The VSL Aviation Podcast

A podcast from VSL Aviation covering various general aviation topics.

CFI Hour Myths, MEI ROI, and Avoiding Illegal Charter: Live Q&A 05/29/2025

Logging Time, Checkride Tips & Pilot Questions 05/05/2025

Runway Excursions, Non-Standard Climb Gradients, and Weather Radar Tips 04/27/2025

Runway Excursions, Non-Standard Climb Gradients, and Weather Radar Tips 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 /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/36327350

Wet vs Dry Leases, Second Opinions, and Manifold Pressure Myths 04/19/2025

Wet vs Dry Leases, Second Opinions, and Manifold Pressure Myths This week on the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives into three major topics that affect pilots across the training and professional spectrum. First, he breaks down the difference between wet and dry leases — why it's critical to understand operational control, how to avoid illegal charter situations, and what lease paperwork needs to be in place. Then he addresses a crucial question: should you get a second opinion before a checkride? (Spoiler: Yes.) Finally, he tackles a deep-dive into manifold pressure gauge requirements, clearing up widespread confusion using ECFR archives and FAA history. Other topics include: Tips for MEI and Commercial Multi Add-On Checkrides Minimum takeoff fuel logic for commercial ops Partial panel IFR approaches: realistic failures Required checkride stall scenarios and types of hypoxia Thoughts on aviation YouTube channels Scenario-based checkride prep advice Join us live on YouTube or Discord next time, and submit your own questions at https://vsl.aero! Discord: https://discord.gg/YnkV4pxm Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & John’s Co-Host Introduction 03:10 – Wet Lease vs Dry Lease Explained 12:48 – How Lease Agreements Can Protect You from Certificate Action 14:36 – Truth-in-Leasing Questions Pilots Should Ask 17:32 – Why Every Student Pilot Needs a Second Opinion Before a Checkride 22:12 – Virtual Mock Checkrides & New Coaching Services 23:26 – Manifold Pressure: Who Needs the Gauge and Why 28:02 – How Turbochargers & Superchargers Actually Work 41:46 – Using Historical ECFR to Find Manifold Requirements 50:20 – MEI and Multi Add-On Checkride Tips 01:01:32 – Logging Approaches: VMC vs IMC Clarified 01:03:46 – Commercial Checkride Scenario: Minimum Takeoff Fuel 01:10:46 – Partial Panel: What’s Realistic Today? 01:16:20 – Stalls in Turns vs Straight Flight – What the ACS Requires 01:18:47 – Hypoxia Types: What You Actually Need to Know 01:21:00 – Closing Thoughts & Post-Show Discord Hangout Links: Truth in Leasing – AC 91-37B https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-37B.pdf Flying Light Twins Safely https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2015/Nov/FAA_P-8740-66.pdf Airplane Flying Handbook – Chapter 13 (Multi-engine operations) https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/14_afh_ch13.pdf FAA Info for Operators 150-12 (IFR Approach Logging) https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/InFO15012.pdf /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/36228940

Accidents, Digital Avionics, and Required Equipment: What Every Pilot Should Know 04/07/2025

Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A 04/03/2025

Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A In 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 /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/35997675

Don’t Log That! FAA Time-Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 03/24/2025

ADS-B Pitfalls, Mastering Forward Slips, and What CFIs Are Missing 03/17/2025

ADS-B Pitfalls, Mastering Forward Slips, and What CFIs Are Missing Welcome back to the VSL Aviation Podcast! I'm your host, Seth Lake, a CFI and DPE here to help you navigate checkrides and general aviation topics. This weekly podcast is recorded live on Discord, with additional streaming on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch. In this episode, we dive into three major topics before opening the floor to listener questions: 01:04 ✈ ADS-B Compliance and Common Pitfalls How ADS-B has improved situational awareness but also led to complacency in traffic spotting. The dangers of assuming all aircraft are ADS-B equipped and a real-world mid-air collision case study. Ensuring your ADS-B system is functioning properly, including the FAA’s Public ADS-B Performance Report tool. The importance of transponder inspections (91.411 and 91.413) and how tail beacon installations impact compliance. Using the FAA’s ADS-B Deviation Authorization Tool to legally fly with an inoperative ADS-B unit. A radio call tip: Announcing "negative ADS-B" at non-towered fields to improve traffic awareness. 13:17 ✈ Forward Slips – Why Pilots Are Struggling Why many CFIs are hesitant to teach forward slips and how misconceptions about spins are leading to poor training. A step-by-step technique for practicing forward slips at altitude before using them in landing scenarios. How slips compare to skids—why skidding turns on base to final are far more dangerous. Using a forward slip for energy management, including a fun slow-flight competition exercise. When not to slip—understanding manufacturer restrictions (e.g., some Cessna models advising against slips with full flaps). 25:02 ✈ Special Emphasis Areas – What Happened to Them? How the FAA moved away from the "Special Emphasis Areas" of the Practical Test Standards (PTS) when transitioning to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Where instructors and pilots can still find these emphasis areas in the CFII PTS and why they’re still important. 27:56 ✈ Bonus: Checking Static RPM on Takeoff A reminder to verify your aircraft’s static RPM range from the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) before takeoff. How a pilot caught a low RPM issue that could have indicated an engine problem. 📢 Live Q&A Topics: 32:22 Slipping with flaps – Is it ever okay? 35:19 How to enter descent profiles in ForeFlight when POH data is missing. 44:48 Understanding “established” on an ILS approach. 41:07 How to evaluate performance calculations for aircraft with minimal performance data (e.g., J-3 Cub). 38:35 Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and how to explain it to students. 🔗 Join the Discussion! To participate in future live streams, join the VSL Aviation Discord. Find the invite link on https://VSL.Aero, and stay tuned for more aviation insights! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/35725540

Illegal Charters, Emergency Procedures, and Checkride Prep – VSL Aviation Podcast 03/11/2025

Illegal Charters, Emergency Procedures, and Checkride Prep – VSL Aviation Podcast 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! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/35643345