The VSL Aviation Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

43:52 Compliance and the Role of the FSDO

46:22 Whistleblower Protections in Aviation

49:10 The Importance of Legal Consultation for Pilots

51:39 The PREA and Reporting Obligations for Pilots

54:41 Credibility and Ethical Considerations in Aviation

57:30 Resources for Pilots: AOPA and NBAA

AOPA Legal Services Plan https://pilot-protection-services.aopa.org/

NBAA and the small aircraft exemption https://nbaa.org/flight-department-administration/aircraft-operating-ownership-options/nbaas-small-aircraft-exemption/

AC 91-37B https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-37B.pdf

AC 61-142 https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-142.pdf

AC 120-116 https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac_120-116.pdf

NTSB Blakely V Murray https://www.ntsb.gov/legal/alj/OnODocuments/Aviation/5061.pdf

NTSB Babbitt V Wallace https://www.ntsb.gov/legal/alj/OnODocuments/Aviation/5461.PDF

AeroLegal Advocates / contact info for Edward Hadley

https://www.aerolegaladvocates.com/

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 Introduction to Pilot Compensation and Illegal Charter
04:09 Understanding Operational Control and Pilot Responsibilities
10:10 Commercial Activity vs. Commercial Operation
13:47 The Role of Contracts in Aviation
18:37 Private Carriage vs. Common Carriage
24:59 Clarifying Holding Out in Aviation
32:40 Aircraft Size and Legal Operations
37:28 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Links:
https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/1kesimg/what_pilots_get_wrong_about_private_carriage_and/

https://sethlakedpe.substack.com/p/operational-control-where-legal-flights?r=j12c3

https://sethlakedpe.substack.com/p/the-history-and-importance-of-holding?r=j12c3

In the premiere episode of Checkride Insights, Seth sits down with Tom Guillebeau, a seasoned Designated Pilot Examiner and C-130 instructor pilot with the Arkansas Air National Guard. Tom shares his journey from mowing lawns for flying lessons to becoming a military evaluator, and gives practical advice for checkride applicants—from setting expectations to avoiding the most common mistakes. Whether you're prepping for your first ride or sharpening your CFI game, this conversation is packed with insight.

✅ Common issues DPEs see on checkrides
✅ What examiners really expect from applicants
✅ The value of clear communication and scenario thinking

This series is part of the VSL Aviation Podcast and supports the FAA's national CFI–DPE Forum initiative.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Check Ride Insights

02:51 Common Check Ride Pitfalls

06:43 Understanding Aircraft Systems

12:17 The Importance of Decision Making

19:58 Personal Minimums and Safety

32:44 Final Thoughts and Resources

33:13 Navigating Gusty Conditions

35:16 Personal Minimums and Risk Management

38:03 Cancellation Policies and Student Preparedness

40:38 Examiner Flexibility and Weather Challenges

43:18 Maneuvers and Flight Skills

44:17 Pilotage and Dead Reckoning

46:54 Stalls and Slow Flight Techniques

53:06 Emergency Procedures and Checklists

56:18 Ballistic Parachute Systems and Safety

01:00:07 Final Thoughts and Preparation Tips

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of personal minimums—how to build them, stick to them, and apply them on checkride day. Using FAA guidance and practical examples, he outlines real-world risk management techniques, including when to cancel a flight and how to safely mitigate marginal weather.

He also covers the training and testing requirements for Part 135 operators, breaking down the key differences between 293, 297, and 299 checks. Whether you're planning to move into a 135 role or preparing for your next checkride, this episode has the insights you need.

Finally, the episode wraps with a lively Q&A session covering:

    Eights on pylons tips

    Diversions and checkride discontinuations

    Handling fuel leaks on test day

    What ADM concepts are often overlooked

    Proper decision-making around inop equipment

    Whether you can build time in experimentals

    And much more...

🛠️ Tools & References:

    ACS personal minimums sections

    FAA Risk Management Handbook (Ch. 2)

    Advisory Circular 91-67A

    FAA Safety Briefing (Mar/Apr 2015 edition)

Check the VSL Discord for links to all referenced materials and join the ongoing discussion.

