Best FAA Decoded Podcasts (2025)

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Decoding ATC: The Art of Radio Communications 10:21

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4M ago10:21

10:21

Send us a text Decoding ATC: The Art of Radio Communications | FAA Decoded Podcast #35 Welcome back to FAA Decoded! In Episode 35, a concise 26-minute session, we’re continuing our new series, “Behind the Cockpit,” by tackling one of the most critical skills a pilot can master: radio communications with Air Traffic Control (ATC). Drawing from the o…

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FAA Medical Certificate: A Pilot's Health Check 8:35

4M ago8:35

8:35

Send us a text FAA Medical Certificate: A Pilot's Health Check | FAA Decoded Podcast #34 Welcome back to FAA Decoded! In Episode 34, a critical 9-minute session, we're launching a new series, "Behind the Cockpit," by diving into the essential topic of the FAA Medical Certificate. Drawing from the official FAA medical regulations in 14 CFR Part 67 a…

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Helicopter Night Operations Decoded 23:15

5M ago23:15

23:15

Send us a text Night Operations Decoded | FAA Decoded Podcast #33 Welcome back to FAA Decoded! In Episode 33, a concise 23-minute session, we dive into the critical world of night operations, a topic that’s both challenging and essential for pilots. Drawing from the Helicopter Flying Handbook, we'll break down the unique physiological and environme…

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Plane vs. Helicopter: Choosing Your Aviation Path 14:47

5M ago14:47

14:47

Send us a text Plane vs. Helicopter: Choosing Your Aviation Path | FAA Decoded Podcast #32 Welcome to FAA Decoded! In Episode 32, a concise 15-minute session, we tackle a fundamental question for aspiring aviators: "Should I fly airplanes or helicopters?" Drawing from our recent deep dive, we'll quickly break down the core considerations for choosi…

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Decoding VFR Navigation: Charts, Compasses, and GPS Essentials 1:00:24

5M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Send us a text Decoding VFR Navigation: Charts, Compasses, and GPS Essentials | FAA Decoded Podcast #31 Welcome back to FAA Decoded! In Episode 31, we embark on a comprehensive 60-minute journey through Chapter 16 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, where we unravel the critical art of VFR navigation. Whether you're planning your fir…

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Mastering Helicopter Emergencies: Autorotation & Beyond 44:12

5M ago44:12

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Send us a text Mastering Helicopter Emergencies: Autorotation & Beyond | FAA Decoded Podcast #30 In Episode 30 of FAA Decoded, join us for an in-depth 44-minute discussion on Chapter 11 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, focusing on helicopter emergencies and hazards. We'll demystify autorotation, explaining this critical power-off …

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Airport Operations Simplified 25:53

5M ago25:53

25:53

Send us a text Airport Operations Simplified | FAA Decoded Podcast #29 In Episode 29 of FAA Decoded, we dive into Chapter 14 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge for a focused 26-minute session on Airport Operations. Learn the essentials of navigating airport environments, from understanding runway markings and taxiway signs to masteri…

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Mastering Advanced Helicopter Maneuvers 24:41

6M ago24:41

24:41

Send us a text Mastering Advanced Helicopter Maneuvers | FAA Decoded Podcast #28 Join us for Episode 28 of FAA Decoded, a focused 25-minute dive into Chapter 10 of the Helicopter Flying Handbook. We unpack advanced flight maneuvers, guiding pilots through critical techniques like high and low reconnaissance, maximum performance takeoffs, and rapid …

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Aircraft Construction Uncovered 37:24

6M ago37:24

37:24

Send us a text Aircraft Construction Uncovered | FAA Decoded Podcast #27 In Episode 27 of FAA Decoded, we explore Chapter 3 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge in a concise 37-minute session. Discover the fundamentals of aircraft construction, from FAA certification and airworthiness standards to the four forces of flight—lift, thrust…

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IFR Flight Essentials 1:51:43

6M ago1:51:43

1:51:43

Send us a text IFR Flight Essentials | FAA Decoded Podcast #26 Welcome to Episode 26 of FAA Decoded! In this comprehensive 1-hour-and-52-minute episode, we dive deep into Chapter 10 of the Instrument Flying Handbook to break down the essentials of IFR flight. From preflight planning with critical resources like the AIM, A/FD, and NOTAMs, to executi…

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Helicopter Performance 24:17

6M ago24:17

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Send us a text Helicopter Performance | FAA Decoded Podcast #25 Welcome to Episode 25 of FAA Decoded! In this 24-minute episode, we take off into Chapter 7 of the Helicopter Flying Handbook to explore helicopter performance. Learn the key factors affecting lift, power, and efficiency, including weight, density altitude, wind, and rotor efficiency. …

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Aircraft Systems 58:03

6M ago58:03

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Send us a text Aircraft Systems | FAA Decoded Podcast #24 Welcome to Episode 24 of FAA Decoded! In this 58-minute episode, we dive into Chapter 7 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge to explore the essential aircraft systems that keep you flying. Discover the workings of the powerplant—reciprocating engines, turbojets, and turbofans—pa…

