Best DPE Podcasts (2025)

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Navigating Student Engagement During Winter Weather w/ Nate Ehlers 35:01

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8d ago35:01

35:01

Weather, holidays, and real life can bring flight training to a halt—but learning doesn’t have to stop. In this episode of More Right Rudder, Sarah Staudt sits down with instructor and airline pilot Nate Ehlers to share practical ways CFIs can keep students engaged during training disruptions. From chair flying and simulators to scenario-based trai…

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#35 - Empowering All Students Through the PE Opportunities for Exceptional Learners (PEOPEL) Program with Janine Wilkins 44:00

16d ago44:00

44:00

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of four, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. Today’s guest is Janine Wilkins, a veteran teacher at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, where she’s been inspiring students for more than 23 years. Janine earned her degree in Kinesiology from the…

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Stop Memorizing - Start Deciding: Building Better Scenarios with AI w/ John Boos 37:23

22d ago37:23

37:23

DPE John Boos and NAFI Program Development Manager Sarah Staudt dive into the power of scenario-based training to strengthen student judgment and decision-making. They discuss why rote memory—while valuable—is only the starting point, and how realistic simulations help students apply knowledge in meaningful ways. The discussion includes how AI can …

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Illegal Charter, Operational Control, and Protecting Your Certificate – with Attorney Edward Hadley 1:04:01

20d ago1:04:01

1:04:01

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 opera…

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More to the Story: Musings of a Retired DPE w/ Larry Bothe 36:21

29d ago36:21

36:21

Host Beth Stanton, NAFI’s director of publications and editor, interviews Larry Bothe, retired designated pilot examiner (DPE), flight instructor, and longtime Mentor magazine contributor, for an in-depth look at the world of checkrides and flight training. Bothe expands on his recent Mentor article “Musings from a Retired DPE, Things you might lik…

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Legal or Illegal? The Real Rules Behind Pilot Compensation 39:54

25d ago39:54

39:54

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 co…

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#34 - Rediscovering the Joy of Movement with Dr. Vicky Randall 56:36

1M ago56:36

56:36

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. Dr Vicky Randall is an educator, researcher and consultant in Physical Education, with over 20 years experience in the field. She holds fellowships in the UK with the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and …

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DPE Availability: Making the Most of a Limited Resource w/ Jason Blair 47:20

1M ago47:20

47:20

In this episode, Sarah Staudt, NAFI's program development manager, and Jason Blair, a DPE and aviation author, discuss the ongoing DPE shortage in aviation, exploring its causes, implications, and potential solutions. They delve into the data surrounding DPE activity, the importance of effective communication and scheduling, and the challenges face…

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#33 - Standards-Based, Student-Led Activities with Paddy Bailey 47:52

2M ago47:52

47:52

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. Paddy received his bachelors degree in K-12 PE and a Masters in Physical Education Leadership through SUNY Cortland. He has been teaching elementary PE for 10 years, and is entering year 3 at Van Renssel…

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Maintaining CFI Professionalism in Challenging Times w/ Anthony Sypula 46:58

2M ago46:58

46:58

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast, Sarah Staudt, NAFI's Program Development Manager, and Anthony Sypula, the Chief Flight Instructor of a large flying club and NAFI Master Instructor, discuss the importance of maintaining professionalism and readiness among flight instructors during industry slowdowns. They explore the current hiring…

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#32 - Prioritizing Skill Development and Challenging the Status Quo with Jake Miller 1:13:34

2M ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. After teaching elementary PE for three years, Jake has been teaching junior high physical education for the past 17 years. first in Montana, and currently at North Junior High in the Boise school distric…

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Introducing Part 22 Aircraft Certification via MOSAIC w/ Bill Snodgrass 40:05

2M ago40:05

40:05

CORRECTION: This video states that there is a 3,000 weight limit for Light Sport Aircraft. That is incorrect. Under the new MOSAIC rule there is no weight limit for Light Sport Aircraft. In part two of this special episode of More Right Rudder, NAFI's program development manager and podcast host, Sarah Staudt, is joined by Bill Snodgrass for an in-…

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MOSAIC: Modernizing Sport Pilot and Sport Flight Instructors w/ Samantha Bowyer 1:03:04

2M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

In this two-part series all about MOSAIC, host Sarah Staudt, NAFI's program development manager, is joined by Samantha Bowyer, an associate professor of aeronautics at ERAU. Bowyer is also an active NAFI volunteer who, with others, represented NAFI's interests during the MOSAIC rule making process. This first episode provides an overview of the MOS…

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#31 - The Return of the Presidential Fitness Test: Repeating the Past or Reimagining the Future, with Kathy Harvey and Jamie Sparks 45:19

3M ago45:19

45:19

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up ... In this episode, Kathy Harvey, Jamie Sparks and I talk about the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, whether or not it belongs in a high-quality PE program, and the impact it can have on students…

