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Available Episodes

5 of 52

Professionalism and Culture in Aviation: Building a Safer Cockpit Environment
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 professionalism can coexist in training, and lessons from both the military and airlines on creating a cockpit environment where safety comes first. The episode also features live Q&A from Discord and YouTube listeners, covering topics such as instructor-student relationships, right-seat solo policies, instrument approaches, transitioning to ATP training, and even the value of single-engine ATP certification. 00:00 Introduction to Professionalism and Culture in Aviation 02:32 Understanding Safety Culture in Aviation 07:24 The Library and Football Stadium Analogy 12:42 Building a Professional Safety Culture 18:36 Instructor-Student Relationships and Professionalism 23:43 Setting Expectations and First Impressions 33:25 Sole Practitioner Culture of Safety and Professionalism 46:13 Creating a Comfortable Checkride Environment 48:00 Professionalism and Safety Culture in Aviation 50:02 Teaching Instrument Approaches Effectively 52:54 First Impressions for DPEs 58:01 Military Experience and Civilian Transition 01:01:55 Communication with ATC for Training 01:06:11 Resources for Transitioning to ATP Training 01:12:41 Addressing ATC Challenges in Training 01:21:03 Single Engine ATP: Worth It? 01:23:11 Balancing Checkride Preparation and Pilot Competence
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1:30:18
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1:30:18
Bird Strikes: Lessons, Tools, and Survival Strategies
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 a strike, and the importance of reporting. Whether you fly GA or professionally, this episode gives you insights and strategies to handle one of aviation’s most unpredictable hazards. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bird Strikes 01:24 Understanding Bird Strike Statistics 03:44 Case Studies of Bird Strikes 05:51 Analyzing a Fatal Helicopter Accident 10:25 Bird Avoidance Models and Tools 12:23 Avian Hazard Advisory System Explained 18:09 Reporting Bird Strikes and Their Impact 23:21 The Importance of Studying Bird Strikes 23:50 Mental Preparedness for Emergencies 26:41 Understanding Bird Strikes and Their Implications 29:58 Engine Failures and Bird Strikes 33:59 Controllability Checks After Bird Strikes 37:37 Wildlife Hazards Beyond Birds 41:54 Reporting and Mitigating Bird Strikes
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46:38
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46:38
More Than Skin Deep: Enhanced Preflight Inspection for GA Pilots | Seth Lake Safety Seminar
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 autopilot and detect early signs of control cable issues Why checking static RPM on takeoff matters A simple method for detecting exhaust leaks using soapy water What to look for under the cowl—fire sleeves, linkages, baffling, and more Fuel system checks, selector testing, and collapsed bladder detection Critical brake, nose gear, and wiring issues pilots often miss When and how to do a proper mag check and fuel selector shutoff test 🔧 Designed for renters, owners, and CFIs alike, this seminar will help you build a smarter monthly inspection routine that can catch hidden risks early. 📎 BONUS: Includes discussion of checklist accuracy, placard requirements, and how STCs affect airworthiness. 🛠️ Don't just walk around—dig deeper. Risk is always present, but better habits can minimize it. #PreflightInspection #AviationSafety #SethLakeDPE #PilotTraining #GeneralAviation #FlightSafety #NTSB #CheckridePrep #OwnerOperator #AircraftMaintenance #EnhancedPreflight #CFITips Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Enhanced Pre-Flight Inspection 02:47 Analyzing Past Accidents for Learning 06:08 The Importance of Thorough Pre-Flight Checks 09:01 Autopilot and Control Cable Inspections 11:57 Engine Checks: RPM and Exhaust Leak Tests 15:13 Critical Components: Carburetor and Linkages 18:05 Fire Safety and Engine Baffling 20:56 Final Thoughts on Pre-Flight Inspections 25:18 The Importance of Enhanced Pre-Flight Inspections 29:12 Fuel System Checks and Common Issues 32:33 Overlooked Areas in Aircraft Maintenance 36:49 Panel Blind Spots and Electrical Safety 40:41 Final Thoughts on Safety and Maintenance Practices
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50:01
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50:01
Live Q&A: CFI Renewals, MEI Training Tips, Wet vs Dry Leases, Aircraft Ownership & More
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 spots Wet lease vs dry lease explained Aircraft ownership considerations for personal missions Home simulators for IFR training FAA Wings program and proficiency tips Whether you’re a student pilot, instructor, or experienced aviator, this episode provides practical insights to help you improve your skills and understanding of FAA rules. 👉 Join the conversation: vsl.aero → Discord Community 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts / Spotify 👍 Like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review to support the show! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Q&A Format 01:21 Gold Seal Flight Instructor Status 02:18 Understanding Airspeed Indicators 03:43 Tips for MEI Training 05:11 Endorsements and Legal Considerations for MEIs 07:08 Defensive Posture in Multi-Engine Instruction 10:55 Targeting Knowledge Depth for Students 14:13 Handling Student Challenges in Flight Training 15:39 Mock Orals and Preparation for Checkrides 18:58 Skipping CFI for CFII 21:48 Using E6B vs. Flight Computers 22:37 Common Mistakes in IFR Checkrides 25:57 Utilizing GPS and Autopilot in Flight Training 27:13 Updates on CF-II Regulations and Instruction 30:33 Understanding Wet and Dry Leases in Aviation 35:21 Navigating Part 135 Operations and Pilot Training 37:15 Preparing for Instrument Check Rides 41:02 Engaging with the WINGS Program for Pilot Proficiency 43:57 Experiencing Actual vs. Simulated IFR Training 45:22 Principles of Aircraft Ownership and Mission Planning
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Checkride Insights Ep. 4 — Jeremy Lashbrook on Airworthiness, Checkride Errors, and CFI Rolls
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, and key lessons for CFIs to better prepare students. Jeremy also shares his experience with ATP and type rating checkrides, plus valuable advice for pilots moving into professional aviation. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Check Ride Insights 03:10 Administrative Preparation for Check Rides 05:58 Understanding Endorsements and Airworthiness 09:02 Navigating Type Ratings and Avionics 12:06 Oral Exam Challenges and Airworthiness Knowledge 15:03 Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Expectations 31:37 Understanding Power Changes During Maneuvers 34:07 The Importance of Pylon Selection 36:45 Addressing Stall Maneuvers in Training 40:04 Navigating Instrument Check Rides 43:28 Common Pitfalls in Instrument Flight Planning 46:57 Understanding Special VFR and Weather Minimums 52:32 Personal Minimums and Decision Making 57:46 Final Thoughts on Readiness for Check Rides
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