The VSL Aviation Podcast

A podcast from VSL Aviation covering various general aviation topics.

Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 4 09/13/2024

Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 4 In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into Cross Country Flight Planning, a critical task in the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Seth breaks down the 2024 ACS updates, including the use of electronic flight bags (EFBs) like ForeFlight, and how to navigate the challenges of VFR flight planning. He also shares insights on risk management, altitude selection, fuel planning, and how examiners evaluate your skills during a check ride. Whether you're preparing for your check ride or looking to sharpen your flight planning skills, this episode has you covered. /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/33045097

Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 3 07/26/2024

Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 3 Welcome back to VSL Aviation's series, where we delve into the intricacies of the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS)! I'm Seth Lake, your guide on this journey to mastering aviation standards. In Part 3 of our series, we'll dive in-depth into Task C - Weather Information. This episode covers the essential weather knowledge every pilot needs to ensure safe and effective flight operations. We'll also discuss the recent updates to the ACS document, effective May 31, 2024, and highlight the formatting changes in the latest version of the ACE Guide. This episode is a must-watch for student pilots, instructors, and aviation enthusiasts eager to enhance their understanding of weather information and stay updated with the latest standards. Join us as we explore this critical aspect of aviation, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in your aviation journey. Don't miss out on this valuable addition to our comprehensive ACS guide! Chapters: 01:06-ACS Changes Overview 06:03-New ACS Format 06:48-New ACE Guide Format 09:29-Knowledge Topic 1 - Weather Sources 10:20-Knowledge Topic 2 - Weather Products 16:30-Knowlege Topic 3 - Meteorology 31:56-Knowledge Topic 4 - MFD WX 33:40-Risk Management Topic 1 - Go/No-GO 37:52 -Risk Management Topic 2 - Using WX equip 41:30-Weather Skills 1-3 /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/32286757

Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 2 01/20/2024

Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 2 Welcome back to VSL Aviation's series where we delve into the intricacies of the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS)! I'm Seth Lake, your guide on this journey to mastering aviation standards. In Part 2 of our series, we'll continue unraveling the complexities of Airworthiness Requirements. Building on the foundation laid in our first episode, we'll dive deeper into the critical aspects and regulations every pilot must know. This episode is essential for student pilots, instructors, and aviation enthusiasts eager to enhance their knowledge and ensure the highest safety and performance standards. Join us as we navigate through these pivotal regulations, equipping you with the understanding and confidence needed to excel in the aviation world. Don't miss out on this insightful continuation of our comprehensive guide through the ACS! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/29576703

Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 1 01/13/2024

Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 1 Welcome to the first episode of our new series at VSL Aviation! I'm Seth Lake, an experienced FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, and in this video, I'm going to break down the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS) like never before. This series aims to provide detailed insights and practical tips for aspiring pilots. Whether you're a student pilot, an instructor, or just an aviation enthusiast, this series will deepen your understanding of the ACS, helping you become a more knowledgeable and confident pilot. Stay tuned for more episodes where we'll dive even deeper into the world of aviation standards and training! Chapters: 00:50 - ACS Guide 01:40 - Part 61 Qualifications 03:35 - ACS Element Decoding 06:09 - Use of Written Test Report 07:40 - Checkride Script 10:22 - Introduction to Task A 12:32 - Scenario-Based Questioning 22:40 - BasicMed 25:25 - Private Pilot License (PPL) Limitations 28:13 - Discussion on Illegal Cost Sharing 46:40 - Closing Statements /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/29469633

DPE Ultimate Pilot Q&A: Mastering Check Rides, STCs, ACS vs PTS, and More! 11/15/2023

