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.
