The Student Pilot Cast

Bill Williams
  • 4.8 (32)
  • Aviation
  • Updated Weekly

This is a podcast for anyone interested in aviation. While it started as a podcast to follow Bill's primary training, it has evolved into a podcast about how all of us can continually improve our flying. This is the audio only feed. The audio podcasts are not necessarily the same content as the video podcasts, so if you want all the content, please check out both. The video feed is mostly available on Youtube, now (inlcuding the back catalog), and you can find it by searching for "Student Pilot Cast" there or use this link: https://www.youtube.com/@studentpilotcast.

  1. SPC087 [BTC] Vroom, Vroom or What Does the Turbo Say?

    4d ago

    SPC087 [BTC] Vroom, Vroom or What Does the Turbo Say?

    In Episode 87, we join Bill and Kent as they discuss forced induction in general aviation, contrasting normally aspirated engines with superchargers, turbochargers, and turbo-normalizers, and explaining how turbos use exhaust-driven turbines and wastegates (automatic, manual—separate or throttle-linked—and fixed) to manage boost. They cover turbocharged vs turbo-normalized manifold pressure, the role of intercoolers in cooling compressed intake air, and operational considerations like avoiding overboost on takeoff/go-arounds, critical altitude (example: Seneca around 12,000 feet), and high-altitude issues including cooling challenges, pressurized mags, and pilot oxygen needs. They recommend FAA hypoxia training (including nitrogen-based options and a spatial disorientation simulator) and discuss descent and shutdown considerations, including turbo cool-down and the debate around shock cooling. Finally, they outline why pilots choose turbos (terrain, takeoff/climb performance, speed on long legs, weather/icing avoidance) and why some shouldn’t (cost, shorter TBO, more fuel burn, maintenance complexity, limited benefit on short legs, and discomfort using oxygen), using a Mooney vs Mooney Bravo comparison to illustrate time vs fuel tradeoffs. Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time.  Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying.  If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    53 min
  2. SPC086 [BR] Fly. Learn. Repeat. Our New Mission

    Jun 8

    SPC086 [BR] Fly. Learn. Repeat. Our New Mission

    In Episode 86, we join Bill as he relaunches the podcast. Four distinct series, a new look, and more bad puns. I do a Briefing Room episode to launch things back off, and explain how things are changing, how they're staying the same, and what we want to focus on. Links: Radio Check – The Student Pilot Cast Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time.  Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying.  If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    19 min

  3. 06/30/2025

    SPC#85 - Expanding Your Minimums | Suck Less at Flying

    In Episode 85, we join Bill and Kent as they talk about how to expand the envelope of your flying. In other words, how to fly good and not suck...or at least get better and reduce your personal minimums. Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time.  Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying.  If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    46 min

  4. 06/21/2025

    SPC#84 - Just Go

    In Episode 84, we join Bill and Kent again for another Beyond the Checkride segment. In this one we talk about getting out there on the proverbial open road, and going places with GA, in whatever airplane you have access to. Hope you enjoy our discussion on cross country flying and expanding your comfort zone a bit. Links: Video of this Episode - Video version of Episode of SPC #84. Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time.  Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying.  If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    1 hr

  5. 04/29/2025

    SPC#83 - That Pilotcast Episode with Rob Holland

    In Episode 83, we go back to the days of the Pilotcast. Due to the tragic events of the past weekend, we wanted to re-release a Pilotcast Episode from 2018 where Kent, Tiffany, and Bill interview Aerobatic Champion and Airshow start Rob Holland. Rob tragically was killed this in an aviation accident a few days ago and since the Pilotcast is no longer hosted anywhere, we wanted to get this content back out and available to the world, so I'm releasing it again, in it's entirety, as a throwback SPC episode. We hope you enjoy it. Remember, fly good and don't suck. Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time.  Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying.  If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    50 min

  6. 12/25/2024

    SPC#82 - Making a List and Checking it Twice...or Never.

    Welcome back SPC listeners and Merry Christmas! In this special Christmas day episode, hosts Bill and Kent delve into the pilot's lifeline – checklists. Episode 82 of the Student Pilot Cast titled 'Making a List and Checking it Twice...or Never' brings forth a comprehensive discussion on the importance of good checklist habits beyond the checkride. They debate the utility and design of checklists, discuss personal anecdotes, and offer insight on the pros and cons of electronic versus paper checklists. This episode is a must-listen for both new and experienced pilots who want to improve their safety and efficiency in the cockpit. Join the conversation and share your thoughts! Links: Goose, your Digital Co-Pilot Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time.  Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying.  If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    1h 5m

  7. 12/18/2024

    SPC#81 - An Evening with Legion Air

    In Episode 81 Bill goes on location to interview some of the guys who started a new flight school recently. Legion Air wants to teach people to be the best aviators they can be, so let's find out what makes them tick, what their approach is, and how to turn a large fortune into a small fortune in aviation. Links: Private Pilot ACS - Mentioned in the episode, this is the Airman Certification Standards document that is the roadmap to the Private Pilot checkride.Airline & Commercial Pilot Training Programs / ATP Flight School - Since it's mentioned several times, if you want to know more about ATP, this is your link to their official website.Legion Air - Find out more about the new flight school, Legion Air. Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time.  Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying.  If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    51 min

  8. 12/13/2024

    SPC#80 - Back to Part Time

    In Episode 80 of the Student Pilot Cast we reunite with Nick Smith from Part Time Pilot to discuss the latest developments in his online ground school platform. We explore the addition of new features, such as an IFR ground school and a mobile app, and delve into the challenges of aviation training. Host Bill shares his journey to becoming a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), offering insights and updates along the way. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of aviation education and learn how Part Time Pilot is making flight training more accessible and efficient. See the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/97O5VzO1kZc Links: Video Version of Episode 80Part Time Pilot Online Flight Training & Ground School - Check out Nick's excellent ground school. Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for me and me alone in the situation that we happened to be in at the time.  Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying.  If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    1h 15m
See All (88)

4.8
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

This is a podcast for anyone interested in aviation. While it started as a podcast to follow Bill's primary training, it has evolved into a podcast about how all of us can continually improve our flying. This is the audio only feed. The audio podcasts are not necessarily the same content as the video podcasts, so if you want all the content, please check out both. The video feed is mostly available on Youtube, now (inlcuding the back catalog), and you can find it by searching for "Student Pilot Cast" there or use this link: https://www.youtube.com/@studentpilotcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Williams
  • Years Active
    2008 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams
  • Show Website
    The Student Pilot Cast

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