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    Education

    The VSL Aviation Podcast

    A podcast on all things General Aviation from the team at VSL Aviation.

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    Latest Episodes:
    Accidents, Digital Avionics, and Required Equipment: What Every Pilot Should Know Apr 07, 2025
    Show notes

    In this episode, Seth dives into three critical areas for every pilot: what to do after an accident, how modern digital avionics like MEMS sensors work, and a practical breakdown of maintenance responsibilities and required equipment. You'll get clear, no-nonsense guidance on pilot responsibilities at the scene of an accident, how to interpret complex avionics systems, and how to stay legal when things go wrong in the airplane. Pulled straight from Discord and real-world checkride experiences, this episode is a must-listen.

    Chapters: 03:11 - Defining an accident

    10:12 - Initial steps after an accident

    18:51 - Digital avionics

    22:57 - MEMS Video

    28:23 - TMR Video

    32:54 - Maintenance and required equipment

    39:14 - AC 91-67A

    40:23 - Maintenance Manual Intro

    42:45 - Flying with a cracked windshield?

    46:28 - Maintenance acceptable methods of repair

    48:20 - Q&A

    49:59 - MEMS failure modes

    53:11 - TAA or Complex time without doing the landing

    55:21 - Switch to ground without being told by tower?

    1:00:20 - Chris the controller, answers a question

    1:01:46 - Practice approach and missed approach

    1:10:41 - Written test question

    Links: NTSB 830: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/part-830

    NTSB Form 6120: https://www.ntsb.gov/Documents/6120_1_Form.pdf

    Inside a MEMS: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/29ifw1AVgcI

    TMR Description: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PMbN0PVyy0

    How MEMS work: https://jewellinstruments.com/support/how-does-a-mems-sensor-work/

    AC 91-67A: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-67A.pdf

    Cessna 172 Maintenance Manual Page 18-4: http://www.aeroelectric.com/Reference_Docs/Cessna/cessna-maintenance-manuals/Cessna%20172%20&%20Skyhawk%20Series%20Service%20Manual%20(1969%20-%201976).pdf

    https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/FAA-H-8083-31B_Aviation_Maintenance_Technician_Handbook.pdf


    Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A Apr 03, 2025
    Show notes

    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


    Don't Log That! FAA Time-Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Mar 24, 2025
    Show notes

    In this week's VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into three critical topics for pilots and instructors alike. First, he breaks down how to get involved with the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) and make the most of the WINGS Program. Next, he explains the real why behind airspace design—offering a fresh approach for CFIs to improve student understanding beyond rote memorization. Then, he tackles an alarming Reddit story about improperly logged SIC time that cost a pilot their airline job. As always, Seth answers live listener questions, covering topics like logging PIC as a student pilot, scheduling hard-to-find CFI checkrides, and understanding how training time can (or can't) be double-counted across certificates. If you're a student, CFI, or examiner, this is a must-listen.

    Chapters: 01:56 – FAASTeam and the WINGS Program Overview

    12:15 – Responsibilities of a FAASTeam Representative

    16:52 – Reddit Post: Invalid SIC Time and Logbook Accuracy

    23:08 – Why Airspace Exists: A DPE's Perspective

    25:17 – ForeFlight Demo: Airspace Boundaries and Cloud Clearance Logic

    33:04 – Service Difficulty Reports (SDRs) Explained

    35:46 – Q&A: Can Student Pilots Log PIC Time?

    38:41 – Q&A: Finding a CFI Checkride Examiner

    43:04 – Q&A: Testing Instrument ACS Knowledge Areas

    47:33 – Q&A: Logging Instrument Time for Private vs Commercial

    53:43 – Wrap-Up and Discord Community Plug


    ADS-B Pitfalls, Mastering Forward Slips, and What CFIs Are Missing Mar 17, 2025
    Show notes

    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!


    Illegal Charters, Emergency Procedures, and Checkride Prep – VSL Aviation Podcast Mar 11, 2025
    Show notes

    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!


    Avoid These Pilot Errors! | 2025 FAR Changes, CFI Privileges & TEM Explained Mar 04, 2025
    Show notes

    In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake covers a variety of key aviation topics and answers listener questions. We kick things off with Threat and Error Management (TEM) and how to apply it in your daily flying. Then we dive into clarifying CFI responsibilities, discuss updates to the 2025 FAR/AIM, and wrap up with insights on CFI privileges. Whether you're a student, instructor, or experienced pilot, there's something here for you.

    Chapters: 01:30 TEM 11:37 What should I be teaching as a CFI? 28:48 Stall and Spin awareness training 34:34 Alternate Static Source Info 40:33 2025 FAR/AIM Updates 43:03 Privileges and Limitations 47:51 Open Discussion

    Join the conversation on Discord or submit your questions at VSL.aero.

    Join the VSL Discord Community: https://discord.gg/46zt3N8ckx


    Rethinking Commercial Pilot Training Feb 28, 2025
    Show notes

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into Jason Blair's recent article, "Things I Propose We Change in Initial Commercial Pilot Certification Standards and Experience Requirements" (🔗 Read it here). I break down his key points, share my thoughts, and discuss why I completely agree with his take. From there, we opened up the conversation to our live audience—answering questions and having a great discussion with listeners on Discord and viewers across multiple streaming platforms.

    This was our first time live-streaming the podcast on Twitch, Instagram, and YouTube! If you want to be part of the conversation next time, join us live on Discord. Details at VSL.aero or click the link in the description.

    👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you found this episode helpful! VSL Discord Channel


    Pilot Logbook: Insights, Emergencies, and Oddities Jan 03, 2025
    Show notes

    In this episode of Pilot Logbook, we dive into essential and intriguing topics every pilot should consider. We clarify the nuances of PDPIC and explore the proper ways to log PIC and Cross-Country time as a safety pilot. Next, we tackle the psychology of flying under pressure by analyzing two real-world cases of pilots panicking during emergencies. For a unique twist, we discuss the unconventional yet effective technique of launching flares for landing. Wrapping up with a casual general discussion, this episode offers a mix of practical advice, critical lessons, and engaging stories for pilots at every level.


    Fine-Tuning Your Flight: Landing Speeds, Critical Engines, and CFI Insights Dec 10, 2024
    Show notes

    Join professional pilot and DPE Seth Lake as he dives deep into the questions and concerns that pilots, instructors, and aviation enthusiasts bring to the table. Each episode features honest, no-nonsense discussions covering everything from FAA guidance and training best practices to advanced techniques and real-world insights. Whether you're working on your next certificate, preparing for a checkride, or just seeking to sharpen your aviation knowledge, this show provides the straightforward answers and industry expertise you need to keep growing as a safe and confident pilot.

    Email me your questions at: sethlake@vsl.aero

    VSL Discord Server:

    https://discord.gg/46zt3N8ckx

    CFI Study Group Discord Server:

    https://discord.gg/7XtMYVxW


    Kicking Off the New Weekly Format Dec 03, 2024
    Show notes

    Welcome to the revamped weekly edition of the podcast! In this episode, I tackle listener questions about MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) privileges and share tips for preparing for a multi-engine add-on rating. I also dive into a couple of engaging discussions from r/Flying Reddit threads that I've recently commented on.

    This new weekly format adds regular, bite-sized content between episodes of the longer-form ACS series, which is still in progress and not going away. These weekly shows are designed to keep the conversation going while I continue working on the more in-depth episodes you've come to enjoy.

    I hope you like this new approach—your questions and feedback are what keep the show fresh and valuable, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts!

    Tune in, and let's explore these topics together.


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