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

The VSL Aviation Podcast

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 complex avionics systems, and how to stay legal when things go wrong in the airplane. Pulled straight from Discord and real-world checkride experiences, this episode is a must-listen.

Chapters: 03:11 - Defining an accident

10:12 - Initial steps after an accident

18:51 - Digital avionics

22:57 - MEMS Video

28:23 - TMR Video

32:54 - Maintenance and required equipment

39:14 - AC 91-67A

40:23 - Maintenance Manual Intro

42:45 - Flying with a cracked windshield?

46:28 - Maintenance acceptable methods of repair

48:20 - Q&A

49:59 - MEMS failure modes

53:11 - TAA or Complex time without doing the landing

55:21 - Switch to ground without being told by tower?

1:00:20 - Chris the controller, answers a question

1:01:46 - Practice approach and missed approach

1:10:41 - Written test question

Links: NTSB 830: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/part-830

NTSB Form 6120: https://www.ntsb.gov/Documents/6120_1_Form.pdf

Inside a MEMS: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/29ifw1AVgcI

TMR Description: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PMbN0PVyy0

How MEMS work: https://jewellinstruments.com/support/how-does-a-mems-sensor-work/

AC 91-67A: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-67A.pdf

Cessna 172 Maintenance Manual Page 18-4: http://www.aeroelectric.com/Reference_Docs/Cessna/cessna-maintenance-manuals/Cessna%20172%20&%20Skyhawk%20Series%20Service%20Manual%20(1969%20-%201976).pdf

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/FAA-H-8083-31B_Aviation_Maintenance_Technician_Handbook.pdf