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More to the Story: Making Aviators w/ Jason Miller 35:50

3M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode of the More to the Story, a feature series on the More Right Rudder podcast, host and NAFI’s Director of Publications and Editor, Beth Stanton interviews Jason Miller, a seasoned flight instructor and founder of The Finer Points. Miller wrote Making Aviators in the July/August issue of Mentor magazine. They discuss the critical firs…

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Professionalism and Culture in Aviation: Building a Safer Cockpit Environment 1:30:18

3M ago1:30:18

1:30:18

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 for every pilot—from student to ATP. Joined by John…

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The Power of NASA Reports with Jeffrey Madison 35:50

4M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast, host Sarah Staudt speaks with Jeffrey Madison, an airline pilot and author, about the significance of NASA reports in flight training. They discuss how these reports can enhance decision-making skills for flight instructors and students, the importance of learning from real-life aviation incidents, …

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#30 - Back to School 2025: Creating a PE Program That Welcomes Every Learner with Juli Neace 40:08

4M ago40:08

40:08

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up ... This episode is the final installment of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningfu…

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Bird Strikes: Lessons, Tools, and Survival Strategies 46:38

4M ago46:38

46:38

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 strikes, why Arkansas sees higher numbers than average,…

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Modernizing Flight Training Rules with Don Wykoff 23:17

4M ago23:17

23:17

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast, Sarah Staudt interviews Don Wykoff from Sporty's Academy about the modernization of Part 141 flight training regulations. They discuss the need for updates to reflect current technologies and training methods, the challenges faced by smaller flight schools, and the importance of quality assurance in…

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#29 - Back to School 2025: Building a Culture of Belonging in PE with Courtney Lukasavitz 54:37

4M ago54:37

54:37

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for al…

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More Than Skin Deep: Enhanced Preflight Inspection for GA Pilots | Seth Lake Safety Seminar 50:01

4M ago50:01

50:01

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 plugs, or degraded exhaust components—can result in cat…

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Low-Level Insight: RADAR and LiDAR Altimeters for CFIs 34:08

4M ago34:08

34:08

In this episode of More Right Rudder, we welcome Sean Sherman, aviation technologist owner of Skeeter Enterprises, to demystify two increasingly relevant technologies in general aviation: RADAR and LiDAR altimeters. Whether you're a flight instructor looking to improve your students' understanding of new cockpit tools or a GA pilot exploring your n…

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#28 - Back to School 2025: Co-Agreements, Student Voice, and Intentional Routines with Rhys Meredith 45:09

5M ago45:09

45:09

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for al…

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Live Q&A: CFI Renewals, MEI Training Tips, Wet vs Dry Leases, Aircraft Ownership & More 52:04

4M ago52:04

52:04

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) training Teaching depth for CFIs and avoiding informatio…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 4 — Jeremy Lashbrook on Airworthiness, Checkride Errors, and CFI Rolls 1:01:47

4M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

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 ratings in multiple complex aircraft. Together, they…

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High Altitude Ops: Oxygen Systems & Pressurization Explained 1:22:27

5M ago1:22:27

1:22:27

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 practical insight on: • The types of oxygen systems you'll e…

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More to the Story: The Balloonist's Perspective 44:02

5M ago44:02

44:02

In this More to the Story episode of More Right Rudder, we explore the perspective of flight instruction without power—just heat, wind, and a whole lot of planning. Beth Stanton, NAFI's Director of Publications, sits down with Kim and Adam Magee, co-founders of The Balloon Training Academy and recent Mentor magazine contributors, to discuss the uni…

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Flight Training of the Future: eVTOL and Powered Lift w/ Chris Penningroth 36:05

6M ago36:05

36:05

The sky is changing—and so is the role of the flight instructor. In this episode of More Right Rudder, we’re joined by Chris Penningroth, former Air Force pilot and leader of NAFI’s eVTOL and Powered Lift Special Interest Group. Penningroth brings his unique perspective to a conversation about the emergence of eVTOL and powered-lift aircraft and wh…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 3 — Nick Adcock on Preparation, Common Pitfalls, and Checkride Mindset 50:13

5M ago50:13

50:13

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 importance of preparation. Nick shares insights on t…

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SimVenture 2025 37:49

6M ago37:49

37:49

Join us for a deep dive into SimVenture 2025, PilotEdge’s immersive virtual re-creation of flying into EAA AirVenture! This summer’s event, scheduled for July 11–13, puts you right in the cockpit as you fly the Fisk Arrival complete with landing on the colored dots, flagmen, parking, and departure. Throughout the event you'll receive air traffic in…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 2 — Adam Boyd on Airworthiness, Instruction, and Checkride Readiness 1:14:59

5M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

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 shares insights on airworthiness, endorsements, and…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 1 — Tom Guillebeau on Setting Expectations and Avoiding Pitfalls 1:01:58

