25 episodes

A podcast on all things General Aviation from the team at VSL Aviation.

The VSL Aviation Podcast Seth Lake

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 84 Ratings

A podcast on all things General Aviation from the team at VSL Aviation.

    Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 2

    Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 2

    Welcome back to VSL Aviation's series where we delve into the intricacies of the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS)! I'm Seth Lake, your guide on this journey to mastering aviation standards. In Part 2 of our series, we'll continue unraveling the complexities of Airworthiness Requirements. Building on the foundation laid in our first episode, we'll dive deeper into the critical aspects and regulations every pilot must know. This episode is essential for student pilots, instructors, and aviation enthusiasts eager to enhance their knowledge and ensure the highest safety and performance standards. Join us as we navigate through these pivotal regulations, equipping you with the understanding and confidence needed to excel in the aviation world. Don't miss out on this insightful continuation of our comprehensive guide through the ACS!

    • 56 min
    Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 1

    Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 1

    Welcome to the first episode of our new series at VSL Aviation! I'm Seth Lake, an experienced FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, and in this video, I'm going to break down the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS) like never before. This series aims to provide detailed insights and practical tips for aspiring pilots. Whether you're a student pilot, an instructor, or just an aviation enthusiast, this series will deepen your understanding of the ACS, helping you become a more knowledgeable and confident pilot. Stay tuned for more episodes where we'll dive even deeper into the world of aviation standards and training!
    Chapters:
    00:50 - ACS Guide
    01:40 - Part 61 Qualifications
    03:35 - ACS Element Decoding
    06:09 - Use of Written Test Report
    07:40 - Checkride Script
    10:22 - Introduction to Task A
    12:32 - Scenario-Based Questioning
    22:40 - BasicMed
    25:25 - Private Pilot License (PPL) Limitations
    28:13 - Discussion on Illegal Cost Sharing
    46:40 - Closing Statements

    • 47 min
    DPE Ultimate Pilot Q&A: Mastering Check Rides, STCs, ACS vs PTS, and More!

    DPE Ultimate Pilot Q&A: Mastering Check Rides, STCs, ACS vs PTS, and More!

    Join Seth Lake, a designated pilot examiner, in this comprehensive Q&A session where we delve into key topics every aspiring pilot needs to know for their check ride and beyond. Packed with insights from my extensive experience, this video is an invaluable resource for pilots at all levels.
    Chapters:
    [01:35] - Inop Equipment for Checkride
    [02:55] - ACE Inop Equipment Guide
    [04:47] - Flight Manual Supplements
    [08:19] - ARROW vs. SPARROW
    [09:42] - AGI and IGI before CFI
    [11:36] - CFII Weak Areas
    [14:04] - Top 3 Hardest Checkrides
    [15:28] - Instrument Rating – Now What?
    [18:58] - CPL Holding Out
    [24:46] - Best time to get SES and Tailwheel
    [26:16] - Flaps at the FAF
    [30:33] - Instrument weak areas
    [36:05] - Instrument Checkride Endorsements
    [40:43] - Private Pilot Diversion
    [45:03] - Flight Manual Supps for LSA
    [46:09] - Commercial Pilot Requirements
    [47:40] - ACS vs PTS
    [51:11] - Sheppard Air Test Prep
    [53:23] - Private Carriage Vs. Common
    [1:00:00] - Pitfalls of DPE Gouge

    Whether you're preparing for your next check ride, looking to deepen your understanding of aviation regulations, or aiming to improve your flying skills, this video has something for everyone. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content like this!
    - Follow me on:
    - Discord: https://discord.gg/vkanc5ax
    - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vslaviation/
    - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VSLAviation
    - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vslaviation?lang=en
    - Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/VSL_Aviation/

    Your feedback is invaluable – drop your questions and comments below, and let's keep the conversation going!

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Mastering FAA Ramp Inspections: Your Step-by-Step Guide

    Mastering FAA Ramp Inspections: Your Step-by-Step Guide

    In this highly informative video, we equip you with the essential know-how to confidently navigate an FAA ramp inspection. Whether you're a private pilot, commercial aviator, or part of an aviation team, understanding the FAA's ramp inspection checklist is crucial for a successful evaluation. Using the FAA Order 8900.1 as our compass, we take you through each stage of the inspection process, outlining precisely what FAA inspectors will be looking for. With this comprehensive guide at your fingertips, you can ensure your aircraft and documentation are in impeccable order, leaving no room for surprises during the inspection. Watch now and arm yourself with the knowledge to ace your next FAA ramp inspection! Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe for more valuable aviation insights. Safe flying!

    • 28 min
    Airworthiness Directives - An Introduction

    Airworthiness Directives - An Introduction

    Join Seth Lake and Josh Campbell from  @FreePilotTraining  in a discussion on FAA Airworthiness Directives. This topic is a stumbling block for many new pilots, and our discussion will help you understand ADs better. Check out  @FreePilotTraining  for a ton of great free content!
    Check out the podcast website to find the interactive ACS for both commercial and instrument. https://vsl.aero/podcast
    Check my new Patreon page, where I will be adding a lot of exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/sethlake

    • 37 min
    Multi Engine Basics - Part 2

    Multi Engine Basics - Part 2

    Join me as I continue the multi-engine add-on series.  In this episode, I continue the discussion of the commercial ACS and how I use it to conduct the commercial multi-engine add-on checkride. 
    Check out the podcast website to find the interactive ACS for both commercial and instrument.  https://vsl.aero/podcast
    Check my new Patreon page, where I will be adding a lot of exclusive content.  https://www.patreon.com/sethlake
    Thanks for watching the channel!  I'm trying something new and building chapters for the shows so you can skip straight to things you might be more interested in.  Let me know what you think!

    • 1 hr 1 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
84 Ratings

84 Ratings

Mars Explore ,

Methodical Instructor Who Is interested in your Success in Aviation

Seth makes good sense with his down to earth way of teaching aviation and when explaining how to fly airplanes.

WhitKraner ,

Great content, easy to follow

I’m preparing for my private pilot
Checkride in a few weeks and the deep dive into the ACS has been really helpful. Excited for more episodes! Getting to hear from a DPE is helpful and makes me feel more confident going into my checkride. Thank you.

SoaringMidlo CFI-G ,

Solid content

I am working toward my multi engine add-on and discovered the VSL podcast. Seth shares his wealth of experience in an organized and well produced way.

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