Anglais
The VSL Aviation Podcast
par Seth Lake
A podcast on all things General Aviation from the team at VSL Aviation.
Épisodes
CFI ACS Task D Explained: Student Evaluation, Assessment, and Testing | FOI Series Ep. 4
3 nov. 2026 · 1 h 28
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, we continue our deep dive into the Flight Instructor Airman Certification Standards (CFI ACS) with Area of Operation I, Task D: Student Evaluation, Assessment, and Testing. As a flight instructor, evaluating a learner's performance involves much more…
CFI ACS Task C Explained: Lesson Plans, Course Development & Teaching Methods | FOI Series Ep. 3
22 oct. 2026 · 1 h 17
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Seth Lake continues the CFI Airman Certification Standards (ACS) series with a deep dive into **Area of Operation I, Task C: Course Development, Lesson Plans, and Classroom Training Techniques.** Preparing for your initial…
CFI ACS Task B Explained: The Learning Process | FOI Series Ep. 2
2 mai 2026 · 1 h 42
In Episode 2 of our CFI ACS series, we work through Area of Operation 1, Task B: The Learning Process. This is the biggest task in the Fundamentals of Instruction — 16 knowledge topics, 3 risk management elements, and 3 skills — all drawn from Chapter 3 of the Aviation Instructor's Handbook. I…
Breaking: 2025 Airman Statistics Reveal a Pilot Pipeline Nobody Expected
8 avr. 2026 · 31 min
The 2025 FAA Civil Airmen Statistics just dropped — and the numbers tell a story that contradicts nearly everything you've heard about the pilot shortage. Seth Lake, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and airline pilot, digs into the raw data to show why record pilot production and declining airline…
CFI ACS Task A Explained: Human Behavior & Communication Made Simple
28 mars 2026 · 1 h 03
This episode focuses specifically on Area of Operation I, Task A of the CFI ACS: Effects of Human Behavior and Communication on the Learning Process We're not covering all of the FOIs here. Instead, this is a targeted breakdown of how human behavior and communication directly impact your…
Illegal Charter, Operational Control, and Protecting Your Certificate – with Attorney Edward Hadley
15 nov. 2025 · 1 h 04
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…
Legal or Illegal? The Real Rules Behind Pilot Compensation
10 nov. 2025 · 40 min
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,…
Professionalism and Culture in Aviation: Building a Safer Cockpit Environment
12 sept. 2025 · 1 h 30
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives into two closely connected themes: professionalism and culture in aviation. Using relatable analogies like libraries and football stadiums, Seth explores how environment shapes behavior and why developing a professional safety culture matters…
Bird Strikes: Lessons, Tools, and Survival Strategies
23 août 2025 · 47 min
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake shares a live seminar from the North Little Rock Airport on the realities of bird and wildlife strikes. Drawing from Arkansas accident cases, military and airline experience, and FAA safety resources, Seth explores the history of bird…
More Than Skin Deep: Enhanced Preflight Inspection for GA Pilots | Seth Lake Safety Seminar
6 août 2025 · 50 min
In this detailed safety seminar, DPE and CFI Seth Lake walks pilots through an enhanced preflight inspection process—going beyond the surface-level checks most pilots perform. Using real NTSB accidents from Arkansas, Seth highlights how minor oversights—like frayed throttle cables, loose spark…
Live Q&A: CFI Renewals, MEI Training Tips, Wet vs Dry Leases, Aircraft Ownership & More
2 août 2025 · 52 min
In this live Q&A session of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake tackles a wide range of pilot questions from Discord, Instagram, and YouTube. Topics include: CFI Gold Seal renewals and FISDO processing Understanding static pressure and pitot systems Preparing for Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)…
Checkride Insights Ep. 4 — Jeremy Lashbrook on Airworthiness, Checkride Errors, and CFI Rolls
31 juil. 2025 · 1 h 02
In this episode, Seth sits down with Jeremy Lashbrook, a seasoned pilot and Designated Pilot Examiner with over 26 years of U.S. Army aviation experience. Jeremy brings unique insight from his extensive background flying both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, EMS helicopter operations, and type…
High Altitude Ops: Oxygen Systems & Pressurization Explained
26 juil. 2025 · 1 h 22
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth takes a deep dive into high altitude operations, breaking down FAA requirements, oxygen systems, and cabin pressurization from both a technical and checkride prep perspective. Whether you're a Commercial, CFI, or ATP applicant, you'll gain…
Checkride Insights Ep. 3 — Nick Adcock on Preparation, Common Pitfalls, and Checkride Mindset
3 juil. 2025 · 50 min
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake interviews Nick Adcock, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with a rich background in military and commercial aviation. They discuss common pitfalls applicants face during checkrides, including logbook issues, airworthiness checks, and the…
Checkride Insights Ep. 2 — Adam Boyd on Airworthiness, Instruction, and Checkride Readiness
29 juin 2025 · 1 h 15
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth interviews Adam Boyd, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with extensive experience in aviation. They discuss the importance of preparation for check rides, common pitfalls applicants face, and the significance of briefings and debriefings. Adam…
Checkride Insights Ep. 1 — Tom Guillebeau on Setting Expectations and Avoiding Pitfalls
25 juin 2025 · 1 h 02
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…
Personal Minimums, Risk Management, and 135 Checkrides: What You Need to Know
22 juin 2025 · 1 h 01
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…
Decoding the ACS | Part 5 - Mastering Airspace: Private, Commercial, and CFI-Level Scenarios
18 juin 2025 · 1 h 01
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…
CFI Hour Myths, MEI ROI, and Avoiding Illegal Charter: Live Q&A
29 mai 2025 · 1 h 01
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,…
Logging Time, Checkride Tips & Pilot Questions
5 mai 2025 · 1 h 20
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…