Flight Training The Way I See It

Mike Shiflett
  • 4.1 (14)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Flight Training - The Way I See It is a weekly podcast covering essential news, like regulation changes, Training Tips to improve your flying and Opinion on a variety of issues. Hosted by Mike Shiflett, Director of Training at CFI Bootcamp. There are recaps of major conferences and events, interviews with top people in the aviation industry and of course Mike's unique and at times edgy opinions on what's right and what's wrong in flight training. Always informative and always entertaining, tune in each week to get the latest Flight Training the Way I see it.

  1. JAN 31

    Episode 70: Teaching the hard parts of CFI training, flying smarter IFR approaches, and understanding what your instruments are really telling you — a practical January 2026 reset for instructors and pilots.

    This episode focuses on how to teach the hard parts of flight training and how to fly with a deeper understanding of what the airplane and instruments are actually doing. We preview Mike Shiflett's upcoming presentation at the Redbird Migration Flight Training Conference, where he'll be covering how to teach the fundamentals of instructing, use scenarios and flowcharts effectively, and adapt the same lesson to different learner levels. We also share updates on new CFI Bootcamp offerings, including Online Ground Instruction, Remote Private Pilot Ground School, and the release of IFR Smart Study Pro. You'll hear detailed explanations of instrument concepts that are often misunderstood, including how a localizer works differently from a VOR, why OBS selection behaves differently, and how CDI sensing actually determines left/right course guidance. The episode also dives into commonly missed teaching points in chandelles, including proper power application and rudder usage during rollout. We close with practical IFR and CFI ProTips you can apply immediately, covering CDI bracketing, glideslope control techniques, and estimating distance on a standard 3° glidepath. This is flight training explained from an instructor's perspective — focused on clarity, technique, and real understanding, not rote procedures. In this episode: Teaching the hard parts of initial CFI training Using scenarios and flowcharts to teach ratings and endorsements Adapting lessons to different learner levels Online Ground Instruction and Remote PPL Ground School updates IFR Smart Study Pro overview How a localizer actually differs from a VOR OBS and HSI setup best practices Chandelles: power and rudder techniques most pilots miss CDI bracketing for course tracking Flying the glideslope with pitch, not power Estimating distance using a 3° glidepath

    17 min

  2. 12/31/2025

    Episode 69: What's Changing in 2026

    This episode breaks down the most important training, regulatory, and instructional updates heading into 2026 — and what they mean for CFIs, flight schools, and students. We discuss upcoming Sport Pilot and Sport Pilot Instructor PTS changes aligned with MOSAIC, what to expect from the Part 141 Modernization meetings, and why real change takes time even when the FAA is fast-tracking reform. You'll also hear a deep dive into errors found in the Airplane Flying Handbook, including why common ground reference maneuver diagrams can mislead students, and how to better explain wind correction, crabbing, and sight picture in real-world instruction. We close with practical CFI ProTips covering passenger currency, recency of experience tracking, and how to adopt new technology in stages without overwhelming yourself or your students. This is flight training discussed honestly, practically, and from an instructor's perspective — focused on understanding, not just passing checkrides. In this episode: Sport Pilot & Sport Pilot Instructor PTS changes tied to MOSAIC What the Part 141 rewrite process really looks like Why FAA handbook illustrations can confuse students How to properly explain crabbing in ground reference maneuvers Vy vs Vx explained visually and operationally CFI passenger currency cost-saving tips How to verify CFI recency of experience Learning aviation technology in stages without overload

    19 min

  3. 11/30/2025

    Episode 68: Black Friday Sale, 141 Reform Ends, and Eights on Pylons Debunked – Nov 2025 Flight Training Update

    The November 2025 aviation update covers major changes and exclusive offers for CFIs and student pilots: Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale Now Live Get 50% off all CFI Bootcamp digital downloads and online courses. Offer ends Dec 1—perfect gift for aspiring CFIs. Final FAA 141 Modernization Meeting on Dec 2 The rewrite of FAR Part 141 is almost complete. Find out what comes next and how long we might wait before the rulemaking takes effect. Eights on Pylons Debate Settled Is it a fixed power maneuver? Yes—and we explain why, with logic pulled directly from FAA guidance and aerodynamic principles. ProTips for Safer and Smarter Flying Why you should never "line up and wait" at non-towered airports Night takeoff lighting tips Flow checks vs checklists, and how to use CIGAR TIPS before takeoff

    10 min

  4. 10/29/2025

    Episode 67: The Instructor's Mindset: Lessons from the CFI Round Table

    This month is all about building better instructors and understanding what's next for CFI training. Following one of our most engaging Power Hours yet, the CFI Round Table, Part Two brings together Mike, Dorothy, Greg, Rex, and other experienced educators to discuss what today's flight instruction is missing — and how to make it stronger. They dive into the real challenges CFIs face, from the lack of structured syllabi and clear onboarding to the growing need for mentorship and accountability in aviation education. The conversation highlights the importance of teaching beyond the checkride, aligning instruction with each student's goals, and creating a learning culture that values both precision and passion. You'll also hear updates on MOSAIC, the future of sport pilot training, and how these regulatory shifts will reshape instructor roles across the industry.

