Episodios

  • E177 - Mastering Energy Management for Approaches and Landings

    E177 - Mastering Energy Management for Approaches and Landings
    Sep 15 2025

    Mastering energy management is one of the cornerstones of becoming a safe and confident pilot. In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn unpack the topic in detail, showing how altitude, airspeed, and power all work together as “energy assets” that must be carefully managed throughout every phase of flight—especially on approach and landing.

    Drawing from countless check rides, Wally describes how many applicants fall into the trap of treating every descent as a power-off glide, when in reality, a controlled descent with power and speed can be safer and more effective. Bobby shares his own learning curve, including stories of fast landings and bounced touchdowns, underscoring why setting up a stabilized approach is non-negotiable. Together, they walk through rules of thumb for descent planning, techniques for recognizing if you’re high or low on base, and how instrument training can help sharpen a pilot’s “sight picture” of a standard glide path.

    Listeners will hear practical guidance on the classic “pitch for airspeed, power for altitude” debate, and how those principles apply differently in cruise versus the landing phase. The duo also highlight the dangers of over-correction and porpoising, explaining why patience and small, measured inputs make all the difference. Wally’s mantra—“eyes moving fast, hands moving slow”—is a powerful takeaway for anyone working toward smoother, more confident landings.

    The episode wraps with recommended resources like the Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA Risk Management Handbook, and the AIM, plus encouragement to practice energy management on challenging days with an instructor. Whether you’re a new student preparing for a checkride or an experienced pilot refining your technique, this discussion offers the tools to better understand and master the flow of energy in your aircraft.
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    34 m
  • E176 - Darren Pleasance, AOPA President & CEO

    E176 - Darren Pleasance, AOPA President & CEO
    Sep 1 2025
    Aviation Career Foundation & PhilosophyDarren Pleasance's aviation journey began serendipitously at age 13 in Livermore, California, sparked by witnessing model airplane flying in a local park (02:32)Boy Scouts aviation merit badge provided first airplane flight experience with troop leader who was also a flight instructorAirport proximity advantage allowed daily after-school bicycle rides to Livermore Airport for hands-on learningMentorship network development through open hangar visits led to free flight instruction from CFI named DougAccelerated certification timeline: solo at 16, private at 17, commercial instrument flight instructor at 18College funding strategy utilized flight instruction income to pay for education expensesLife decision framework established early: "When faced with difficult decision, choose one that makes for better story" (07:03)McKinsey departure decision after 14 years applied this principle to join Google despite financial spreadsheet analysisAlaska bush pilot choice over completing engineering master's degree exemplified same philosophyCareer diversification approach created multiple aviation experiences: corporate jets, glider towing, competition aerobatics, bush flyingMedical Certification Challenges & AdaptationsColor vision deficiency discovery at age 16 during first medical examination created major career obstacle (09:16)Initial medical restriction: "not valid for night flight or color signals" threatened professional pilot aspirationsDemonstrated ability waiver process required FAA flight examination demonstrating ability to distinguish aviation-relevant colorsTesting requirements included: identifying plowed vs. unplowed fields, recognizing taxiway centerline lights, runway edge lights, beacon colorsAirline career impact: even with eventual first-class medical clearance, airlines wouldn't hire pilots with any medical history complicationsBlessing in disguise outcome: forced exploration of diverse aviation opportunities including John Travolta corporate pilot work, competition aerobatics, P-51 flyingCorporate Experience IntegrationMcKinsey consulting foundation provided comprehensive business function exposure across marketing, sales, finance, organizational strategy (05:58)High-tech specialization and sales/marketing focus opened door to Google global team leadership opportunity14-year tenure built expertise in helping management teams improve business performance worldwideDiverse client experience across multiple industries and business functions created versatile skill setGoogle and Cisco leadership roles combined with continuous aviation involvement maintained dual expertise (12:51)Weekend flying commitment included teaching aerobatics at Bedford Airport's Executive Flyers AviationCompetition aerobatics involvement led to EAA board connections and industry networkingP-51 flying experience enhanced aviation credibility and public profileAOPA Leadership Vision & QualificationsUnique qualification combination merged deep aviation passion with Fortune 500 business leadership experience (12:51)200+ employee organization requires substantial business management capabilitiesPublic speaking requirements for member events, donor relations, political advocacy, airport community relationsAviation credibility essential for representing pilot community interests and understanding operational challengesAdvocacy experience needed for communicating aviation value to non-pilot stakeholdersCurrent aircraft ownership maintains grassroots GA connection through Sea Ray amphibious aircraft and RV-6 ownership (15:11)Recent flying examples: Priest Lake, Idaho seaplane fly-in participation, formation flying with friendsBackcountry flying engagement demonstrates continued hands-on small aircraft experienceCost-conscious operations understanding through Rotax-powered aircraft ownershipComprehensive Member Service PortfolioBase membership value proposition at $89 annually provides extensive pilot support services (20:40)Pilot Information Center staffing includes deep maintenance experts available for technical problem-solvingInternational flight planning assistance covers Canada, Bahamas, and worldwide destinations with step-by-step guidanceAircraft purchasing support through aviation finance group connections and escrow service coordinationDocumentation and process guidance for complex aviation procedures and regulatory compliancePilot Protective Services enhancement for additional $85 annually adds critical legal and medical advocacy (21:43)Medical packet review service ensures special issuance applications meet FAA requirements before submissionLegal representation availability for FAA enforcement actions, violations, or incident responsesSpecialized expertise access for navigating complex regulatory interactions and protecting pilot certificatesRisk mitigation approach prevents multi-month delays from incomplete FAA submissionsMedical Certification Support & Modern ChallengesGrowing ...
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    51 m
  • E175 - Pre-Solo Pitfalls & Prep

    E175 - Pre-Solo Pitfalls & Prep
    Aug 18 2025

    Do you have a solo coming up soon? Check out this week's episode and grab some great tips and tricks to make sure you're prepared for your big day!
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    34 m
  • E174 - Oshkosh Recap & MOSAIC

    E174 - Oshkosh Recap & MOSAIC
    Aug 4 2025

    This week we look back on our incredible week at Oshkosh 2025 and talk about the brand new MOSAIC program, and what it means for you as an aviator!
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    35 m
  • E173 - Operation Airdrop

    E173 - Operation Airdrop
    Jul 21 2025

    Check out more from Operation Airdrop here -- https://www.operationairdrop.org
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    26 m
  • E172 - Live Show/Checkride Prep Q & A

    E172 - Live Show/Checkride Prep Q & A
    Jul 7 2025

    Please subscribe to our podcast, and share this week's episode! It really helps grow the show.

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    Facebook - Behind the Prop - Home | Facebook

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    and of course check us out any time at BehindTheProp.com!
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    59 m
  • BONUS - Bobby on the Radio!

    BONUS - Bobby on the Radio!
    Jun 30 2025
    Our very own Bobby Doss appeared on a radio station in his hometown to discuss some recent aviation incidents in the news.
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    7 m
  • E171 - Fly With Kay

    E171 - Fly With Kay
    Jun 23 2025

    Please subscribe to our podcast, and share this week's episode! It really helps grow the show.

    Also be sure to follow us on social media:

    Facebook - Behind the Prop - Home | Facebook

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/behindtheprop/

    and of course check us out any time at BehindTheProp.com!
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    19 m