Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A
Release Date: 04/03/2025
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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_outlineIn this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake dives into runway incursion avoidance, a critical focus area for the FAA and a common checkride discussion point. He shares insights from the FAA’s From the Flight Deck initiative and explains how this content can help applicants prepare—especially for CFI-level checkrides. The second half features a live Q&A pulled from the VSL Discord and YouTube chat, covering a range of real-world aviation questions from the community.
Chapters:
02:50 – Topic 1: Runway Incursion Avoidance & FAA’s “From the Flight Deck”
07:42 - Airworthiness Advisory: Primer Issue Sheet
11:28 - What maneuvers help you learn your airplane?
29:43 - How to fly an NDB approach.
42:31 - Teardrop pattern entry question.
45:26 - How does weight impact stall speed?
48:45 - CFI Initial checkride question
50:31 - ForeFlight Question
52:14 - Tips when instructing an aircraft owner
56:01 - AOPA Focused Flight Review and WINGS
57:42 - Aircraft instability
59:27 - Ground adjustable trim tab question
1:05:00 - Sport Pilot instructor question
1:10:34 - CFI Checkride lesson plans question
1:14:07 - Commercial pilot restrictions question
Links:
VSL Discord Channel
https://vsl.aero/discord – For joining the community and submitting future questions.
From the Flight Deck (FAA)
https://www.faa.gov/fromtheflightdeck – FAA’s video series on runway safety, including airport-specific content and pilot handbooks.
FAA Taxi Simulator
https://www.faa.gov/runway_safety_pilot_simulator
ForeFlight Procedures Tab
Open any airport (e.g., KCOS) → go to the “Procedures” tab → look for “Airfield” and “Pilot Handbook.” These often link to From the Flight Deck videos.
PDF Primer Issue Sheet (linked in Discord)
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2025/Mar/FAA_ACS_-_7EC_Fuel_Primer_Pump.pdf
https://www.aopa.org/landing-pages/airworthiness-concern-sheets