The VSL Aviation Podcast

The VSL Aviation Podcast episodes:

• 01.20.2024

  Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 2

  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...

  
• 01.13.2024

  Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 1

  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....

  
• 11.15.2023

  DPE Ultimate Pilot Q&A: Mastering Check Rides, STCs, ACS vs PTS, and More!

  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...

  
• 11.06.2023

  Mastering FAA Ramp Inspections: Your Step-by-Step Guide

  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...

  
• 03.04.2023

  Airworthiness Directives - An Introduction

  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...

  
• 02.15.2023

  Multi Engine Basics - Part 2

  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...

  
• 11.05.2022

  Multi Engine Basics - Part 1

  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...

  
• 10.28.2022

  What Happens If You Fail A Checkride?

  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...

  
• 10.20.2022

  Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 4

  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...

  
• 07.26.2022

  Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 3

  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...

  
• 06.10.2022

  Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 2

  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...

  
• 04.22.2022

  Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 1

  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...

  
• 04.02.2022

  GPS/WAAS/RNAV/RNP - An Introduction

  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...

  
• 03.08.2022

  TERPS – Obstacle Departure Procedures (Instrument Checkride Prep)

  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...

  
• 02.26.2022

  ForeFlight and your Instrument Checkride

    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...

  
• 02.01.2022

  Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 3

  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...

  
• 01.07.2022

  Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 2

  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...

  
• 12.14.2021

  Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 1

  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...

  
• 11.29.2021

  2 Planes in 1 Day - King Air and Cessna 210 ride-along

  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...

  
• 11.16.2021

  Navlog for your checkride – What you should know

  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...

  
• 11.07.2021

  VSL Aviation Podcast EP5 - Want to be a part-time Air Force Pilot? Here are two ways to do it!

  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...

  
• 11.03.2021

  VSL Aviation Podcast EP4 - Priavte Pilot ACS breakdown by a DPE part 4

  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...

  
• 10.28.2021

  VSL Aviation Podcast EP3 - Private Pilot ACS breakdown by a DPE part 3

  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!

  
• 10.17.2021

  VSL Aviation Podcast EP2 - Private Pilot ACS breakdown by a DPE part 2

  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!

  
• 10.06.2021

  VSL Aviation Podcast EP1 - DPE thoughts on the ACS

  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...

  
• 09.29.2018

  ATP-CTP Training, Day 1

  Day one is in the books. Overall, I’m pretty impressed with the course down here in Dallas.  Very professional set up and very well organized. Our instructors are all experienced airline pilots who are very knowledgeable and approachable.  Although there...

  
• 09.25.2018

  My journey to the airlines

  It has been almost a year! This is me getting back into the swing of things after a busy last year, but this next year will be even harder. Over the course of the next 9 months, I need to...

  
• 10.17.2017

  Part 91 Pro Pilot

  What is Part 91? First off, thanks for listening!  Hopefully, you have a better idea as to what part 91 is now and how you can make money as a professional pilot working in General Aviation. Learn more by reading...

  
• 07.15.2017

  Flying GA Aircraft Safely

  Flying light GA aircraft can be dangerous No matter how many hours you have in your MWS, flying a small GA aircraft can dangerous.  Especially if you don’t put in the effort to learn how to do it safely. In this...

  
• 05.25.2017

  Military Competency

  Thanks for listening! On today’s show I give a brief introduction and then get straight to the content.  I discuss details on aviation military competency (Basic and instructor).  I also give you military minded aviators a brief overview of the...