DPE Ultimate Pilot Q&A: Mastering Check Rides, STCs, ACS vs PTS, and More! Join Seth Lake, a designated pilot examiner, in this comprehensive Q&A session where we delve into key topics every aspiring pilot needs to know for their check ride and beyond. Packed with insights from my extensive experience, this video is an invaluable resource for pilots at all levels. Chapters: [01:35] - Inop Equipment for Checkride [02:55] - ACE Inop Equipment Guide [04:47] - Flight Manual Supplements [08:19] - ARROW vs. SPARROW [09:42] - AGI and IGI before CFI [11:36] - CFII Weak Areas [14:04] - Top 3 Hardest Checkrides [15:28] - Instrument Rating – Now What? [18:58] - CPL Holding Out [24:46] - Best time to get SES and Tailwheel [26:16] - Flaps at the FAF [30:33] - Instrument weak areas [36:05] - Instrument Checkride Endorsements [40:43] - Private Pilot Diversion [45:03] - Flight Manual Supps for LSA [46:09] - Commercial Pilot Requirements [47:40] - ACS vs PTS [51:11] - Sheppard Air Test Prep [53:23] - Private Carriage Vs. Common [1:00:00] - Pitfalls of DPE Gouge Whether you're preparing for your next check ride, looking to deepen your understanding of aviation regulations, or aiming to improve your flying skills, this video has something for everyone. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content like this! - Follow me on: - Discord: https://discord.gg/vkanc5ax - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vslaviation/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VSLAviation - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vslaviation?lang=en - Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/VSL_Aviation/ Your feedback is invaluable – drop your questions and comments below, and let's keep the conversation going! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/28645363

Mastering FAA Ramp Inspections: Your Step-by-Step Guide 11/06/2023

Mastering FAA Ramp Inspections: Your Step-by-Step Guide In this highly informative video, we equip you with the essential know-how to confidently navigate an FAA ramp inspection. Whether you're a private pilot, commercial aviator, or part of an aviation team, understanding the FAA's ramp inspection checklist is crucial for a successful evaluation. Using the FAA Order 8900.1 as our compass, we take you through each stage of the inspection process, outlining precisely what FAA inspectors will be looking for. With this comprehensive guide at your fingertips, you can ensure your aircraft and documentation are in impeccable order, leaving no room for surprises during the inspection. Watch now and arm yourself with the knowledge to ace your next FAA ramp inspection! Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe for more valuable aviation insights. Safe flying! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/28528571

Airworthiness Directives - An Introduction 03/04/2023

Airworthiness Directives - An Introduction Join Seth Lake and Josh Campbell from in a discussion on FAA Airworthiness Directives. This topic is a stumbling block for many new pilots, and our discussion will help you understand ADs better. Check out for a ton of great free content! Check out the podcast website to find the interactive ACS for both commercial and instrument. Check my new Patreon page, where I will be adding a lot of exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/sethlake /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/26123382

Multi Engine Basics - Part 2 02/15/2023

Multi Engine Basics - Part 2 Join me as I continue the multi-engine add-on series. In this episode, I continue the discussion of the commercial ACS and how I use it to conduct the commercial multi-engine add-on checkride. Check out the podcast website to find the interactive ACS for both commercial and instrument. https://vsl.aero/podcast Check my new Patreon page, where I will be adding a lot of exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/sethlake Thanks for watching the channel! I'm trying something new and building chapters for the shows so you can skip straight to things you might be more interested in. Let me know what you think! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/25936146

Multi Engine Basics - Part 1 11/05/2022

Multi Engine Basics - Part 1 Join me as I start the multi-engine add-on series. In this episode, I cover the training required for the multi-engine rating. I also get into the commercial ACS and how I use it to conduct the commercial add-on checkride. Check out the podcast website to find the interactive ACS for both commercial and instrument. Check my new Patreon page, where I will be adding a lot of exclusive content. /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/24914028

