loader from loading.io

Episode 66: Private Pilot SmartStudy Pro Launch, AC 61-65K Changes, and Why You Need an AGI Certificate

Flight Training the Way I See It

Release Date: 09/30/2025

Episode 71: LPV Now a Precision Approach? CFI Training Updates, Checkride Rules & IFR Teaching Tips show art Episode 71: LPV Now a Precision Approach? CFI Training Updates, Checkride Rules & IFR Teaching Tips

Flight Training the Way I See It

This episode covers major regulatory updates, training clarifications, and instructional insights that every CFI and instrument pilot should understand heading into 2026. We begin with Mike’s upcoming presentation at Redbird Migration on “Teaching the Hard Stuff for Initial CFI Training,” including how to teach the fundamentals of instructing, endorsements and testing requirements, and how to tailor lesson plans for individual learners. We then break down important instrument training updates, including why LPV approaches are now officially classified as precision approaches, what that...

info_outline Episode 70: Teaching the hard parts of CFI training, flying smarter IFR approaches, and understanding what your instruments are really telling you — a practical January 2026 reset for instructors and pilots. show art Episode 70: Teaching the hard parts of CFI training, flying smarter IFR approaches, and understanding what your instruments are really telling you — a practical January 2026 reset for instructors and pilots.

Flight Training the Way I See It

This episode focuses on how to teach the hard parts of flight training and how to fly with a deeper understanding of what the airplane and instruments are actually doing. We preview Mike Shiflett’s upcoming presentation at the Redbird Migration Flight Training Conference, where he’ll be covering how to teach the fundamentals of instructing, use scenarios and flowcharts effectively, and adapt the same lesson to different learner levels. We also share updates on new CFI Bootcamp offerings, including Online Ground Instruction, Remote Private Pilot Ground School, and the release of IFR Smart...

info_outline Episode 69: What’s Changing in 2026 show art Episode 69: What’s Changing in 2026

Flight Training the Way I See It

This episode breaks down the most important training, regulatory, and instructional updates heading into 2026 — and what they mean for CFIs, flight schools, and students. We discuss upcoming Sport Pilot and Sport Pilot Instructor PTS changes aligned with MOSAIC, what to expect from the Part 141 Modernization meetings, and why real change takes time even when the FAA is fast-tracking reform. You’ll also hear a deep dive into errors found in the Airplane Flying Handbook, including why common ground reference maneuver diagrams can mislead students, and how to better explain wind correction,...

info_outline Episode 68: Black Friday Sale, 141 Reform Ends, and Eights on Pylons Debunked – Nov 2025 Flight Training Update show art Episode 68: Black Friday Sale, 141 Reform Ends, and Eights on Pylons Debunked – Nov 2025 Flight Training Update

Flight Training the Way I See It

The November 2025 aviation update covers major changes and exclusive offers for CFIs and student pilots: Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale Now Live Get 50% off all CFI Bootcamp digital downloads and online courses. Offer ends Dec 1—perfect gift for aspiring CFIs. Final FAA 141 Modernization Meeting on Dec 2 The rewrite of FAR Part 141 is almost complete. Find out what comes next and how long we might wait before the rulemaking takes effect. Eights on Pylons Debate Settled Is it a fixed power maneuver? Yes—and we explain why, with logic pulled directly from FAA guidance and aerodynamic...

info_outline Episode 67: The Instructor’s Mindset: Lessons from the CFI Round Table show art Episode 67: The Instructor’s Mindset: Lessons from the CFI Round Table

Flight Training the Way I See It

This month is all about building better instructors and understanding what’s next for CFI training. Following one of our most engaging Power Hours yet, the CFI Round Table, Part Two brings together Mike, Dorothy, Greg, Rex, and other experienced educators to discuss what today’s flight instruction is missing — and how to make it stronger. They dive into the real challenges CFIs face, from the lack of structured syllabi and clear onboarding to the growing need for mentorship and accountability in aviation education. The conversation highlights the importance of teaching beyond the...

info_outline Episode 66: Private Pilot SmartStudy Pro Launch, AC 61-65K Changes, and Why You Need an AGI Certificate show art Episode 66: Private Pilot SmartStudy Pro Launch, AC 61-65K Changes, and Why You Need an AGI Certificate

Flight Training the Way I See It

This month is packed with major milestones for both students and CFIs. From course launches to FAA rule changes, here’s what you need to know: SmartStudy Pro for Private Pilot Is LIVE The full 11-hour audio/video course with 45 tasks, ACS-aligned, and packed with companion PDFs. Get ready for your checkride or flight review—available now at 50% off for early access users. IFR ACS SmartStudy Pro in Progress 20 full tasks covering all ACS knowledge, risk, and skills. Built to listen while you drive, fly, or prep on the go. Launch expected late October. AC 61-65K Finalizes Oct 22 New...