    22 min

  5. 09/30/2025

    Episode 66: Private Pilot SmartStudy Pro Launch, AC 61-65K Changes, and Why You Need an AGI Certificate

    This month is packed with major milestones for both students and CFIs. From course launches to FAA rule changes, here's what you need to know: SmartStudy Pro for Private Pilot Is LIVE The full 11-hour audio/video course with 45 tasks, ACS-aligned, and packed with companion PDFs. Get ready for your checkride or flight review—available now at 50% off for early access users. IFR ACS SmartStudy Pro in Progress 20 full tasks covering all ACS knowledge, risk, and skills. Built to listen while you drive, fly, or prep on the go. Launch expected late October. AC 61-65K Finalizes Oct 22 New endorsements are coming for night, retractable gear, variable pitch prop, and more. Sport Pilot proficiency check changes are confirmed—no more 2-CFI method for airplanes and helicopters. Why There's Still No ACS for Sport Pilot It's still a Practical Test Standard (PTS)—and here's why that matters for your test prep and training approach. ProTips for CFIs and Future Instructors Use ChatGPT to generate custom quizzes from POHs Treat the throttle like a flight control Why getting your Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) certificate early is a smart, strategic move Links and Resources → Get SmartStudy Pro: https://cfibootcamp.kartra.com/page/Private-pilot-smart-study-pro → FAA Draft AC 61-65K: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/afs_ac/AC_61-65K_Coord_Copy.pdf → Join the CFI Study Group: facebook.com/groups/CFIStudyGroup

    21 min

  6. 09/04/2025

    Episode 65: Sport Pilot Rule Changes, AC 61-65K Update, and SmartStudy PRO Nears Launch

    n this August 2025 edition, we break down major regulatory shifts, essential training deadlines, and new tools to help pilots and instructors stay ahead. Sport Pilot Regulations Update – Two new FAA draft Advisory Circulars (AC 61-146 & AC 61-65K) are out for public comment. These clarify aircraft privileges and reshape how CFIs train Sport Pilots. Proficiency Checks Ending Oct 22 – Big change: after Oct 22, you'll need a DPE or ASI to add Sport Pilot airplane or helicopter privileges. Until then, you can still use the 2-CFI method. NAFI Summit Preview – Mark your calendar: the 2025 NAFI Summit is Sept 21–23 in Akron, Ohio, with sessions focused on CFIs, examiners, and training trends. Private Pilot ACS SmartStudy PRO – Launching in early September, this audio-first prep course covers the full ACS—ideal for flight review or checkride prep during your commute. Includes companion PDFs and optional video. ProTips Why training momentum matters How to trim efficiently The difference between slipping and skidding stalls—and which one leads to a spin Resources → Comment on the AC drafts: [FAA.gov] → SmartStudy PRO early access: [cfibootcamp.com] → NAFI Summit info: nafisummit.org/attendee-info

    16 min

  7. 08/01/2025

    Episode 64: MOSAIC Rule Released, UND Flight Data Tool, and FAA Tiered 141 Reform Explained

    In this packed episode, we cover critical changes and tools shaping the future of flight instruction, certification, and aviation safety: MOSAIC Final Rule Released – Sport Pilot regulations get a massive overhaul. No weight limit, four seats, night flying, and even Private/Commercial pilots flying on a driver's license. What It Means for CFIs – More students, new flight school opportunities, and faster instructor pathways. But what will insurance companies say? FAA Part 141 Reform Tiers – A four-tiered system is being proposed with scalable privileges and qualifications—good news for small flight schools. UND's NGAFID Tool – Any school can upload flight data (G1000, ForeFlight with AHRS) and privately analyze safety or performance metrics with automatic triggers. FAA Handbook & Test Updates – Major handbook revisions and knowledge test changes are coming to reflect new FARs under MOSAIC. ProTips – Two-tier lesson planning, smarter IFR alternate filing, and how Starlink satellite phones can boost your off-airport survival strategy. Mentioned Links and Resources → Power Hour Sign-up: https://cfibootcamp.kartra.com/page/Power-Hour-Lessons-Show → SmartStudy Pro Opt-In: https://cfibootcamp.kartra.com/page/Private-pilot-smart-study-pro → Join the CFI Study Group: https://Facebook.com/groups/CFIStudyGroup  Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if this helps you stay sharp as a student pilot, CFI in training, or flight school operator.

    12 min

  8. 06/29/2025

    Episode 63: FAA changes, pilot tools, and smarter checkride prep for students, CFIs, and flight schools.

    In this episode, we cover the most important updates in aviation education and regulation:  FAA Part 141 Modernization – What the proposed QMS/SMS systems mean for small vs. large schools and how operators are fighting for practical solutions. SmartStudy Pro Update – Our most efficient tool yet for Private Pilot ACS prep is almost here. Learn why this audio-based system will transform your commute into study time. Real ID Checkride Clarification – FAA confirms Real ID is not required for practical tests. What it means for you and how it saves rescheduling headaches. June 30 FAA NOTAM Modernization Webinar – The rescheduled date, how to register, and what to expect. CFI Study Group Facebook and Zoom – Over 8,000 members supporting new CFIs with weekly open Q&A calls and real-time mentorship. ProTips Section – Practice test strategy for honest self-evaluation, and new ForeFlight features like the FAA airport camera integration. Mentioned Links and Resources → Power Hour Sign-up: https://cfibootcamp.kartra.com/page/Power-Hour-Lessons-Show → SmartStudy Pro Opt-In: https://cfibootcamp.kartra.com/page/Private-pilot-smart-study-pro → Join the CFI Study Group: https://Facebook.com/groups/CFIStudyGroup  Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if this helps you stay sharp as a student pilot, CFI in training, or flight school operator.

    22 min
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4.1
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Flight Training - The Way I See It is a weekly podcast covering essential news, like regulation changes, Training Tips to improve your flying and Opinion on a variety of issues. Hosted by Mike Shiflett, Director of Training at CFI Bootcamp. There are recaps of major conferences and events, interviews with top people in the aviation industry and of course Mike's unique and at times edgy opinions on what's right and what's wrong in flight training. Always informative and always entertaining, tune in each week to get the latest Flight Training the Way I see it.

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