What Happens If You Fail A Checkride? 10/28/2022

What Happens If You Fail A Checkride? Join me as I discuss the disapproval process, more commonly known as failing your checkride. Failure is always a significant cause for concern; however, I think the more you know about something, the less scary it is. No one wants this outcome, but it happens and is simply a part of being a pilot. Luckily, it’s usually not a big deal and will have few impacts on your long-term flying career. It won’t be your favorite day in aviation, but you can easily overcome a checkride failure and have a good learning experience to take on afterward. Thank you for all the feedback, I look forward to hearing more! If you have anything you would like to share, please email me at: [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you! For more information about VSL, including the option to purchase the interactive ACS and support the show, visit https://vsl.aero/podcast /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/24815151

Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 4 10/20/2022

Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 4 Join me as I complete the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills as a pilot to make sure you have what it takes to fly for compensation. In the fourth and final episode of the series, I discuss the Commercial ACS Appendix, which has some amplifying remarks on previously discussed Areas of Operation. Thank you for all the feedback, I look forward to hearing more! If you have anything you would like to share, please email me at: [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you! For more information about VSL, including the option to purchase the interactive ACS and support the show, visit https://vsl.aero/podcast /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/24752727

Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 3 07/26/2022

Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 3 Join me as I continue the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills as a pilot to make sure you have what it takes to fly for compensation. In the third episode of the series, I discuss Area of Operations 5-11. These areas cover Performance Maneuvers, Navigation, Slow Flight and Stalls, High Altitude Operations, Emergency Operations and Postflight Procedure tasks! I would love to hear your feedback on the shows. If you have anything you would like to share, please email me at: [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/23865963

Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 2 06/10/2022

Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 2 Join me as I continue the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills as a pilot to make sure you have what it takes to fly for compensation. In the second episode of the series, I discuss Aera of Operations 2-4. These areas cover preflight, takeoff, and landing tasks! I would love to hear your feedback on the shows. If you have anything you would like to share please email me at: I look forward to hearing from you! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/23393288

Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 1 04/22/2022

Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 1 Join me as I start the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills as a pilot to make sure you have what it takes to fly for compensation. In this first episode of the series, I discuss Area of Operation I. Preflight Preparation which is what DPEs use to conduct the oral, or ground portion of the checkride. Stay tuned for at least 3 more shows in the commercial pilot series. I would love to hear your feedback on the shows. If you have anything you would like to share please email me at: I look forward to hearing from you! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/22882526

GPS/WAAS/RNAV/RNP - An Introduction 04/02/2022

GPS/WAAS/RNAV/RNP - An Introduction Join me as I discuss the alphabet soup of terminology surrounding the world of GPS/RNAV. I know these terms can cause more than a little confusion for the new instrument pilot. I’m hoping that this short explainer helps introduce the new instrument pilot. Checkout Max Trescott’s excellent podcast on the different kinds of RNAV approaches here: Contact me at with any of your feedback. I would love to hear from you! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/22653356

TERPS – Obstacle Departure Procedures (Instrument Checkride Prep) 03/08/2022

TERPS – Obstacle Departure Procedures (Instrument Checkride Prep) Join me as I discuss non-standard takeoff minimums, ODPs, and TERPS. It’s also a topic that might come up in your instrument checkride, and being prepared to answer questions on non-standard takeoff minimums and ODPs is a must! Check out the VSL Aviation YouTube videos! Email: /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/22380797

ForeFlight and your Instrument Checkride 02/26/2022

ForeFlight and your Instrument Checkride Join me in this episode, where I discuss how you can use ForeFlight to help you be successful during your Instrument Checkride! Did you know the FAA doesn’t produce the FAR/AIM? Did you know that ForeFlight has a cloud-based server containing everything the paper commercial FAR/AIM does? Learn how to set up your ForeFlight documents library and some tactics you can use during your checkride to maximize your chances of success! Contact me at: with your feedback and questions. /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/22266257

Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 3 02/01/2022

Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 3 This is part 3 of a 3 part series on the Instrument Pilot ACS. Join me as I take a deep dive into the ACS from an examiner's perspective and discuss how I use this document to conduct an instrument checkride. If you plan to take your instrument practical test, you don't want to miss this! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/21990074

Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 2 01/07/2022

Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 2 This is part 2 of a 3 part series on the Instrument Pilot ACS. Join me as I take a deep dive into the ACS from an examiner's perspective and discuss how I use this document to conduct an instrument checkride. If you plan to take your instrument practical test, you don't want to miss this! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/21709880

Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 1 12/14/2021

Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 1 This is part 1 of at least a 3 part series on the Instrument Pilot ACS. Join me as I take a deep dive into the ACS from an examiner's perspective and discuss how I use this document to conduct an instrument checkride. If you plan to take your instrument practical test, you don't want to miss this! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/21481388

2 Planes in 1 Day - King Air and Cessna 210 ride-along 11/29/2021

2 Planes in 1 Day - King Air and Cessna 210 ride-along In this episode, the VSL team brings you along in the cockpit of a King Air 200 and a Cessna 210. Our full day of flying includes discussions on two different aircraft types, how to use flight service, and some in-flight decision making on a diversion for an early fuel stop. We had a great time putting this one together so I hope you enjoy it! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/21305891

Navlog for your checkride – What you should know 11/16/2021

Navlog for your checkride – What you should know In this episode of the VSL Aviation podcast, I detail what you should know for the navigation tasks you will have to perform during your private pilot checkride. Most applicants I see don't fully understand that pilotage and dead reckoning have to be used during the checkride. I hate seeing the panicked look in the applicant's eyes when I inform them that the GPS cannot be used for the navigation portion of the flight. Don't let that be you! Check out the show on YouTube as well: https://youtu.be/tgbGVuw_kio /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/21183056

VSL Aviation Podcast EP5 - Want to be a part-time Air Force Pilot? Here are two ways to do it! 11/07/2021

VSL Aviation Podcast EP5 - Want to be a part-time Air Force Pilot? Here are two ways to do it! In this episode, I switch gears a little bit and have a conversation with my friend Josh Campbell about getting into the Air Force Reserves. Josh and I are both flying the C-130 in the Reserves. We also both happen to be active in the General Aviation community. We thought it would be interesting to do a podcast/video about our paths into the service, which are both different. If you're interested in getting into the Air Force Reserves, you cannot miss this episode! I hope you enjoy the show, and stay tuned for more! Also, check out Josh's YouTube channel at the link below! Check out Bogie Dope for lots of information on the Air Force Guard and Reserves. /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/21079688

VSL Aviation Podcast EP4 - Priavte Pilot ACS breakdown by a DPE part 4 11/03/2021

VSL Aviation Podcast EP4 - Priavte Pilot ACS breakdown by a DPE part 4 In this episode, I finish up the 4 part series on the Private Pilot ACS. Let me know what you think! I hope this series helps you get prepared for your Private Pilot checkride. Let me know if you have any questions or have any tips for future episodes! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/21038045

VSL Aviation Podcast EP3 - Private Pilot ACS breakdown by a DPE part 3 10/28/2021

VSL Aviation Podcast EP3 - Private Pilot ACS breakdown by a DPE part 3 In this episode, I cover areas of operations 5 through 7. I discuss performance maneuvers, clearing turns, and simulated instrument flight. I hope you enjoy this episode! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/20974058

VSL Aviation Podcast EP2 - Private Pilot ACS breakdown by a DPE part 2 10/17/2021

VSL Aviation Podcast EP2 - Private Pilot ACS breakdown by a DPE part 2 In this episode, I cover areas of operations 2 through 4. I also discuss how perfection isn't the standard when completing the checkride. I hope you find this insightful! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/20842400

VSL Aviation Podcast EP1 - DPE thoughts on the ACS 10/06/2021

VSL Aviation Podcast EP1 - DPE thoughts on the ACS In this episode, I get some introductions out of the way and cut straight to the content. I have a lot of applicants who struggle to understand how to use the ACS when preparing for your checkride. Don't make the same mistake! Listen up for tips straight from a DPE! /episode/index/show/vslaviation/id/20722157

The VSL Aviation Podcast

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