PODCAST

The VSL Aviation Podcast

Seth Lake

A podcast on all things General Aviation from the team at VSL Aviation.

leisure aviation

All Episodes

01:30:18

Professionalism and Culture in Aviation: Building a...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/09/12

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives into two closely connected themes: professionalism and culture in aviation. Using relatable analogies like libraries and football stadiums, Seth explores how environment shapes behavior and why developing a professional safety culture matters for every pilot—from student to ATP. Joined by John, a CFI/CFII/MEI and FAASTeam Rep, the discussion covers how instructors and flight schools can intentionally build culture, how friendships and

46:38

Bird Strikes: Lessons, Tools, and Survival Strategies

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/08/23

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, and what pilots can do to prepare. Topics include risk tools like BAM and AHAS, mental rehearsal for worst-case scenarios, practical recovery steps after

50:01

More Than Skin Deep: Enhanced Preflight Inspection...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/08/06

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 catastrophic failures. You’ll learn practical, actionable techniques to integrate deeper inspections into your routine, including: How to test your

52:04

Live Q&A: CFI Renewals, MEI Training Tips, Wet vs Dry...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/08/02

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 information overload Building student pilot confidence with maneuvers CFII certification without a CFI Instrument checkride common weak

01:01:47

Checkride Insights Ep. 4 — Jeremy Lashbrook on...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/07/31

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 discuss common applicant mistakes, tips for smoother checkrides, airworthiness pitfalls, understanding endorsements, oral and flight maneuver trends,

01:22:27

High Altitude Ops: Oxygen Systems & Pressurization...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/07/26

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 encounter in GA aircraft • How to calculate oxygen requirements for your flight • FAA Part 91.211 rules and what “if installed” really means on a

50:13

Checkride Insights Ep. 3 — Nick Adcock on...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/07/03

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 the oral exam, highlighting knowledge gaps and stress management techniques. The conversation also covers challenges during flight tests, particularly in

01:14:59

Checkride Insights Ep. 2 — Adam Boyd on...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/06/29

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 the oral exam process, emphasizing the need for instructors to teach students effectively. The conversation also covers flight maneuvers, instrument

01:01:58

Checkride Insights Ep. 1 — Tom Guillebeau on Setting...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/06/25

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 expectations to avoiding the most common mistakes. Whether you're prepping for your first ride or sharpening your CFI game, this conversation is packed with

01:00:59

Personal Minimums, Risk Management, and 135...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/06/22

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

01:00:55

Decoding the ACS | Part 5 - Mastering Airspace:...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/06/18

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 three levels—with a focus on scenario-based evaluation using ForeFlight. You’ll learn how to: Interpret ACS objectives at all certificate levels

01:00:44

CFI Hour Myths, MEI ROI, and Avoiding Illegal...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/05/29

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 inadvertently participating in illegal charter ops, how commercial pilots can understand operator responsibility, and answers listener questions about

01:19:31

Logging Time, Checkride Tips & Pilot Questions

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/05/05

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 questions ❓. Stick around to the end for shout-outs and closing notes! 👉 Join the Discord for more discussions: vsl.aero 🎧 Subscribe on your

01:08:12

Runway Excursions, Non-Standard Climb Gradients, and...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/04/27

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-standard missed approach climb requirements, how to calculate if your aircraft can meet them, and why ignoring climb gradients is reckless even

01:31:18

Wet vs Dry Leases, Second Opinions, and Manifold...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/04/19

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. Then he addresses a crucial question: should you get a second opinion before a checkride? (Spoiler: Yes.) Finally, he tackles a deep-dive into manifold

01:13:09

Accidents, Digital Avionics, and Required Equipment:...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/04/07

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

01:19:21

Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/04/03

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 features a live Q&A pulled from the VSL Discord and YouTube chat, covering a range of real-world aviation questions from the community. Chapters: 02:50 –

54:38

Don’t Log That! FAA Time-Building Mistakes and How to...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/03/24

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 understanding beyond rote memorization. Then, he tackles an alarming Reddit story about improperly logged SIC time that cost a pilot their airline job. As always,

49:44

ADS-B Pitfalls, Mastering Forward Slips, and What...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/03/17

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 questions: 01:04 ✈ ADS-B Compliance and Common Pitfalls How ADS-B has improved situational awareness but also led to complacency in traffic spotting.

01:14:40

Illegal Charters, Emergency Procedures, and Checkride...

The VSL Aviation Podcast ·

2025/03/11

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, using FAA records to check approved aircraft, and avoiding illegal charter flights. 10:45 Truth in Leasing Agreements & Operational Control – Discussion of

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The VSL Aviation Podcast

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