info_outline Episode 65: Sport Pilot Rule Changes, AC 61-65K Update, and SmartStudy PRO Nears Launch show art Episode 65: Sport Pilot Rule Changes, AC 61-65K Update, and SmartStudy PRO Nears Launch

Flight Training the Way I See It

n this August 2025 edition, we break down major regulatory shifts, essential training deadlines, and new tools to help pilots and instructors stay ahead. Sport Pilot Regulations Update – Two new FAA draft Advisory Circulars (AC 61-146 & AC 61-65K) are out for public comment. These clarify aircraft privileges and reshape how CFIs train Sport Pilots. Proficiency Checks Ending Oct 22 – Big change: after Oct 22, you’ll need a DPE or ASI to add Sport Pilot airplane or helicopter privileges. Until then, you can still use the 2-CFI method. NAFI Summit Preview – Mark your calendar:...

info_outline Episode 64: MOSAIC Rule Released, UND Flight Data Tool, and FAA Tiered 141 Reform Explained show art Episode 64: MOSAIC Rule Released, UND Flight Data Tool, and FAA Tiered 141 Reform Explained

Flight Training the Way I See It

In this packed episode, we cover critical changes and tools shaping the future of flight instruction, certification, and aviation safety: MOSAIC Final Rule Released – Sport Pilot regulations get a massive overhaul. No weight limit, four seats, night flying, and even Private/Commercial pilots flying on a driver’s license. What It Means for CFIs – More students, new flight school opportunities, and faster instructor pathways. But what will insurance companies say? FAA Part 141 Reform Tiers – A four-tiered system is being proposed with scalable privileges and qualifications—good...

info_outline Episode 63: FAA changes, pilot tools, and smarter checkride prep for students, CFIs, and flight schools. show art Episode 63: FAA changes, pilot tools, and smarter checkride prep for students, CFIs, and flight schools.

Flight Training the Way I See It

In this episode, we cover the most important updates in aviation education and regulation:  FAA Part 141 Modernization – What the proposed QMS/SMS systems mean for small vs. large schools and how operators are fighting for practical solutions. SmartStudy Pro Update – Our most efficient tool yet for Private Pilot ACS prep is almost here. Learn why this audio-based system will transform your commute into study time. Real ID Checkride Clarification – FAA confirms Real ID is not required for practical tests. What it means for you and how it saves rescheduling headaches. June 30 FAA...

info_outline Episode 62 : Part 141 Modernization, New SmartStudy Tool, and CFII Training Update show art Episode 62 : Part 141 Modernization, New SmartStudy Tool, and CFII Training Update

Flight Training the Way I See It

This month’s episode is packed with powerful updates for CFIs, student pilots, and aviation educators: 🔹 Part 141 Modernization Meeting in June – Get details on the next public engagement session in Massachusetts, what the FAA aims to change, and how you can participate. 🎧 Private Pilot ACS SmartStudy Pro Update – Our most anticipated product for Private Pilot prep is almost done. Designed for audio-first use, perfect for drive-time learning, and packed with companion PDFs. 📅 CFII / Accelerated IFR Class (June 12–14) – Covering everything for both the CFII PTS and...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

This month is packed with major milestones for both students and CFIs. From course launches to FAA rule changes, here’s what you need to know:

  • SmartStudy Pro for Private Pilot Is LIVE
    The full 11-hour audio/video course with 45 tasks, ACS-aligned, and packed with companion PDFs. Get ready for your checkride or flight review—available now at 50% off for early access users.

  • IFR ACS SmartStudy Pro in Progress
    20 full tasks covering all ACS knowledge, risk, and skills. Built to listen while you drive, fly, or prep on the go. Launch expected late October.

  • AC 61-65K Finalizes Oct 22
    New endorsements are coming for night, retractable gear, variable pitch prop, and more. Sport Pilot proficiency check changes are confirmed—no more 2-CFI method for airplanes and helicopters.

  • Why There’s Still No ACS for Sport Pilot
    It’s still a Practical Test Standard (PTS)—and here’s why that matters for your test prep and training approach.

  • ProTips for CFIs and Future Instructors

    • Use ChatGPT to generate custom quizzes from POHs

    • Treat the throttle like a flight control

    • Why getting your Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) certificate early is a smart, strategic move

Links and Resources
→ Get SmartStudy Pro: https://cfibootcamp.kartra.com/page/Private-pilot-smart-study-pro
→ FAA Draft AC 61-65K: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/afs_ac/AC_61-65K_Coord_Copy.pdf
→ Join the CFI Study Group: facebook.com/groups/CFIStudyGroup