Illegal Charters, Emergency Procedures, and Checkride Prep – VSL Aviation Podcast
Release Date: 03/11/2025
Illegal Charter, Operational Control, and Protecting Your Certificate – with Attorney Edward Hadley
The VSL Aviation Podcast
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth sits down with aviation attorney and pilot Edward A. Hadley of AeroLegal Advocates to talk about the legal traps commercial pilots face—especially around illegal charter, operational control, and holding out. Edward walks through what actually happens when the FAA starts looking at you or your operation: from that dreaded “call the tower” instruction or ramp check, through the investigation phase, to 709 rides, legal enforcement, ALJ hearings, and NTSB appeals. He explains why you should get an aviation lawyer involved early and why...
info_outline
Legal or Illegal? The Real Rules Behind Pilot Compensation
The VSL Aviation Podcast
In this episode of The VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth lays the groundwork for understanding one of the most confusing topics in aviation: pilot compensation and illegal charter operations. He breaks down key definitions like operator vs. pilot in command, commercial activity vs. commercial operation, and the meaning of holding out. Seth explains how compensation, contracts, and operational control intersect, clarifying what’s legal under Parts 61, 91, 119, and 135. This is the first part of a multi-episode series that every commercial pilot, CFI, and aircraft owner should hear. Chapters: 00:00...
info_outline
Professionalism and Culture in Aviation: Building a Safer Cockpit Environment
The VSL Aviation Podcast
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives into two closely connected themes: professionalism and culture in aviation. Using relatable analogies like libraries and football stadiums, Seth explores how environment shapes behavior and why developing a professional safety culture matters for every pilot—from student to ATP. Joined by John, a CFI/CFII/MEI and FAASTeam Rep, the discussion covers how instructors and flight schools can intentionally build culture, how friendships and professionalism can coexist in training, and lessons from both the military and airlines on creating a...
info_outline
Bird Strikes: Lessons, Tools, and Survival Strategies
The VSL Aviation Podcast
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake shares a live seminar from the North Little Rock Airport on the realities of bird and wildlife strikes. Drawing from Arkansas accident cases, military and airline experience, and FAA safety resources, Seth explores the history of bird strikes, why Arkansas sees higher numbers than average, and what pilots can do to prepare. Topics include risk tools like BAM and AHAS, mental rehearsal for worst-case scenarios, practical recovery steps after a strike, and the importance of reporting. Whether you fly GA or professionally, this episode...
info_outline
More Than Skin Deep: Enhanced Preflight Inspection for GA Pilots | Seth Lake Safety Seminar
The VSL Aviation Podcast
In this detailed safety seminar, DPE and CFI Seth Lake walks pilots through an enhanced preflight inspection process—going beyond the surface-level checks most pilots perform. Using real NTSB accidents from Arkansas, Seth highlights how minor oversights—like frayed throttle cables, loose spark plugs, or degraded exhaust components—can result in catastrophic failures. You’ll learn practical, actionable techniques to integrate deeper inspections into your routine, including: How to test your autopilot and detect early signs of control cable issues Why checking...
info_outline
Live Q&A: CFI Renewals, MEI Training Tips, Wet vs Dry Leases, Aircraft Ownership & More
The VSL Aviation Podcast
In this live Q&A session of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake tackles a wide range of pilot questions from Discord, Instagram, and YouTube. Topics include: CFI Gold Seal renewals and FISDO processing Understanding static pressure and pitot systems Preparing for Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) training Teaching depth for CFIs and avoiding information overload Building student pilot confidence with maneuvers CFII certification without a CFI Instrument checkride common weak spots ...
info_outline
Checkride Insights Ep. 4 — Jeremy Lashbrook on Airworthiness, Checkride Errors, and CFI Rolls
The VSL Aviation Podcast
In this episode, Seth sits down with Jeremy Lashbrook, a seasoned pilot and Designated Pilot Examiner with over 26 years of U.S. Army aviation experience. Jeremy brings unique insight from his extensive background flying both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, EMS helicopter operations, and type ratings in multiple complex aircraft. Together, they discuss common applicant mistakes, tips for smoother checkrides, airworthiness pitfalls, understanding endorsements, oral and flight maneuver trends, and key lessons for CFIs to better prepare students. Jeremy also shares his experience with ATP...
info_outline
High Altitude Ops: Oxygen Systems & Pressurization Explained
The VSL Aviation Podcast
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth takes a deep dive into high altitude operations, breaking down FAA requirements, oxygen systems, and cabin pressurization from both a technical and checkride prep perspective. Whether you're a Commercial, CFI, or ATP applicant, you'll gain practical insight on: • The types of oxygen systems you’ll encounter in GA aircraft • How to calculate oxygen requirements for your flight • FAA Part 91.211 rules and what “if installed” really means on a checkride • Physiological risks of flying without oxygen above 10,000 feet • Best...
info_outline
Checkride Insights Ep. 3 — Nick Adcock on Preparation, Common Pitfalls, and Checkride Mindset
The VSL Aviation Podcast
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake interviews Nick Adcock, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with a rich background in military and commercial aviation. They discuss common pitfalls applicants face during checkrides, including logbook issues, airworthiness checks, and the importance of preparation. Nick shares insights on the oral exam, highlighting knowledge gaps and stress management techniques. The conversation also covers challenges during flight tests, particularly in pattern work and decision-making, as well as common mistakes seen during instrument checkrides....
info_outline
Checkride Insights Ep. 2 — Adam Boyd on Airworthiness, Instruction, and Checkride Readiness
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...
info_outlineVSL 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!