Best Pilot Checkride Tips Podcasts (2025)

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#124 - $44 Trillion and the Future of Retirement Investing with Mat Sorensen 50:52

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3d ago50:52

50:52

Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome Mat Sorensen, CEO of Directed IRA, for a powerful discussion on how pilots and high-income professionals can unlock private investment opportunities through retirement accounts. From self-directed IRAs to Solo Ks, Mat explains the mechanics of rolling over old 401(k)s, navigating recent regulatory changes, and ta…

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

5d 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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How To Make 3X More Money as a CFI (Most Instructors Don’t Know This) 24:14

10d ago24:14

24:14

Most CFIs are leaving THOUSANDS on the table — don’t be one of them. In this video, I break down the secret path flight instructors are using to make 3X more money than the average CFI: 👉 Why working at a flight school caps your income (and keeps you stuck) 👉 How independent CFIs tap into flying clubs and private students to earn more 💰 👉 The real …

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#123 - Market Cycles, Debt, and Real Estate Opportunities with Hunter Thompson 49:22

9d ago49:22

49:22

Is now the right time to buy real estate or to hold cash? In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with Hunter Thompson, founder of Asym Capital and host of Cash Flow Connections, to unpack today’s real estate market. They cover cycles, debt structures, the COVID impact, rising interest rates, and why current distress is more about fin…

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#122 - How Pilots Use Whole Life Insurance to Fund Investments with Rod Zabriskie 49:50

16d ago49:50

49:50

What if your life insurance could help you invest without selling a single asset? Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome back Rod Zabriskie of Money Insights to demystify how whole life insurance can be used as a wealth-building tool. They break down the differences between term and whole life, how cash value grows, and why this strategy avoids risks …

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Should You Skip College for Flight Training? Airline vs. Corporate Pilot Life + Flight School Scams & CFI Red Flags 36:05

22d ago36:05

36:05

🎙 LIVE: Should You Skip College for Flight Training? Airline vs. Corporate Pilot Life + Flight School Scams & CFI Red Flags 📅 August 7th | The Pilot’s Discord Morning Show Today’s episode is packed with raw insights, hot takes, and no-filter pilot talk: ✈️ College vs. No College – Do you really need a degree to get hired at the airlines? Or should …

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A320 First Officer & Corporate Pilot React to Brutal Checkride Story 50:41

23d ago50:41

50:41

🎙️ Corporate Pilot Theo & A320 First Officer Ben Join the Pilot’s Discord Daily! Today’s live episode is one of our most important yet. We unpack a raw, emotional story from a pilot who failed their 121 checkride — their fourth checkride failure — and was asked to resign just days later. Now, they’re jobless, supporting a child, and unsure of their…

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

22d 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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#121 - Short-Term Rentals, Long-Term Wealth with Pilot Couple Brad Hilton and Aubrey Carlson 54:12

24d ago54:12

54:12

What if your first home turned into your first big win? Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome Brad Hilton and Aubrey Carlson, a powerhouse pilot couple who turned a VA loan into a cash-flowing real estate business. From renovating a dated beach house to designing destination-worthy cabins in Julian, CA, Brad and Aubrey break down how they scaled a sh…

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Pilot Career Advice, Checkride Failures, & Going Independent (ft. Theo - Corporate Pilot) 37:30

25d ago37:30

37:30

In this pilot episode, we dive deep into the realities of building a career in aviation—especially when the journey doesn’t go as planned. Jason is joined by Theo, a corporate pilot flying the Challenger 650, to talk shop, share stories, and give real, honest advice for pilots navigating setbacks. ▶️ Topics Covered: Life flying the Challenger 650 C…

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From 400 Hours to a 24-Year Corporate Pilot Career – Wayne’s Story 45:36

26d ago45:36

45:36

Meet Wayne, a seasoned corporate pilot with a 24-year tenure flying jets across the U.S. and internationally. In this episode, Wayne walks us through his aviation journey—from skipping college classes to chasing his dream of becoming a pilot, instructing with just a few students, and landing his first regional airline job with only 400 hours total …

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

26d 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

28d 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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#120 - How to Evaluate Markets, Properties, and Risks in Real Estate with Derrick Harris 1:00:00

1M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

What separates a solid real estate deal from a costly mistake? In this episode, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome Derrick Harris, SVP at Spartan Investment Group, to walk us through the real-world process of evaluating markets, properties, and operational risks. With a portfolio that spans millions of square feet, Derrick shares what works,…