6M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

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 expect…

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World Record Flight Instructor: Rodrigo Silvestre Molina Diaz 25:27

6M ago25:27

25:27

In this inspiring episode of More Right Rudder, host Sarah Staudt sits down with Guinness World Record holder, and NAFI member, Rodrigo Silvestre Molina Diaz. This conversation is facilitated with translation assistance from Gus Sanchez of Stratus Financial. Diaz's record is the most flying hours by a flight instructor (male). From his early days i…

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Personal Minimums, Risk Management, and 135 Checkrides: What You Need to Know 1:00:59

6M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

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 we…

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Decoding the ACS | Part 5 - Mastering Airspace: Private, Commercial, and CFI-Level Scenarios 1:00:55

6M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

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 th…

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Back Where it all Began: 100K Downloads Reunion Episode 41:44

6M ago41:44

41:44

Join NAFI today: https://nafimentor.org 🎉 100,000 Downloads: A Milestone Reunion 🎉 To celebrate reaching 100,000 downloads, current podcast hosts Sarah Staudt, NAFI's program development manager, and Beth Stanton, NAFI's director of publications and editor, are joined by podcast founder John Niehaus. We reflect on the origins of the podcast, how it…

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#27 - End-of-Year PE Reflections: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Adam Mullis 36:49

6M ago36:49

36:49

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe It’s the final episode of the first year of the Distinguished PE Podcast — and it’s all about taking time to reflect. In this episode, I sit down with Adam Mullis to talk about wrapping up the school year with purpose: how to reflect on your teaching, your students’ …

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CFI Hour Myths, MEI ROI, and Avoiding Illegal Charter: Live Q&A 1:00:44

6M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

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 inadverte…

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#26 - How the DPE Virtual Course Transformed Our Teaching with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith 50:08

7M ago50:08

50:08

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe What happens when four PE teachers commit to growing their practice together? In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith - all participants in the Distinguished PE Book Study - to talk about how the experience reshape…

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CFI Care with Beth Stanton, Barry Schiff, and Brian Schiff 49:38

7M ago49:38

49:38

In this episode, host and NAFI editor Beth Stanton sits down with renowned flight instructors Barry and Brian Schiff for an engaging conversation about their decades of experience. From memorable student stories to evolving training techniques, the Schiffs share insights, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way. Plus, Brian Schiff announces…

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#25 - Supporting English Learners in PE Without Speaking Their Language (Yet) with Kelly Donnelly 40:42

7M ago40:42

40:42

What would you do if 200 new students walked into your gym — most of them speaking a language you don’t understand? That’s exactly what happened to Kelly Donnelly, a PE teacher in Denver Public Schools. In this powerful episode, Kelly shares how welcoming a wave of Spanish-speaking migrant students changed her teaching, pushed her outside her comfo…

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Flying Further: How CFIs Can Use Drones to Grow Business and Promote Safety w/ Wayne Bailey 37:52

7M ago37:52

37:52

If you aren't already a member, please consider joining NAFI: https://nafimentor.org New and returning members can safe $5 on their NAFI membership with code PODSAVE5 In this episode, we sit down with Wayne Bailey, an experienced Part 107 pilot, entrepreneur, and leader of the NAFI Drone Special Interest Group, to explore how flight instructors can…

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Logging Time, Checkride Tips & Pilot Questions 1:19:31

8M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

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 q…

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Upset Prevention and Recovery Training - Part 3 52:06

8M ago52:06

52:06

This episode is the third and final installment in our series on upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT). Andrea Germanetti, an experienced airline captain and UPRT instructor, walks us through the benefits of instructors getting UPRT training and the lessons they can take back to their customers no matter what aircraft they're flying includi…

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Runway Excursions, Non-Standard Climb Gradients, and Weather Radar Tips 1:08:12

7M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

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-…

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#24 - Highlights and Takeaways from SHAPE Baltimore 2025 with Jen Smith 27:43

8M ago27:43

27:43

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Jen Smith, a passionate PE leader and teacher from Denver, Colorado, who recently returned from the 2025 SHAPE America National Convention in Baltimore. Jen has been teaching for over 20 years and is known for her energy, thoughtful leadership, and …

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Wet vs Dry Leases, Second Opinions, and Manifold Pressure Myths 1:31:18

8M ago1:31:18

1:31:18

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. The…

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Upset Prevention and Recovery Training - Part 2 50:44

8M ago50:44

50:44

In the second episode in this three part series, this episode starts us on a journey of understanding the the ground theory portion of upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT). Leading this discussion is Andrea Germanetti, an experienced airline captain and UPRT instructor. This broad discussion includes flight dynamics, threat and error manag…

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Accidents, Digital Avionics, and Required Equipment: What Every Pilot Should Know 1:13:09

8M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

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 comp…