Behind the Prop

Latest Episodes:

E205 - I Knew the Rule, The Pilot Who Walked Into a Running Prop Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn welcome Samuel Couillard, a propeller strike survivor and human factors speaker from Quebec, Canada. Samuel recounts the events of September 19, 2015, when as a student pilot working toward his commercial certificate and employed as a lineman at the airport, he mistakenly walked into a running propeller after an otherwise routine flight. He describes the ordinary conditions that day, the momentary lapse that led to the incident, and the profound physical and personal changes that followed, including extensive injuries and a lengthy recovery process. The conversation emphasizes human factors in aviation such as complacency after gaining experience, the difference between knowledge and consistent safe behavior, the dangers of fatigue and distraction, and the critical importance of maintaining vigilance even after the flight appears complete. Samuel shares insights from his safety seminars, highlighting how even knowledgeable pilots can make errors when routines change or confidence increases, and he offers practical advice on building personal systems to prevent such mistakes. The hosts discuss passenger briefings, eye contact on the ramp, and the value of creating barriers against complacency to ensure everyone returns home safely.

Connect with Samuel Couillard:
Website: https://www.samuel-c.com/
Email: info@productionboka.com

E204 - What does that BLUE KNOB actually do? Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

In episode E204 of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn dive into the function of the blue knob in constant speed propeller systems. They explain it as the RPM selector that acts like a transmission by changing propeller blade pitch to maintain selected RPMs. The discussion covers fixed pitch versus constant speed props, the role of the governor, engine oil as hydraulic fluid for blade adjustment, manifold pressure management during climbs and descents, and why the POH is the final authority over instructor advice. They address checkride scenarios, common misconceptions like flying squared settings, oil leaks as engine emergencies, and the importance of using proper checklists rather than acronyms like GUMPS. The episode emphasizes understanding the full system for safe and efficient operations in complex aircraft like the Cessna 182T.

E203 - Ask the DPE - Part II Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of United Flight Systems, Bobby Doss continues his conversation with DPE Wally Mulhearn in part two of Ask the DPE. They dive deep into what makes an examiner nervous during checkrides, particularly during simulated engine failures and low altitude go-arounds. Wally explains the importance of proper go-around procedures versus touch-and-goes and why examiners avoid the latter on checkrides. The discussion covers the fine line between an ugly maneuver and an unsafe pilot, emphasizing crew resource management and speaking up early. Applicants learn about checklist discipline as a critical factor, the value of accurate but not overly precise calculations like density altitude, and how decision-making skills are tested from the start. Wally shares insights on common failures, pet peeves with scheduling, and best recoveries after mistakes. The episode wraps with lightning round questions and advice for applicants the night before their checkride. Tune in for invaluable tips to succeed on your next checkride.

E202 - Ask the DPE - Part I Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby interviews DPE Wally Mulhern in Ask the DPE Part I. They cover what makes an applicant look ready before walking in the door, including flight time reasonableness on the 8710, IACRA applications, solo versus PIC time, and required cross country, night, and instrument time. Wally shares signs that someone was sent too early, such as last-minute urgency and poor planning. They discuss communication preferences like email or text with full details including FTN, paperwork mistakes like missing logged ground school and class totals, dress and appearance expectations, pet peeves including answering the question directly, whether DPEs try to intimidate applicants, the meaning of questions like are you sure about that, open book orals, looking things up, maneuver tolerances per the ACS preamble, asking for breaks, and whether the DPE hopes applicants pass.

E201 - The First Five Minutes Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn open the episode by celebrating the milestone of reaching 201 shows and reflecting on listener engagement from Oshkosh and beyond. The main topic focuses on the first five minutes of flight, the phase where workload spikes as pilots manage engine start, avionics, passengers, and clearances before taxi. They stress the importance of sterile cockpit discipline once the engine is running to prevent distractions that can lead to incidents like runway excursions. Wally shares his approach to control checks before engine start and using checklists as verification tools rather than to-do lists. The conversation covers common checkride mistakes such as incomplete taxi readbacks that omit the assigned runway and failing to anticipate instructions by listening to other traffic. During the taxi to run-up phase, they highlight situational awareness in congested areas like the delta ramp at Hooks Airport and the value of positioning to allow space for others. Bobby outlines his three-part mental model of setup, decision point at run-up, and final go/no-go assessment while advocating for finding reasons not to fly rather than reasons to proceed. The takeoff decision includes the fifty-seventy rule for aborting if rotation speed is not achieved halfway down the runway and personal flows like lights, clocks, and fuel. In the initial climb they stress completing the after-takeoff checklist promptly to avoid configuration issues such as forgotten flap retraction. The episode closes with a listener challenge to develop and test a personal first-five-minutes flow along with a candid confession from Wally about once departing with a rudder gust lock still installed.

