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-…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Jason Blair’s recent article, "Things I Propose We Change in Initial Commercial Pilot Certification Standards and Experience Requirements" (🔗 Read it here). I break down his key points, share my thoughts, and discuss why I completely agree with his take. From there, we opened up the conversation to our live…

In this episode of Pilot Logbook, we dive into essential and intriguing topics every pilot should consider. We clarify the nuances of PDPIC and explore the proper ways to log PIC and Cross-Country time as a safety pilot. Next, we tackle the psychology of flying under pressure by analyzing two real-world cases of pilots panicking during emergencies.…

Join professional pilot and DPE Seth Lake as he dives deep into the questions and concerns that pilots, instructors, and aviation enthusiasts bring to the table. Each episode features honest, no-nonsense discussions covering everything from FAA guidance and training best practices to advanced techniques and real-world insights. Whether you’re worki…

Welcome to the revamped weekly edition of the podcast! In this episode, I tackle listener questions about MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) privileges and share tips for preparing for a multi-engine add-on rating. I also dive into a couple of engaging discussions from r/Flying Reddit threads that I’ve recently commented on. This new weekly format adds …

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into Cross Country Flight Planning, a critical task in the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Seth breaks down the 2024 ACS updates, including the use of electronic flight bags (EFBs) like ForeFlight, and how to navigate the challenges of VFR flight planning. He also…

Welcome back to VSL Aviation's series, where we delve into the intricacies of the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS)! I'm Seth Lake, your guide on this journey to mastering aviation standards. In Part 3 of our series, we'll dive in-depth into Task C - Weather Information. This episode covers the essential weather knowledge every pil…

Welcome back to VSL Aviation's series where we delve into the intricacies of the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS)! I'm Seth Lake, your guide on this journey to mastering aviation standards. In Part 2 of our series, we'll continue unraveling the complexities of Airworthiness Requirements. Building on the foundation laid in our firs…

Welcome to the first episode of our new series at VSL Aviation! I'm Seth Lake, an experienced FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, and in this video, I'm going to break down the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS) like never before. This series aims to provide detailed insights and practical tips for aspiring pilots. Whether you're a stude…

Join Seth Lake, a designated pilot examiner, in this comprehensive Q&A session where we delve into key topics every aspiring pilot needs to know for their check ride and beyond. Packed with insights from my extensive experience, this video is an invaluable resource for pilots at all levels. Chapters: [01:35] - Inop Equipment for Checkride [02:55] -…

In this highly informative video, we equip you with the essential know-how to confidently navigate an FAA ramp inspection. Whether you're a private pilot, commercial aviator, or part of an aviation team, understanding the FAA's ramp inspection checklist is crucial for a successful evaluation. Using the FAA Order 8900.1 as our compass, we take you t…

Join Seth Lake and Josh Campbell from @FreePilotTraining in a discussion on FAA Airworthiness Directives. This topic is a stumbling block for many new pilots, and our discussion will help you understand ADs better. Check out @FreePilotTraining for a ton of great free content! Check out the podcast website to find the interactive ACS for both commer…

Join me as I continue the multi-engine add-on series. In this episode, I continue the discussion of the commercial ACS and how I use it to conduct the commercial multi-engine add-on checkride. Check out the podcast website to find the interactive ACS for both commercial and instrument. https://vsl.aero/podcast Check my new Patreon page, where I wil…

Join me as I start the multi-engine add-on series. In this episode, I cover the training required for the multi-engine rating. I also get into the commercial ACS and how I use it to conduct the commercial add-on checkride. Check out the podcast website to find the interactive ACS for both commercial and instrument. https://vsl.aero/podcast Check my…

Join me as I discuss the disapproval process, more commonly known as failing your checkride. Failure is always a significant cause for concern; however, I think the more you know about something, the less scary it is. No one wants this outcome, but it happens and is simply a part of being a pilot. Luckily, it’s usually not a big deal and will have …