Chapters:

00:00 Setting Personal Minimums for Pilots

22:49 Understanding Risk Management in Aviation

29:55 Exploring Part 135 Training

30:23 Preparing for Part 135 Cargo Interviews

34:13 Understanding Part 135 Regulations and Checkrides

38:02 Navigating Checkride Procedures and Diversions

40:26 Communicating in Congested Airspace

43:44 Inoperative Equipment and Risk Management

49:01 Differences in Pre-flight Assessments

52:19 Aeronautical Decision Making in Training

56:07 Memorization vs. Reference in Aviation

59:56 Weekly Recap and Community Engagement

This is Episode 5 in the Decoding the ACS series, where we break down the Airman Certification Standards one task at a time.

In this episode, we cover Area of Operation I, Task E: National Airspace System. Whether you're preparing for your Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or CFI checkride, this session explains how this task is tested across all three levels—with a focus on scenario-based evaluation using ForeFlight.

You'll learn how to:

    Interpret ACS objectives at all certificate levels

    Plan routes through Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace

    Evaluate MOAs, TFRs, and Part 93 Special Airspace

    Use ForeFlight's aeronautical and profile tools

    Apply risk management in real-world flight planning

    Understand Special VFR rules and limitations

We also highlight useful FAA references, online courses, and tips for briefing airspace scenarios effectively on a checkride.

Referenced tools and documents are linked in the ACE Guide.

Chapters:

02:29 Objective Differences  

04:57 Knowledge Topics  

08:58 Risk Management  

10:00 Skill Requirements  

15:18 Scenario Flight Planning

16:10 ForeFlight Tools  

16:31 MOA Avoidance  

16:31 Restricted Airspace  

26:37 SATR & SAFR  

27:04 Flyway Charts  

30:34 Training Courses  

33:09 Airspace Examples  

37:24 Class C & ADS-B  

40:42 Class B & Clearance  

47:48 Special VFR

In this live Q&A edition of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into a wide range of topics submitted by the aviation community. From the myths around required CFI ground training hours to advice on whether getting your MEI is worth the investment, Seth provides practical, experience-based insights. He also tackles how to avoid inadvertently participating in illegal charter ops, how commercial pilots can understand operator responsibility, and answers listener questions about time-building, hypoxia training, and spatial disorientation.

If you're a student pilot, a CFI, or a seasoned commercial pilot brushing up on the regs, this episode is packed with value. Don't miss the tips on interpreting Part 135 eligibility and how to recover after a long flying hiatus.

• Misunderstandings around minimum CFI ground training hours

• How to validate endorsements with AC 61-65J

• Clarification on operational control vs. holding out (AC 120-12A)

• What Part 119.1(e) actually allows without a certificate

• Tips on checking if an aircraft is listed under a Part 135 certificate

• Cost/benefit analysis of pursuing an MEI

• How to maintain continual learning as a pilot

• FAA CAMI training options: hypoxia chamber, PROTE, vestibular illusions

• Time-building strategies that airlines value

• Stage check failures: how to report and recover

• Advice for applicants to the DPE program

• Instrument checkride failure from altimeter misreading

• Transitioning back to flying after a year-long break

• Risk of complacency in experienced pilots

In this episode, we celebrate new pilot certifications 🎉, tackle common logbook questions 📘, explain how ForeFlight sources winds aloft 🌬, and clarify cross-country time rules 🗺. We also walk through a real listener landing scenario at KVNY 🛬, give a quick weather symbol refresher 🌦, cover what to do if ADS-B is inoperative 📡, and answer listener questions ❓. Stick around to the end for shout-outs and closing notes!

👉 Join the Discord for more discussions: vsl.aero
🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app!

⏰ Chapters

00:00 🎙 Episode Introduction & Shout-outs

02:16 🎉 Celebrating New Pilot Certifications

03:42 📘 Logging PIC Time: Common Questions

06:22 🌬 How ForeFlight Sources Altitude Winds

09:44 🗺 Who Can Log Cross-Country Time

18:42 🛬 Listener Landing Scenario at KVNY

24:27 🌦 Quick Refresher on Weather Symbols

26:40 📡 ADS-B Inop

30:30 ❓ Q & A

➤ Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/46zt3N8ckx

➤ FAA ADS-B Deviation Tool: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/equipadsb/adapt

➤ UND Magneto Trainer: https://aero.und.edu/aviation/current-students/trainers.html

➤ ForeFlight Winds Aloft Article: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313449-How-are-winds-aloft-used-in-NavLog-calculations

➤ FAA Legal Interpretations (Gebhart, Hillard): 
Gebhart:
https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FAA000000000LEGALINTPR2009024PDF.0001

Hillard: 
https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FAA000000000LEGALINTPR2009033PDF.0001

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

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

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