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Risk Management Handbook 25:50

7M ago25:50

25:50

Send us a text Risk Management Handbook | FAA Decoded Podcast #23 Welcome to Episode 23 of FAA Decoded! In this 26-minute episode, we dive into the essentials of risk management for pilots, based on the Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2A). Discover how to prioritize safety, build confidence, and enjoy every flight to the fullest. We’ll explore…

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The Air Traffic Control System 30:14

7M ago30:14

30:14

Send us a text The Air Traffic Control System | FAA Decoded Podcast #22 Welcome to Episode 22 of FAA Decoded! In this 30-minute episode, we’re navigating the essentials of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) System for instrument flight rules (IFR) within the National Airspace System (NAS). Based on Chapter 2 of the Instrument Flying Handbook, we’ll expl…

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Understanding the Rotorcraft Flight Manual 20:36

7M ago20:36

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Send us a text Understanding the Rotorcraft Flight Manual | FAA Decoded Podcast #21 Welcome to Episode 21 of FAA Decoded! In this 21-minute episode, we’re unpacking the vital role of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) and how to understand it for safe helicopter operations. Based on Chapter 5 of the Helicopter Flying Handbook, we’ll dive into the l…

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Aircraft Flight Instruments 41:15

7M ago41:15

41:15

Send us a text Aircraft Flight Instruments | FAA Decoded Podcast #20 Welcome to Episode 20 of FAA Decoded! In this 41-minute episode, we’re diving into the critical world of aircraft flight instruments, an essential topic for every pilot. Drawing from Chapter 8 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, we’ll explore the instruments that ke…

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Helicopter Basic Flight Maneuvers 25:53

7M ago25:53

25:53

Send us a text Helicopter Basic Flight Maneuvers | FAA Decoded Podcast #19 Welcome to Episode 19 of FAA Decoded! In this 26-minute episode, we’re breaking down the essentials of helicopter basic flight maneuvers, a must-know for every aspiring pilot. Drawing from Chapter 9 of the Helicopter Flying Handbook, we’ll guide you through the foundational …

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Helicopter Aerodynamics 25:24

7M ago25:24

25:24

Send us a text Helicopter Aerodynamics | FAA Decoded Podcast #18 Welcome to Episode 18 of FAA Decoded! In this 25-minute episode, we take a deep dive into helicopter aerodynamics, focusing on the forces and principles unique to rotorcraft flight. While we explored the broader "Principles of Flight Explained" back in Episode 4 using the Pilot’s Hand…

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Aviation Weather Services and Data 44:39

8M ago44:39

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Send us a text Aviation Weather Services and Data | FAA Decoded Podcast #17 Welcome to Episode 17 of FAA Decoded! In this comprehensive 44-minute episode, we dive into the world of aviation weather services and data, a critical topic for every pilot. Drawing from Chapter 13 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, we’ll explore the multif…

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Hudson River Helicopter Crash: Analysis and Initial Findings 14:01

8M ago14:01

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Send us a text Hudson River Helicopter Crash: Analysis and Initial Findings | FAA Decoded Podcast #16 Welcome to Episode 16 of FAA Decoded! In this 14-minute episode, we analyze a tragic event—the fatal Bell 206L helicopter crash in the Hudson River on April 10th, as covered by the YouTube channel Blancolirio. We’ll break down the flight path, heli…

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Helicopter Ground Operations and Preflight Safety 21:12

8M ago21:12

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Send us a text Helicopter Ground Operations and Preflight Safety | FAA Decoded Podcast #15 Welcome to Episode 15 of FAA Decoded! In this 21-minute episode, we’re focusing on a vital aspect of helicopter flying: ground operations and preflight safety. We’ll walk you through the pilot’s critical role in keeping things safe before the rotors even star…

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Helicopter Weight and Balance Fundamentals 19:31

8M ago19:31

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Send us a text Helicopter Weight and Balance Fundamentals | FAA Decoded Podcast #14 Welcome to Episode 14 of FAA Decoded! In this 20-minute episode, we dive into a critical topic for every helicopter pilot: weight and balance fundamentals. We’ll break down how to calculate your helicopter’s weight—from basic empty weight to crew, passengers, cargo,…

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Robinson R22 or Guimbal Cabri G2: Which Helicopter is Better for Flight Schools? 16:12

8M ago16:12

16:12

Send us a text Robinson R22 or Guimbal Cabri G2: Which Helicopter is Better for Flight Schools? | FAA Decoded Podcast #13 Welcome to Episode 13 of FAA Decoded! In this 20-minute episode, we tackle one of the biggest questions for flight schools: which helicopter is the better choice for training? We compare two industry leaders—the Robinson R22 and…

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Bose A30 vs Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Comparison 21:50

