On Centerline

Sam Tarrel, The Northwest Aeronaut
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  • Aviation
  • Updated twice weekly

A show by aviators, for aviators. Join the discussion with real aviators as we explore the trials and tribulations of flight training from the student and flight instructor perspectives. Listen to stories from pilots in all different stages of their careers to hear the challenges they faced, and how they overcame those challenges.

  1. 3 Sept

    Slow Flight Myths Vs. The Airplane Flying Handbook

    Welcome to the On Centerline Podcast! Slow flight is one of those maneuvers that seems to generate endless debate, myths, and misconceptions. How slow should you fly? What configuration should you use? How should the airplane be controlled? In this episode, we’re setting opinions aside and going straight to the source: the FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook. This is the first episode in what I hope will become a long-running series dedicated to reading directly from the Airplane Flying Handbook and examining what it actually says about the maneuvers we teach and fly. The goal is simple: cut through the myths, misconceptions, and endless interpretations by going straight to the source. Rather than adding another opinion to the conversation, we’ll read the FAA’s guidance on slow flight and examine it as it is written. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you’ve heard about slow flight actually matches what the FAA teaches, this episode is for you. No myths. No assumptions. No opinions. Just straight from the source. Let’s read the handbook. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com  Music - Epidemic Sound:    Go Higher - FLYIN                                                  Vegas - Onda Norte

  2. 13 Aug

    Turns Around A Point ISN'T THE POINT!

    Welcome to the On Centerline video podcast! Episode Content starts at 10:47 Today we take a closer look at how instructors teach maneuvers — and why jumping straight into any given maneuver  may be missing the bigger lesson. We will be using turns around a point as a case study today. Turns around a point isn’t really the skill. It’s an exercise designed to develop a pilot’s ability to maneuver an airplane in relation to the ground. That means understanding things like wind correction, ground track, and the relationship between speed, bank angle, rate of turn and radius of turn before we worry about checking the boxes of a particular maneuver. This episode explores the difference between teaching a maneuver and teaching the fundamental skill that the maneuver is meant to develop. We’ll get into the details of ground reference maneuvers, turns around a point, wind correction, and how I believe instructors can approach these exercises in a way that produces pilots who actually understand what they’re doing—not just pilots who know how to perform a checkride maneuver. Because the maneuver isn't the lesson. The maneuver is the practice. If you're a flight instructor, student pilot, or simply interested in becoming a better pilot, this one is for you. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com  Music - Epidemic Sound:    Go Higher - FLYIN                                                  Vegas - Onda Norte

  3. 25 Jun

    Proposed Changes to the CFII Check Ride

    The CFI-I check ride is designed to ensure flight instructors can safely and effectively teach instrument flying—but does the current practical test truly evaluate the skills that matter most in today's training environment? In this episode of the On Centerline Podcast, I share my personal proposals for how the CFI-I check ride could be improved. We’ll discuss areas where the current evaluation process may fall short, skills that deserve greater emphasis, and potential changes that could better prepare instrument instructors for the realities of teaching in the national airspace system. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com  Music - Epidemic Sound:    Go Higher - FLYIN                                                  Vegas - Onda Norte

  4. 11 Jun

    5 Signs of a Professional Pilot

    What separates a professional pilot from everyone else? It’s often not the big things—it’s the small habits and skills that consistently show up in every phase of flight. In this episode of the On Centerline Podcast, we discuss five telltale signs of a true professional pilot: disciplined brake usage, smooth aircraft control, exceptional situational awareness, clear and concise radio communications, and precise airspeed management. Whether you're a student pilot working toward your first certificate or a seasoned aviator looking to sharpen your skills, these traits can elevate both safety and proficiency, and show that you don't have to BE a professional in order to FLY like one.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com  Music - Epidemic Sound:    Go Higher - FLYIN                                                  Vegas - Onda Norte

  5. 30 May

    The Importance of Takeoff Briefings

    Before every takeoff, pilots brief engine failures, abort points, runway lengths, terrain, weather, and emergency plans… or at least they should. In this episode of the On Centerline Podcast, we dive into the often-overlooked art of the takeoff briefing and why so many pilots either skip it entirely or reduce it to a rushed, meaningless routine. We discuss what actually makes a takeoff briefing effective, how different conditions should change the briefing, and why a one-size-fits-all script can leave pilots unprepared when things go wrong. From runway environment and aircraft performance to passenger considerations and emergency decision making, we break down the many factors pilots should think through before advancing the throttle. A good takeoff briefing isn’t about sounding professional — it’s about building a clear mental game plan before one of the highest workload phases of flight. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com  Music - Epidemic Sound:    Go Higher - FLYIN                                                  Vegas - Onda Norte

  6. 16 May

    360s in the PATTERN!

    The airport traffic pattern is one of the highest-risk environments in aviation for mid-air collisions — and non-standard maneuvering is often a major factor. In this episode of the On Centerline Podcast, we break down the dangers of performing 360° turns in the traffic pattern, especially at uncontrolled airports, and explain why these maneuvers can quickly create confusion, blind spots, and collision hazards for everyone in the pattern. We’ll discuss why 360s should never be used as a spacing tool in the uncontrolled airport environment and offer 3 safer, more predictable alternatives that help maintain sequencing without sacrificing safety. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com  Music - Epidemic Sound:    Go Higher - FLYIN                                                  Vegas - Onda Norte

  7. 2 May

    Additional Pilot Training (and the endorsements you'll need)

    A good pilot is always learning! These are words I live by and that's why today we will be discussing additional training you may want or NEED as you go through your aviation career! For you flight instructors out there, there will be times you will have well established and accomplished pilots come to you for additional training, and you will need to know how to best structure their training and how to properly log and endorse their logbooks. Today we discuss the experience and endorsements required to train an established pilot for additional privileges and ratings. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com  Music - Epidemic Sound:    Go Higher - FLYIN                                                  Vegas - Onda Norte

  8. 18 Apr

    Do you need a medical to fly?

    With the passage of MOSAIC things have changed in a dramatic way in the world of aviation when it comes to medicals and the privileges of all pilots when it comes to not having a medical! Today we discuss these changes and talk about all the things you can do WITHOUT a medical! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com  Music - Epidemic Sound:    Go Higher - FLYIN                                                  Vegas - Onda Norte

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About

A show by aviators, for aviators. Join the discussion with real aviators as we explore the trials and tribulations of flight training from the student and flight instructor perspectives. Listen to stories from pilots in all different stages of their careers to hear the challenges they faced, and how they overcame those challenges.

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Tarrel, The Northwest Aeronaut
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On Centerline
  • Show Website
    On Centerline