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

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

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

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!

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!

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