Best DPE Podcasts (2025)

1
397 APR Key Explained: GPS Approach & Autopilot Errors to Avoid with DPE Jim Pitman 1:16:37

11d ago1:16:37

1:16:37

Max talks with airline pilot and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Jim Pitman to clear up a persistent avionics myth: that pressing the APR (Approach) key activates a GPS approach. In reality, APR is part of the automatic flight control system (AFCS)—not the GPS navigator. Its function is to arm the flight director’s lateral and vertical capture mode…

1
398 9/11 from the Air: NYPD Chief Pilot Ken Solosky Remembers + GA News 1:13:54

22h ago1:13:54

1:13:54

Max Trescott talks with Ken Solosky, the NYPD's Chief Pilot on 9/11, about his experiences managing helicopter operations on one of the most catastrophic days in American history. Though Ken wasn’t flying at the moment of the attacks, he was on the ground coordinating the NYPD’s aviation response. He recounts how what began as a seemingly routine a…

1
Bird Strikes: Lessons, Tools, and Survival Strategies 46:38

3d 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,…

1
How To Make 3X More Money as a CFI (Most Instructors Don’t Know This) 24:14

7d 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 …

1
#29 - Back to School 2025: Building Belonging and Culture with Courtney Lukasavitz 53:04

9d ago53:04

53:04

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 all students from day one. Courtney Lukasavitz was named the 2025 Shape America Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. She's entering …

1
396 How All Pilots Benefit from New MOSAIC Sport Pilot and LSA Rules with Sean Elliott + GA News 1:06:27

18d ago1:06:27

1:06:27

In this episode of the Aviation News Talk podcast, Max Trescott talks with Sean Elliott, Vice President of Advocacy and Safety at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), about the FAA’s groundbreaking MOSAIC final rule—and how it benefits all pilots, not just sport pilots or Light-Sport Aircraft owners. Sean explains that MOSAIC replaces the o…

1
395 NYPD Pilot Ken Solosky on 9/11 — Listen Now on the Rotary Wing Show 2:55

19d ago2:55

2:55

Ken Solosky was the NYPD's Chief Pilot on 9/11, responsible for coordinating helicopter operations during the most devastating day in modern American history. In this short teaser, you'll hear a preview of our in-depth interview with Ken, including why rooftop rescues at the World Trade Center weren't attempted and how the team coped with confusion…

1
Should You Skip College for Flight Training? Airline vs. Corporate Pilot Life + Flight School Scams & CFI Red Flags 36:05

19d 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 …

1
A320 First Officer & Corporate Pilot React to Brutal Checkride Story 50:41

20d 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…

1
More Than Skin Deep: Enhanced Preflight Inspection for GA Pilots | Seth Lake Safety Seminar 50:01

20d 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…

1
Pilot Career Advice, Checkride Failures, & Going Independent (ft. Theo - Corporate Pilot) 37:30

22d 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…

1
#28 - Back to School 2025: Class Agreements, Student Voice, and Intentional Routines with Rhys Meredith 45:09

22d ago45:09

45:09

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 all students from day one. In this episode, Rhys and I discuss how to create co-agreements with students, examples of what they look like and the imp…

1
From 400 Hours to a 24-Year Corporate Pilot Career – Wayne’s Story 45:36

23d 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 …

1
Live Q&A: CFI Renewals, MEI Training Tips, Wet vs Dry Leases, Aircraft Ownership & More 52:04

24d 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…

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

26d 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…

1
394 Pasadena PD Helicopter Crash Analysis and Cirrus SR22 Safety Lessons 1:02:01

27d ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Max talks about a dramatic ground collision between two Pasadena Police Department helicopters and the wide-ranging lessons pilots can draw from it. On November 17, 2012, two Bell OH-58 helicopters collided at the Pasadena PD Benedict Heliport when one returned from a flight and struck another that was sitting on the pad with its rotors turning. Si…

1
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…

1
393 Bonanza Ruddervator Crisis Solved: $500K Prize Spurs Certified Replacement 1:02:43