Join me as I complete the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills as a pilot to make sure you have what it takes to fly for compensation. In the fourth and final episode of the series, I discuss th…

Join me as I continue the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills as a pilot to make sure you have what it takes to fly for compensation. In the third episode of the series, I discuss Area of Opera…

Join me as I continue the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills as a pilot to make sure you have what it takes to fly for compensation. In the second episode of the series, I discuss Aera of Oper…

Join me as I start the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills as a pilot to make sure you have what it takes to fly for compensation. In this first episode of the series, I discuss Area of Operati…

Join me as I discuss the alphabet soup of terminology surrounding the world of GPS/RNAV. I know these terms can cause more than a little confusion for the new instrument pilot. I’m hoping that this short explainer helps introduce the new instrument pilot. Checkout Max Trescott’s excellent podcast on the different kinds of RNAV approaches here: Avia…

Join me as I discuss non-standard takeoff minimums, ODPs, and TERPS. It’s also a topic that might come up in your instrument checkride, and being prepared to answer questions on non-standard takeoff minimums and ODPs is a must! Check out the VSL Aviation YouTube videos! Email: [email protected] Seth Lake

Join me in this episode, where I discuss how you can use ForeFlight to help you be successful during your Instrument Checkride! Did you know the FAA doesn’t produce the FAR/AIM? Did you know that ForeFlight has a cloud-based server containing everything the paper commercial FAR/AIM does? Learn how to set up your ForeFlight documents library and som…

This is part 3 of a 3 part series on the Instrument Pilot ACS. Join me as I take a deep dive into the ACS from an examiner's perspective and discuss how I use this document to conduct an instrument checkride. If you plan to take your instrument practical test, you don't want to miss this! https://www.youtube.com/c/SethLakeDPE https://www.facebook.c…

This is part 2 of a 3 part series on the Instrument Pilot ACS. Join me as I take a deep dive into the ACS from an examiner's perspective and discuss how I use this document to conduct an instrument checkride. If you plan to take your instrument practical test, you don't want to miss this! https://www.youtube.com/c/SethLakeDPE https://www.facebook.c…

This is part 1 of at least a 3 part series on the Instrument Pilot ACS. Join me as I take a deep dive into the ACS from an examiner's perspective and discuss how I use this document to conduct an instrument checkride. If you plan to take your instrument practical test, you don't want to miss this! https://www.youtube.com/c/SethLakeDPE https://www.f…

In this episode, the VSL team brings you along in the cockpit of a King Air 200 and a Cessna 210. Our full day of flying includes discussions on two different aircraft types, how to use flight service, and some in-flight decision making on a diversion for an early fuel stop. We had a great time putting this one together so I hope you enjoy it!…

In this episode of the VSL Aviation podcast, I detail what you should know for the navigation tasks you will have to perform during your private pilot checkride. Most applicants I see don't fully understand that pilotage and dead reckoning have to be used during the checkride. I hate seeing the panicked look in the applicant's eyes when I inform th…

In this episode, I switch gears a little bit and have a conversation with my friend Josh Campbell about getting into the Air Force Reserves. Josh and I are both flying the C-130 in the Reserves. We also both happen to be active in the General Aviation community. We thought it would be interesting to do a podcast/video about our paths into the servi…

In this episode, I finish up the 4 part series on the Private Pilot ACS. Let me know what you think! I hope this series helps you get prepared for your Private Pilot checkride. Let me know if you have any questions or have any tips for future episodes!By Seth Lake

In this episode, I cover areas of operations 5 through 7. I discuss performance maneuvers, clearing turns, and simulated instrument flight. I hope you enjoy this episode!By Seth Lake

In this episode, I cover areas of operations 2 through 4. I also discuss how perfection isn't the standard when completing the checkride. I hope you find this insightful!By Seth Lake

In this episode, I get some introductions out of the way and cut straight to the content. I have a lot of applicants struggle to understand how to use the ACS when preparing for your checkride. Don't make the same mistake! Listen up for tips straight from a DPE!By VSL Aviation