucial for instrument pilots. Energy management is vital for commercial maneuvers. Teaching should focus on real-world applications. Instructors must prepare students for unexpected scenarios. Calmness in emergencies can save lives. The future of aviation depends on quality training. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Check Ride Insights 01:48 Examining Experience and Background 03:45 Preparing for Check Rides 10:05 Effective Teaching Techniques for CFIs 15:08 Learning Through Examination 18:04 Importance of Paperwork 22:03 Understanding Endorsements 32:09 Airworthiness and Safety in Aviation 37:23 Understanding Airworthiness and Pilot Responsibility 38:19 Navigating Weather as an Instrument Pilot 42:04 Icing Conditions and Instrument Ratings 44:25 Commercial Pilot Expectations and Energy Management 46:47 Multi-Engine Performance and Decision Making 50:34 Correlation in Flight Training and Maneuvers 56:48 Examining Flight Maneuvers and Instructor Responsibilities 01:02:28 Instrument Approaches and Adaptability in Flight 01:08:05 Engine Shutdown Procedures and Calm Decision Making

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of personal minimums—how to build them, stick to them, and apply them on checkride day. Using FAA guidance and practical examples, he outlines real-world risk management techniques, including when to cancel a flight and how to safely mitigate marginal weather. He also covers the training and testing requirements for Part 135 operators, breaking down the key differences between 293, 297, and 299 checks. Whether you're planning to move into a 135 role or preparing for your next checkride, this episode has the insights you need. Finally, the episode wraps with a lively Q&A session covering: Eights on pylons tips Diversions and checkride discontinuations Handling fuel leaks on test day What ADM concepts are often overlooked Proper decision-making around inop equipment Whether you can build time in experimentals And much more... 🛠️ Tools & References: ACS personal minimums sections FAA Risk Management Handbook (Ch. 2) Advisory Circular 91-67A FAA Safety Briefing (Mar/Apr 2015 edition) Check the VSL Discord for links to all referenced materials and join the ongoing discussion. Chapters: 00:00 Setting Personal Minimums for Pilots 22:49 Understanding Risk Management in Aviation 29:55 Exploring Part 135 Training 30:23 Preparing for Part 135 Cargo Interviews 34:13 Understanding Part 135 Regulations and Checkrides 38:02 Navigating Checkride Procedures and Diversions 40:26 Communicating in Congested Airspace 43:44 Inoperative Equipment and Risk Management 49:01 Differences in Pre-flight Assessments 52:19 Aeronautical Decision Making in Training 56:07 Memorization vs. Reference in Aviation 59:56 Weekly Recap and Community Engagement

In this live Q&A edition of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into a wide range of topics submitted by the aviation community. From the myths around required CFI ground training hours to advice on whether getting your MEI is worth the investment, Seth provides practical, experience-based insights. He also tackles how to avoid inadvertently participating in illegal charter ops, how commercial pilots can understand operator responsibility, and answers listener questions about time-building, hypoxia training, and spatial disorientation. If you're a student pilot, a CFI, or a seasoned commercial pilot brushing up on the regs, this episode is packed with value. Don't miss the tips on interpreting Part 135 eligibility and how to recover after a long flying hiatus. 📌 Key Topics Covered: Regulatory Knowledge Misunderstandings around minimum CFI ground training hours How to validate endorsements with AC 61-65J Clarification on operational control vs. holding out (AC 120-12A) What Part 119.1(e) actually allows without a certificate Tips on checking if an aircraft is listed under a Part 135 certificate Professional Development Cost/benefit analysis of pursuing an MEI How to maintain continual learning as a pilot FAA CAMI training options: hypoxia chamber, PROTE, vestibular illusions Career Guidance Time-building strategies that airlines value Stage check failures: how to report and recover Advice for applicants to the DPE program Practical Scenarios Instrument checkride failure from altimeter misreading Transitioning back to flying after a year-long break Risk of complacency in experienced pilots

In this week's episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, we dig into three real-world flying topics pilots must know: Runway Excursion Mitigation: A deep dive into Advisory Circular 91-79B, how to avoid overruns, and a real-world discussion led by Ryan Bow about common landing errors and risk factors. Non-Standard Climb Gradients: Learn how to spot non-standard missed approach climb requirements, how to calculate if your aircraft can meet them, and why ignoring climb gradients is reckless even under Part 91 operations. Weather Radar Layers Explained: Understand the differences between composite radar and lowest tilt radar on ForeFlight, and how they impact your decision-making in-flight. As always, we wrap up with a live Q&A from Discord and YouTube covering logbook tips, Starlink for in-flight weather, advice for new commercial pilots, and power-off 180 strategies. 🔗 Join our free Discord for exclusive podcast companion threads, Q&A access, and a trusted CFI network: https://vsl.aero Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 03:33 – AC 91-79B: Runway Excursion Mitigation Overview 12:41 – Guest Discussion with Ryan Bow on Landing Risk Factors 15:50 – Applying Runway Excursion Risk Management to GA 18:48 – Understanding Precision vs Accuracy in Landings 24:40 – Non-Standard Climb Gradients Explained (RAIL Approach Example) 32:19 – Objective Area Analysis with ForeFlight 37:44 – Radar Layers: Composite vs Lowest Tilt on ForeFlight 46:18 – Live Q&A: Logbook Comments, Starlink for Weather, Networking for Low-Time Pilots 52:36 – Commercial Checkride Tips: Power-Off 180s and Flap/Slip Techniques 57:45 – IFR Taildragger Training Challenges 59:47 – How to Get a Tower Tour (Operation Raincheck Discussion) 01:02:22 – Closing and Aftershow Invitation Links: Link to Discord: https://vsl.aero FAA AC 91-79B https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-79B_FAA.pdf FAA Weather Handbook https://www.faa.gov/regulationspolicies/handbooksmanuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-28a-aviation-weather-handbook FAA Safety Team website: https://www.faasafety.gov Optional: Link to the Part 135 operator list download if you want to include that too https://www.faa.gov/about/officeorg/headquartersoffices/avs/faa-certificated-aircraft-operators-legal-part-135-holders