1M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Max talks with Tom Turner, Executive Director of the American Bonanza Society’s Air Safety Foundation, about an extraordinary initiative to preserve the operational future of the iconic V-tail Bonanza aircraft. When Textron Aviation quietly stopped producing the magnesium ruddervator skins—a unique flight control surface used only on V-tail Bonanza…

1
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…

1
392 ForeFlight’s Dynamic Procedures: Interactive Approach Charts on the Moving Map 43:37

1M ago43:37

43:37

Max talks with Cole Crawford from ForeFlight about the company’s latest innovation: Dynamic Procedures. Built to replace the static, legacy approach chart paradigm, Dynamic Procedures enables pilots to access IFR approach information dynamically, contextually, and interactively—right from the ForeFlight map screen. Cole explains that most pilots sp…

1
391 Should You Learn to Fly in a Bonanza? Max Trescott and Tom Turner Talk Training Options + GA News 1:09:40

2M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

Max Trescott teams up with Tom Turner—executive director of the American Bonanza Society’s Air Safety Foundation—to help listener Marc Brodecki weigh options for earning his private pilot certificate. Marc, a 39-year-old aerospace engineer in Los Angeles with glider experience, is evaluating three flight training options: a nearby tailwheel-focused…

1
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…

1
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…

1
390 Electric Airplane Test Flight: Max Trescott Reviews the Bristell B23 Energic 1:09:43

2M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Max Trescott takes listeners inside the cockpit of the future in episode 390, as he shares his firsthand experience flying the fully electric Bristell B23 Energic trainer and talks with executives from H55, the Swiss company behind its electric propulsion system. This in-depth episode explores the technical, operational, and strategic aspects of el…

1
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…

1
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…

1
389 Benadryl, Zyrtec, and More: FAA Wait Time Rules for Pilots with Dr. John Trowbridge 52:26

2M ago52:26

52:26

Max Trescott interviews Dr. John Trowbridge, a physician and former senior Aviation Medical Examiner, to tackle a hidden yet critical safety topic: how over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications contribute to general aviation accidents. Studies have found that up to 40% of fatal accidents involve pilots with impairing substances in their s…

1
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…

1
388 Fly Farther, Fly Smarter: The Benefits of Getting High 43:38

2M ago43:38

43:38

Max Trescott welcomes aviation columnist, aerobatic instructor, and DPE Dr. Catherine Cavagnaro to explore smarter ways to plan cross-country flights. The conversation is inspired by Catherine’s June 2025 AOPA article titled “The Benefits of Getting High,” which argues that pilots often default to lower cruising altitudes or direct GPS routes witho…

1
#27 - End-of-Year PE Reflections: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Adam Mullis 36:49

3M 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’ …

1
387 Vectors to Final and glide path behavior on RNAV (GPS) approaches + GA News 56:43

3M ago56:43

56:43

Max talks about common gotchas with RNAV GPS approaches, especially when using vectors to final (VTF). The conversation picks up where Episode 383 left off, with listeners asking how vectors to final (VTF) influences glidepath capture on WAAS approaches. He explains that under normal circumstances—flying the approach via own navigation from an init…

1
386 When a Door Ajar Becomes a Fatal Distraction: GA Door-Open Accidents and What Pilots Should Do + GA News 1:05:21

3M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

A cabin door pops open just after takeoff. It’s noisy, surprising—but the aircraft is still flying just fine. So why are general aviation pilots still crashing and dying in these scenarios? In this episode, Max explores the unsettling trend of fatal accidents caused not by mechanical failure, but by how pilots react to in-flight distractions—specif…

1
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…

1
#26 - How the DPE Virtual Course Transformed Our Teaching with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith 50:08

3M 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…

1
385 N666DS Citation S550 Crash in San Diego – Flying below Minimums 17:57

3M ago17:57

17:57

Max Trescott examines the tragic crash of a Citation S550, N666DS, in San Diego during an attempted RNAV (GPS) 28R approach to Montgomery Field at approximately 3:46 AM. After departing Teterboro, NJ, and making a fuel stop at Wichita's Jabara Field, the pilot continued westbound overnight. After refueling, the flight continued to San Diego, where …