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

1M 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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Airbus 320 First Officer Ben - From Fear of Flying to Major Legacy Airline Pilot 1:46:54

1M ago1:46:54

1:46:54

Pilot Journey: From Fear of Flying to Major Legacy Airline Pilot - Ben's Story Join us as we dive deep into Ben's incredible journey from initially being terrified of flying to becoming a major legacy airline captain. In this episode, Ben shares his fascinating origin story, overcoming early fears, navigating challenges such as air sickness, and pr…

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#119 - LLCs, Trusts, and Bulletproof Asset Protection with Adam Kintigh 53:43

1M ago53:43

53:43

What if your rental property is a lawsuit away from costing you everything? Tait Duryea connects with asset protection expert Adam Kintigh of Nevada Corporate Headquarters to break down what every investor should know about shielding wealth. From piercing the corporate veil to choosing between LLCs and real estate privacy trusts, this episode cover…

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#118 - The Big Beautiful Tax Bill with Nathan Sosa 48:38

2M ago48:38

48:38

Get ready to demystify the 2025 Tax Bill. Hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with Nathan Sosa, tax strategist at Hall CPA, to uncover what this sweeping legislation really means for pilots and high-income earners. From the return of 100% bonus depreciation to new deductions for auto loans and overtime, Nathan breaks down exactly who benefit…

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

2M 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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#117 - How to Evaluate and Join Real Estate Syndications 43:12

2M ago43:12

43:12

Ever wonder what happens when you invest in a syndication? In this episode, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson break down how real estate syndications work, from deal sourcing and underwriting to legal docs, fees, and investor returns. Learn how passive investors get access to large-scale deals, what to look for in a sponsor, and what happens after …

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

2M 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

2M 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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#116 - Medical Checkride: Medical Myths, Truths, and Tips with Dan Monlux 55:19

2M ago55:19

55:19

What could cost you your flying career? Not being prepared for your medical. Hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome back Dan Monlux of Wingman Med to discuss how pilots can protect their FAA medical certificates. Dan breaks down what happens during a medical exam, the importance of primary care, and why early detection matters. This is a must-li…

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

2M 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

2M 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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#115 - Inside Self-Storage: A Hidden Powerhouse for Investors 50:47

2M ago50:47

50:47

Get ready to uncover the secrets of one of commercial real estate’s most resilient and misunderstood asset classes: self-storage. In this in-depth episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson explore why self-storage continues to outperform in uncertain times, how millennials are transforming storage use, and what makes it such a powerful wealth vehicle fo…

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#114 - Trusts, Taxes & Transfers: What Every Investor Should Know with Amanda Wynalda 59:50

3M ago59:50

59:50

In this episode, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with attorney Amanda Wynalda from Anderson Advisors to unpack everything pilots and high-income earners need to know about trusts, wills, and asset protection. From revocable vs. irrevocable trusts to layering LLCs and avoiding the due-on-sale clause, this episode is a blueprint for protec…

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#113 - The Fed, The Treasury, and Your Portfolio with Dr. Peter Linneman 53:42

3M ago53:42

53:42

In this episode, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson talk with chief economist Dr. Peter Linneman to demystify interest rates, the national deficit, and how it all affects pilots, real estate investors, and entrepreneurs. Discover why U.S. debt may not be the threat it’s made out to be, how capital flows drive values, and what most people get wrong a…

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

3M 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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#112 - The Tax Strategies Every Pilot Should Know in 2025 with Thomas Castelli 47:15

3M ago47:15

47:15

In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome CPA Thomas Castelli of Hall CPA to break down the latest tax developments affecting high-income earners. From the potential return of 100% bonus depreciation to how the real estate professional status works in practice, Tom shares key strategies to help you keep more of what you earn. Whether you…

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#111 - Five Investing Strategies for High-Earning Pilots 44:56

3M ago44:56

44:56

Get ready to fast-track your financial freedom. In this power-packed solo episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson share the top strategies from over 110 episodes of Passive Income Pilots. From unlocking hidden cash in your 401(k) and home equity to leveraging life insurance and short-term rentals for major tax breaks, they distill years of pilot-speci…

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#110 - The IRA Club Advantage: The Self-Directed IRA Strategy for Pilots with Ramez Fakhoury 54:06