In this episode, Seth dives into three critical areas for every pilot: what to do after an accident, how modern digital avionics like MEMS sensors work, and a practical breakdown of maintenance responsibilities and required equipment. You'll get clear, no-nonsense guidance on pilot responsibilities at the scene of an accident, how to interpret complex avionics systems, and how to stay legal when things go wrong in the airplane. Pulled straight from Discord and real-world checkride experiences, this episode is a must-listen. Chapters: 03:11 - Defining an accident 10:12 - Initial steps after an accident 18:51 - Digital avionics 22:57 - MEMS Video 28:23 - TMR Video 32:54 - Maintenance and required equipment 39:14 - AC 91-67A 40:23 - Maintenance Manual Intro 42:45 - Flying with a cracked windshield? 46:28 - Maintenance acceptable methods of repair 48:20 - Q&A 49:59 - MEMS failure modes 53:11 - TAA or Complex time without doing the landing 55:21 - Switch to ground without being told by tower? 1:00:20 - Chris the controller, answers a question 1:01:46 - Practice approach and missed approach 1:10:41 - Written test question Links: NTSB 830: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/part-830 NTSB Form 6120: https://www.ntsb.gov/Documents/6120_1_Form.pdf Inside a MEMS: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/29ifw1AVgcI TMR Description: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PMbN0PVyy0 How MEMS work: https://jewellinstruments.com/support/how-does-a-mems-sensor-work/ AC 91-67A: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-67A.pdf Cessna 172 Maintenance Manual Page 18-4: http://www.aeroelectric.com/Reference_Docs/Cessna/cessna-maintenance-manuals/Cessna%20172%20&%20Skyhawk%20Series%20Service%20Manual%20(1969%20-%201976).pdf https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/FAA-H-8083-31B_Aviation_Maintenance_Technician_Handbook.pdf

In this week's VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into three critical topics for pilots and instructors alike. First, he breaks down how to get involved with the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) and make the most of the WINGS Program. Next, he explains the real why behind airspace design—offering a fresh approach for CFIs to improve student understanding beyond rote memorization. Then, he tackles an alarming Reddit story about improperly logged SIC time that cost a pilot their airline job. As always, Seth answers live listener questions, covering topics like logging PIC as a student pilot, scheduling hard-to-find CFI checkrides, and understanding how training time can (or can't) be double-counted across certificates. If you're a student, CFI, or examiner, this is a must-listen. Chapters: 01:56 – FAASTeam and the WINGS Program Overview 12:15 – Responsibilities of a FAASTeam Representative 16:52 – Reddit Post: Invalid SIC Time and Logbook Accuracy 23:08 – Why Airspace Exists: A DPE's Perspective 25:17 – ForeFlight Demo: Airspace Boundaries and Cloud Clearance Logic 33:04 – Service Difficulty Reports (SDRs) Explained 35:46 – Q&A: Can Student Pilots Log PIC Time? 38:41 – Q&A: Finding a CFI Checkride Examiner 43:04 – Q&A: Testing Instrument ACS Knowledge Areas 47:33 – Q&A: Logging Instrument Time for Private vs Commercial 53:43 – Wrap-Up and Discord Community Plug

VSL Aviation Podcast – Episode Recap In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into key aviation topics, answers listener questions, and shares insights from real-world flying experiences. Topics Covered: Chapters: 02:30 Understanding Part 135 Operators – How to verify if an employer is legally operating under Part 135, using FAA records to check approved aircraft, and avoiding illegal charter flights. 10:45 Truth in Leasing Agreements & Operational Control – Discussion of Advisory Circular 91-37B, how leasing agreements affect legal flight operations, and what documents should be onboard the aircraft. 16:03 Emergency Situations in Multi-Engine Aircraft – A real-world example of an engine failure in a Beechcraft Baron, handling unexpected in-flight vibrations, and decision-making during engine shutdown. 21:18 ForeFlight Navigation Tips – Demonstration of how to input radial/DME waypoints in ForeFlight, using the feature for situational awareness and ATC clearances. 25:30 CFI Checkride Advice – Strategies for initial flight instructor applicants, including incorporating FAA Wings program into lesson plans and understanding fundamentals of instruction (FOI). 30:24 Commercial Pilot Checkride Navigation – How to plan a VFR cross-country flight for a commercial checkride using ForeFlight, selecting pilotage and dead reckoning checkpoints, and preparing an effective nav log. 42:01 Night Vision and Hypoxia – The effects of oxygen deprivation on night vision and how pilots can recognize early signs of hypoxia. 49:18 RNP vs. RNAV vs. GPS Approaches – Understanding Required Navigation Performance (RNP), how it relates to GPS and RNAV approaches, and whether LPV approaches qualify as RNP. 55:05 Common Checkride Weaknesses – Areas where applicants frequently struggle, including traffic pattern entries at non-towered airports and decision-making skills in flight training. Throughout the episode, Seth engages with live questions from pilots, CFIs, and aviation enthusiasts across Discord, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch, making this an interactive and educational discussion for anyone in the aviation community. Join Us Live The VSL Aviation Podcast is streamed every week on YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, and primarily on Discord, where listeners can ask questions live. Subscribe to stay up to date with aviation topics, flight training insights, and expert discussions!