8M ago21:50

21:50

Send us a text Bose A30 vs Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Comparison | FAA Decoded Podcast #12 Welcome to Episode 12 of FAA Decoded, where we take a deep 21-minute dive into a head-to-head comparison of two top-tier aviation headsets: the Bose A30 and the Lightspeed Delta Zulu. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just starting out, choosing the right…

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Helicopter Flight Controls: Collective, Cyclic, and Pedals 15:13

8M ago15:13

15:13

Send us a text Helicopter Flight Controls: Collective, Cyclic, and Pedals | FAA Decoded Podcast #11 Welcome to Episode 11 of FAA Decoded, where we break down the essentials of helicopter flight controls in this 15-minute episode! We dive into the core components that make helicopters so versatile: the collective, cyclic, and pedals. Learn how the c…

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Airbus H140: Bridging the Light Twin Helicopter Gap 6:33

9M ago6:33

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Send us a text Airbus H140: Bridging the Light Twin Helicopter Gap | FAA Decoded Podcast #10 Welcome to Episode 10 of FAA Decoded, where we explore Airbus Helicopters’ latest innovation, the H140, unveiled at the Verticon 2025 show in Dallas on March 13! In this 7-minute episode, we dive into the H140’s role as a game-changer in the light twin-engi…

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Aeromedical Factors for Pilots: Staying Fit to Fly 30:41

9M ago30:41

30:41

Send us a text Aeromedical Factors for Pilots: Staying Fit to Fly | FAA Decoded Podcast #9 Welcome to Episode 9 of FAA Decoded, where we explore the critical aeromedical factors that keep pilots safe in the skies! In this 30-minute episode, we dive into the mental and physical standards required for flying, starting with the process of obtaining a …

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Tragedy Over the Potomac: Analyzing the DCA Midair Collision 17:29

9M ago17:29

17:29

Send us a text Tragedy Over the Potomac: Analyzing the DCA Midair Collision | FAA Decoded Podcast #7 Welcome to Episode 7 of FAA Decoded, where we examine the devastating midair collision between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60L helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. In this episode (runnin…

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Robinson R88: Unveiling a New Era in Helicopters 18:21

9M ago18:21

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Send us a text Robinson R88: Unveiling a New Era in Helicopters | FAA Decoded Podcast #8 Welcome to Episode 8 of FAA Decoded, where we explore the groundbreaking unveiling of the Robinson R88, the largest helicopter ever designed by Robinson Helicopter Company, announced at the Vertical Aviation International Verticon show in Dallas on March 9, 202…

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Weather Wisdom for Pilots: Decoding Aviation Weather Theory 40:17

9M ago40:17

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Send us a text Weather Wisdom for Pilots: Decoding Aviation Weather Theory | FAA Decoded Podcast #6 Welcome to Episode 6 of FAA Decoded, where we unravel the essentials of aviation weather theory to empower pilots with the knowledge to fly safely! In this episode (running approximately 40 minutes), we dive into the atmosphere’s composition, circula…

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Mastering Aeronautical Decision-Making: Safety in the Skies 26:00

9M ago26:00

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Send us a text Mastering Aeronautical Decision-Making: Safety in the Skies | FAA Decoded Podcast #5 Welcome to Episode 5 of FAA Decoded, where we dive into the critical world of Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) to enhance flight safety! In this episode (running approximately 45 minutes), we explore how pilots can systematically assess risks, mana…

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Understanding Airspace: Regulations and Operations 23:27

9M ago23:27

23:27

Send us a text Understanding Airspace: Regulations and Operations | FAA Decoded Podcast #1 Welcome to the inaugural episode of FAA Decoded! In this podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating world of aviation, breaking down complex topics for enthusiasts, pilots, and anyone curious about the skies. In our first episode, "Understanding Airspace: Reg…

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Helicopter Overview: History, Components, Flight Controls, and Theory 28:11

9M ago28:11

28:11

Send us a text Helicopter Overview: History, Components, Flight Controls, and Theory | FAA Decoded Podcast #2 In this episode of FAA Decoded, we take to the skies with a deep dive into the world of helicopters! From their humble beginnings to today’s turbine-powered marvels, we trace the history of these incredible machines and explore what makes t…

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From Birdmen to FAA: The Evolution of Flight and Aviation Regulation 30:23

9M ago30:23

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Send us a text From Birdmen to FAA: The Evolution of Flight and Aviation Regulation | FAA Decoded Podcast #3 Welcome to Episode 3 of FAA Decoded, where we embark on an exciting journey through the history of flight and the transformative role of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in shaping modern aviation! From the ancient dreams of "bird-m…

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Mastering the Skies: Principles of Flight Explained 18:34

9M ago18:34

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Send us a text Mastering the Skies: Principles of Flight Explained | FAA Decoded Podcast #4 Welcome to Episode 4 of FAA Decoded, where we unravel the science behind flight in this deep dive into the Principles of Flight! Whether you’re an aspiring pilot or an aviation enthusiast, understanding the forces that keep aircraft aloft is essential. In th…