1
384 NTSB News Talk podcast - Unpacking the Fatal Crash of a Citation Jet, N611VG Caused by Cabin Decompression 37:19

3M ago37:19

37:19

Max Trescott and Rob Mark launch the first episode of NTSB News Talk, diving into NTSB agency news, recent accidents and newly published NTSB reports to help pilots better understand accident causes and improve decision-making in the cockpit. Please help us improve the show by sending us your feedback here. To hear future episodes of NTSB News Talk…

1
383 Why Your RNAV Glide Path Won’t Capture—and How to Fix It + GA News 50:59

3M ago50:59

50:59

Max tackles a common frustration among pilots: why RNAV (GPS) glide paths sometimes fail to couple with the autopilot. A recent Facebook post from a pilot flying a Cirrus SR22T triggered the discussion, as the poster encountered exactly this problem during an LPV approach, mistakenly attributing it to an expired database. Max explains that the real…

1
#25 - Supporting English Learners in PE Without Speaking Their Language (Yet) with Kelly Donnelly 40:42

4M ago40:42

40:42

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe 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 S…

1
382 Best Garmin G1000, G3000, G5000 and Cirrus Perspective Settings to Fly Safer and Smarter 44:13

4M ago44:13

44:13

Max Trescott shares his top recommended settings for Garmin avionics systems, specifically the G1000, G1000 NXi, G3000, G5000, and the Cirrus Perspective and Perspective+ systems. These configuration tips enhance situational awareness, flight safety, and pilot efficiency—and many also apply to Garmin standalone navigators like the GTN 650 and 750. …

1
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…

1
381 STEM to the Skies: How Aviation Inspires Rural Students with Dr. Victor Vogel 51:47

4M ago51:47

51:47

Dr. Victor Vogel, a former oncologist turned flight instructor, founded the nonprofit Susquehanna STEM to the Skies to improve STEM education in rural Pennsylvania. The aviation-based STEM program was launched to address declining science and math scores among students, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. By combining aviation concepts with han…

1
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-…

1
380 Max Trescott on Aviation Safety, Judgment, and Human Performance on Dr. Tony Kern’s podcast + ForeFlight News 46:19

4M ago46:19

46:19

In this special crossover episode, Max Trescott, host of the Aviation News Talk podcast, appears as a guest on Dr. Tony Kern’s Only Human podcast. The two aviation safety advocates engage in a candid, insightful conversation that bridges their shared backgrounds in aviation, safety culture, and leadership. The episode begins with a segment called “…

1
#24 - Highlights and Takeaways from SHAPE Baltimore 2025 with Jen Smith 27:43

4M 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 …

1
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…

1
379 Ferry Pilot Flying, Everything Explained with Sarah Rovner + GA News 1:09:00

5M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

Max talks with ferry pilot Sarah Rovner, founder of Full Throttle Aviation, about her adventures and challenges flying planes across continents. Sarah stumbled into ferry flying when she helped deliver a plane and quickly found herself flying everything from gliders to agricultural aircraft across Central America and even the Atlantic. Her unique e…

1
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…

1
#23 - Why Every PE Program Needs Yoga with Kristen Santos 45:10

5M ago45:10

45:10

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe Looking for ways to create a calmer, more connected PE environment? In this episode, I talk with Kristen Santos — a certified yoga instructor and Massachusetts Middle School PE Teacher of the Year — about how yoga can help students self-regulate, focus, and feel more…

1
378 More on Best Glide + Bad Pilots and ATC in the News 1:03:59

5M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Max discusses engine-out scenarios and best glide strategies, prompted by listener feedback on Episode 372, which analyzed the crash of a Bonanza B35B (N2UZ) that suffered engine failure at 7,500 feet near Charlottesville, VA. Although the pilot did many things correctly, he overshot a long field and crashed. Max highlights choices that might have …

1
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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DPE Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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