4M ago54:06

54:06

In this episode, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome Ramez Fakhoury from IRA Club. This episode dives into how pilots can unlock old 401(k)s, TSPs, and HSAs for real estate and other alternative investments. Hear a detailed story of a Southwest pilot transitioning to American Airlines and learn what decisions made the biggest impact. Whether …

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#109 - The Flight Plan for Syndications: Risk, Returns, and Real Wealth 39:19

4M ago39:19

39:19

In this episode, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson deliver an in-depth, pilot-friendly primer on syndications and passive real estate investing. They break down the risk spectrum from core to opportunistic deals, while sharing real-world analogies and experiences from their own projects, like the Canyon City land entitlement. Learn how to properly …

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

4M 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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#108 - Case Study: Real Estate Professional Status That Held Up in Court with Brandon Hall 21:04

4M ago21:04

21:04

In this episode, Tait Duryea flies solo to spotlight a powerful tax strategy many high-income earners overlook: real estate professional status. Featuring Brandon Hall from Hall CPA, this episode breaks down a real tax court victory by a harbor pilot who leveraged a flexible W-2 job schedule to claim REP status and unlock massive tax savings. Disco…

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

4M 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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#107 - Take Control of Your Capital: Infinite Banking Strategy With Brent Kesler 38:43

4M ago38:43

38:43

Host Tait Duryea sits down with Brent Kesler, a seasoned life insurance strategist, to explore how pilots and high-income earners can build wealth by turning whole life insurance into a personal banking system. Brent breaks down the misunderstood "infinite banking" concept and how it can be used for real estate, debt payoff, or high-return lending—…

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

4M 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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#106 – Time Freedom and Cash Strategies with Brian Herriot 39:31

5M ago39:31

39:31

Hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome financial strategist Brian Herriot for a thought-provoking conversation on redefining retirement and wealth. Explore the power of time freedom, why cash might be your most underappreciated asset, and how to build passive income streams that work for pilots and professionals alike. Brian shares practical tac…

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#105 - Buying and Building a Profitable Aviation Business with James Spearman 46:05

5M ago46:05

46:05

In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson are joined by James Spearman, owner of Spearman Aircraft and Iconic Rides. James walks through his journey of acquiring and scaling an aircraft maintenance business through seller financing, boosting its value through streamlined systems and strategic marketing. He shares the mindset and steps that helpe…

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

5M 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…

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Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A 1:19:21

5M ago1:19:21

1:19:21

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 feat…

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#104 - Active vs. Passive: Storage Strategies from the Flight Deck with Michael Meylor 49:01

5M ago49:01

49:01

In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with Michael Meylor, a seasoned pilot and self-storage investor who has built an impressive portfolio without raising outside capital. Michael shares how he transitioned from military to commercial flying, how he and his wife started investing in single-family rentals, and why they pivoted to co…

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#103 - Multifamily Mastery: Building Cashflow and Legacy with Gino Barbaro 45:35

5M ago45:35

45:35

In this episode, Tait Duryea welcomes Gino Barbaro of Jake & Gino to unpack the mindset and mechanics behind building lasting wealth through multifamily real estate. Gino shares his journey from running a family restaurant to becoming a real estate investor with over 1,800 units. They explore topics like values-based decision-making, creating "happ…

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Don’t Log That! FAA Time-Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 54:38

5M ago54:38

54:38

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 understand…

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#102 - Creating True Passive Income Through Note Investing with Tom Force 49:39

5M ago49:39

49:39

In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with retired airline captain and seasoned investor Tom Force to discuss a real estate strategy many overlook—note investing. They cover tax strategies, risk management, and how to get started in note investing. If you’re tired of tenant headaches and want to invest like a bank, this episode is f…

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ADS-B Pitfalls, Mastering Forward Slips, and What CFIs Are Missing 49:44

6M ago49:44

49:44

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 questi…

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Illegal Charters, Emergency Procedures, and Checkride Prep – VSL Aviation Podcast 1:14:40

6M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

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, usin…

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#101 - Airbnb for Aircraft: Hangar Investing & Aviation Real Estate with Trenton Ray 41:21

6M ago41:21

41:21

Hangar space is in short supply, but Trenton Ray is changing that. In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson chat with Trenton about Hangar Direct, his platform that’s like Airbnb for hangars—making it easier for pilots to find and rent space. They dive into the supply shortage, investment potential, and what to know about leasing, financing, or…

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Avoid These Pilot Errors! | 2025 FAR Changes, CFI Privileges & TEM Explained 1:09:15

6M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

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 pr…