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Illegal Charter, Operational Control, and Protecting Your Certificate – with Attorney Edward Hadley

Release Date: 11/15/2025

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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....

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...

More Episodes

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 on-the-record statements can come back to haunt you.

For commercial pilots flying Part 91 “pilot services,” Seth and Edward dig into:

What operational control really means and why it often overlaps—but isn’t identical to—PIC authority
Dry vs. wet leases, 91.501, and how the NBAA small aircraft exemption fits into all of this
How an owner or manager can unknowingly create an illegal transportation package (plane + pilot) even when “everyone at the airport does it this way”
Why “goodwill” and time-building can still count as compensation, even if no money changes hands
How holding out actually works, and why a business card or “I’m a commercial pilot” post is not the problem—the transportation package is

They also cover risk management from the pilot’s side:

Using the AOPA Legal Services Plan as “legal insurance”
How PRIA and your employment history interact with being a whistleblower
Red flags with Part 135 operators (falsified records, paper crews, pressure flights) and when it’s time to walk away
Practical advice on documenting concerns, using internal reporting channels, and knowing which hills are worth dying on

If you’re a commercial pilot, aspiring commercial pilot, or flying Part 91 for a business owner, this episode will help you ask better questions, spot bad structures, and protect your certificate and livelihood.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Aviation Law and Pilot Regulations

02:48 Understanding FAA Investigations and Pilot Violations

05:22 Legal Resources for Pilots

08:24 Operational Control in Aviation

11:02 The Importance of Operational Control for Commercial Pilots

13:58 Navigating Dry and Wet Leases

16:44 Understanding Holding Out in Aviation

19:38 Compensation and Goodwill in Aviation Operations

22:07 NTSB Cases and Legal Precedents

24:48 Business Aircraft and Goodwill

39:03 Navigating the NBAA Exemption

40:59 Understanding Entry-Level Aircraft and Pilot Experience