E200 - The Flight Before the Flight Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Bobby and Wally open the episode reflecting on recent experiences at Oshkosh, including social media feedback and a memorable interaction with a young aviation enthusiast whose parents are pilots. They then dive into the main topic of Episode 200, The Flight Before the Flight, stressing that most poor decisions occur during pre-flight preparation rather than in the air. The night-before sequence covers weather outlook briefings using multiple apps and 1-800-WX-BRIEF for human insight, verification of aircraft records especially for older experimental planes with modern avionics like G5 systems, fuel planning with extra margins beyond legal minimums, and self-assessment of fitness including illness or medication effects. On the morning of the flight they recommend re-evaluating forecasts against actual conditions observed outside and applying personal minimums that may differ by aircraft type such as the Saratoga versus a tailwheel. The hosts stress making these steps habitual through a simple card system and the PAVE checklist while inviting listener confessions about past decisions, shared personal minimums, and feedback on what they always check the night before. Wally adds insights from international flying on the importance of sleep management. They close by recommending the AOPA VFR personal minimums sheet and an ALPA Air Safety Institute case study called Fair Weather Flyer.

E199 - The Dirty Dozen Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn dive into the Dirty Dozen, a set of twelve human factor traps that can affect pilots and mechanics alike. Originally released by the FAA around 2011 or 2012 as a poster for mechanics, these traps apply equally to pilots and can lead to serious situations if not recognized. The discussion covers everyday traps like complacency and distraction that bite on routine flights, as well as decision-making and awareness issues. Bobby and Wally share personal anecdotes, including stories about fuel checks during checkrides, the dangers of expectation bias, and real-world incidents like the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 crash caused by a distraction over a light bulb. They emphasize how these factors, including fatigue, pressure, lack of communication, and normalization of deviation, can cascade into problems for even experienced aviators. To combat these traps, the hosts offer practical defenses such as setting personal minimums, chair flying, using checklists effectively, and maintaining situational awareness. They stress the importance of being prepared, honest with oneself, and continuously learning to avoid the Swiss cheese model of accidents. Listeners are encouraged to review the Dirty Dozen poster linked in the show notes.

E198b - Oshkosh Dispatch Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

This episode kicks off the Oshkosh Dispatch series as Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn preview EAA AirVenture. They reminisce about last year's event including blimp formations and the massive scale of the airshow while discussing aviation lingo like calling it Osh. Wally shares his travel plans flying the Saratoga from Houston to Madison Wisconsin with fuel stops and packed lunches after missing car rentals in Fond du Lac. Bobby mentions his daughter working with 4Flights and their upcoming announcements at the event. The hosts emphasize the importance of reading NOTAMs following ATC instructions and working within the system for safe travels. They also tease upcoming one minute Oshkosh Shorts videos with quick pilot tips available on social media throughout the week. Listeners are encouraged to follow all channels for video content even if they cannot attend in person. The episode highlights the excitement of the world's largest aviation gathering and offers practical advice for pilots heading north.

E198 - True, False, or It Depends Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn return to the mics after a break to tackle aviation myths in this episode of Behind the Prop. They dive into common misconceptions heard in flight training, around the hangar, and during checkrides, using a true false or it depends format to separate fact from fiction. Topics range from accelerated programs and school environments to DPE interactions and real-world decision making.

The hosts explore whether accelerated training is always faster, how weather impacts learning, and the fine line between confidence and overconfidence on checkrides. They discuss crosswind components, alternate airports, and why some statements like there is always another airport can be misleading. Personal stories from both hosts add depth to the conversation about what really makes a successful pilot.

The episode wraps with a lightning round covering myths like twin engines being safer, taking the written exam first, chair flying, simulators, parachutes, controller attitudes toward students, and where learning actually happens. Bobby and Wally emphasize seeking wisdom over opinions and invite listeners to keep questioning and learning in aviation.

E197 - From Early Lessons to Cross-Country Weather: A Pilot's Journey Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn dive into the full pilot journey, starting with the critical early lessons for student pilots and moving all the way through those pivotal first hundred hours after earning your certificate. They break down common red flags like poor preparation, attitude issues, and lack of consistency that can derail training, while sharing practical tips like using checklists and setting mini milestones to stay on track. The conversation also tackles real-world decision-making around weather, especially during cross-country flights, drawing from personal stories and listener questions about icing, convective activity, and the pressure to get there.

Wally and Bobby emphasize how the digital age has changed how pilots study and prepare, often leading to gaps in knowledge that only show up when things go wrong. They stress the dangers of overconfidence and complacency in those early post-certification hours, recounting close calls with weather that highlight why self-reflection and proper planning are essential. From checkride scenarios to actual flights in marginal conditions, the hosts offer honest insights into what separates safe pilots from those who take unnecessary risks.

Whether you're a brand-new student, a fresh private pilot, or someone planning longer cross-country trips, this episode is packed with actionable advice on building good habits, evaluating forecasts, and knowing when to say no. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to navigate the challenges of flight training and beyond, all while staying safe behind the prop. Thanks to listener Brad for inspiring this deep dive into these important topics.

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