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

The VSL Aviation Podcast

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 weather.

He also covers the training and testing requirements for Part 135 operators, breaking down the key differences between 293, 297, and 299 checks. Whether you're planning to move into a 135 role or preparing for your next checkride, this episode has the insights you need.

Finally, the episode wraps with a lively Q&A session covering:

Eights on pylons tips

Diversions and checkride discontinuations

Handling fuel leaks on test day

What ADM concepts are often overlooked

Proper decision-making around inop equipment

Whether you can build time in experimentals

And much more...

🛠️ Tools & References:

ACS personal minimums sections

FAA Risk Management Handbook (Ch. 2)

Advisory Circular 91-67A

FAA Safety Briefing (Mar/Apr 2015 edition)

Check the VSL Discord for links to all referenced materials and join the ongoing discussion.

Chapters:

00:00 Setting Personal Minimums for Pilots

22:49 Understanding Risk Management in Aviation

29:55 Exploring Part 135 Training

30:23 Preparing for Part 135 Cargo Interviews

34:13 Understanding Part 135 Regulations and Checkrides

38:02 Navigating Checkride Procedures and Diversions

40:26 Communicating in Congested Airspace

43:44 Inoperative Equipment and Risk Management

49:01 Differences in Pre-flight Assessments

52:19 Aeronautical Decision Making in Training

56:07 Memorization vs. Reference in Aviation

59:56 Weekly Recap and Community Engagement