Checkride Insights Ep. 2 — Adam Boyd on Airworthiness, Instruction, and Checkride Readiness
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 rating challenges, and multi-engine procedures, highlighting the critical skills necessary for success in aviation training. Editor’s Note: At 49:54, Adam stated there is "no high altitude endorsement." What he meant to say is that there is no high elevation endorsement. His point was that pilots who primarily operate at sea level may not receive adequate training on high density altitude operations, and there is no regulatory requirement mandating such training. The takeaway: if you don’t feel proficient in a particular environment or task, seek additional training—regardless of your certificate level. Takeaways Preparation is key for check rides. Briefings and debriefings enhance learning. Airworthiness knowledge is essential for pilots. Endorsements must be clear and accurate. Understanding weather is crucial for instrument pilots. Energy management is vital for commercial maneuvers. Teaching should focus on real-world applications. Instructors must prepare students for unexpected scenarios. Calmness in emergencies can save lives. The future of aviation depends on quality training. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Check Ride Insights 01:48 Examining Experience and Background 03:45 Preparing for Check Rides 10:05 Effective Teaching Techniques for CFIs 15:08 Learning Through Examination 18:04 Importance of Paperwork 22:03 Understanding Endorsements 32:09 Airworthiness and Safety in Aviation 37:23 Understanding Airworthiness and Pilot Responsibility 38:19 Navigating Weather as an Instrument Pilot 42:04 Icing Conditions and Instrument Ratings 44:25 Commercial Pilot Expectations and Energy Management 46:47 Multi-Engine Performance and Decision Making 50:34 Correlation in Flight Training and Maneuvers 56:48 Examining Flight Maneuvers and Instructor Responsibilities 01:02:28 Instrument Approaches and Adaptability in Flight 01:08:05 Engine Shutdown Procedures and Calm Decision Making
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Checkride Insights Ep. 1 — Tom Guillebeau on Setting Expectations and Avoiding Pitfalls
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 insight. ✅ Common issues DPEs see on checkrides ✅ What examiners really expect from applicants ✅ The value of clear communication and scenario thinking This series is part of the VSL Aviation Podcast and supports the FAA’s national CFI–DPE Forum initiative. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Check Ride Insights 02:51 Common Check Ride Pitfalls 06:43 Understanding Aircraft Systems 12:17 The Importance of Decision Making 19:58 Personal Minimums and Safety 32:44 Final Thoughts and Resources 33:13 Navigating Gusty Conditions 35:16 Personal Minimums and Risk Management 38:03 Cancellation Policies and Student Preparedness 40:38 Examiner Flexibility and Weather Challenges 43:18 Maneuvers and Flight Skills 44:17 Pilotage and Dead Reckoning 46:54 Stalls and Slow Flight Techniques 53:06 Emergency Procedures and Checklists 56:18 Ballistic Parachute Systems and Safety 01:00:07 Final Thoughts and Preparation Tips
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Personal Minimums, Risk Management, and 135 Checkrides: What You Need to Know
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
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Decoding the ACS | Part 5 - Mastering Airspace: Private, Commercial, and CFI-Level Scenarios
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 Plan routes through Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace Evaluate MOAs, TFRs, and Part 93 Special Airspace Use ForeFlight’s aeronautical and profile tools Apply risk management in real-world flight planning Understand Special VFR rules and limitations We also highlight useful FAA references, online courses, and tips for briefing airspace scenarios effectively on a checkride. Referenced tools and documents are linked in the ACE Guide. Chapters: 02:29 Objective Differences 04:57 Knowledge Topics 08:58 Risk Management 10:00 Skill Requirements 15:18 Scenario Flight Planning 16:10 ForeFlight Tools 16:31 MOA Avoidance 16:31 Restricted Airspace 26:37 SATR & SAFR 27:04 Flyway Charts 30:34 Training Courses 33:09 Airspace Examples 37:24 Class C & ADS-B 40:42 Class B & Clearance 47:48 Special VFR
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CFI Hour Myths, MEI ROI, and Avoiding Illegal Charter: Live Q&A
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 time-building, hypoxia training, and spatial disorientation. If you're a student pilot, a CFI, or a seasoned commercial pilot brushing up on the regs, this episode is packed with value. Don’t miss the tips on interpreting Part 135 eligibility and how to recover after a long flying hiatus. 📌 Key Topics Covered: Regulatory Knowledge Misunderstandings around minimum CFI ground training hours How to validate endorsements with AC 61-65J Clarification on operational control vs. holding out (AC 120-12A) What Part 119.1(e) actually allows without a certificate Tips on checking if an aircraft is listed under a Part 135 certificate Professional Development Cost/benefit analysis of pursuing an MEI How to maintain continual learning as a pilot FAA CAMI training options: hypoxia chamber, PROTE, vestibular illusions Career Guidance Time-building strategies that airlines value Stage check failures: how to report and recover Advice for applicants to the DPE program Practical Scenarios Instrument checkride failure from altimeter misreading Transitioning back to flying after a year-long break Risk of complacency in experienced pilots
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