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For 100 episodes, The Pilot Project Podcast has explored the world of military and mission aviation through the people who have lived it.In Part 1 of our retrospective series, The Climb, we look back at the making of military aviators.From the first moments that sparked the dream, to the grind of training, the edge of high-performance flying, and the toll service can take even in peacetime, this episode traces the journey behind the wings.These are the moments that shaped them, and the reasons they kept going.CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro/Cold open(00:01:31) Act 1: The Spark - Dan McWilliams - First Fighter Flight(00:03:09) Bob Wade - The Wonder of the Golden Hawks(00:03:46) Mike Houle - Hercs Over the Lake(00:05:05) Vince C-Benoit - Wheat Fields in Afghanistan(00:05:57) Rock Veilleux - Gliding with Air Cadets(00:08:44) Act 2: The Grind - Mike Houle - The Firehose(00:09:58) Dan Conway - First Real Doubts(00:10:11) Brian Kilroy - The Pressure Cooker(00:13:38) Pete Musters - P is for Pilot(00:14:17) Dan McWilliams - Owning Mistakes(00:14:45) Jeff Foreman - Scale Change(00:15:09) Dan McWilliams - Fighter Dreams Derailed(00:17:57) Dan Conway - 98% Awesome(00:18:55) Act 3: The Edge - Skye Simpson - The Imposter(00:20:10) Bryan Morrison - The Culture Shock(00:20:53) Rock Veilleux - Flying the Hawk(00:23:08) Brian Kilroy - The Edge of Capability(00:27:19) Skye Simpson - A Stick of Gum(00:29:07) Rock Veilleux - The Ejection(00:37:43) Act 4: The Toll - Dan McWilliams - Twisted Bits of Aluminum(00:38:44) Duncan MacIsaac - How Many Lives Did They Save?(00:40:15) Dan McWilliams - BAM! It Was Over.(00:41:52) Bob Wade - The Weight of Instructing(00:42:43) Rock - The Road to Recovery(00:47:02) CFMAP information(00:47:27) Act 5: Why We Fly - Blake McNaughton - Brothers and Sisters(00:48:23) Jeff Foreman - This is Your Captain Speaking(00:49:00) Blake McNaughton - A Gig Like Nothing Else
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Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Maryse Carmichael returns to discuss the Snowbirds, the retirement of the CT-114 Tutor, the planned operational pause, and the future of one of Canada's most recognizable aviation teams.In Part 2 of this conversation, Maryse explains what Canadians do not see behind a Snowbirds performance, from months of training and preparation to the trust, discipline, teamwork, and safety culture required to fly nine aircraft in close formation. She also shares powerful stories about the team's impact, including how one airshow inspired a future Snowbirds pilot.Drawing on her experience as both a Snowbirds pilot and former Commanding Officer, Maryse reflects on the team's legacy, the risks of losing hard-earned expertise, and what she hopes the next generation of Snowbirds pilots will inherit.CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview(00:01:01) The Hidden Work Behind a Snowbirds Airshow(00:06:13) Flying a First Snowbirds Show in Quebec City(00:09:32) Common Misconceptions About the Snowbirds Demonstration Team(00:12:26) Training for Emergencies in a Nine-Jet Snowbirds Formation(00:14:16) How Snowbirds Prepare for Emergencies Before Every Flight(00:15:00) The Snowbirds Mission: Inspiration, Recruitment, and Public Engagement(00:16:04) Inspiring the Next Generation of Canadian Military Pilots(00:17:01) Why the Snowbirds Still Matter After 55 Years(00:17:56) What Makes a Great Snowbird Pilot?(00:19:12) How Pilots Are Assigned Their Snowbirds Positions(00:20:28) How Long It Takes to Build a Snowbird Pilot(00:21:07) The Hardest Skills to Teach a Snowbird Pilot(00:24:47) How Trust Is Built Inside the Snowbirds(00:27:08) Balancing Safety and Spectacle in an Air Demonstration Team(00:28:51) The Story Behind the Snowbirds Heart Maneuver(00:29:44) What Keeps a Snowbirds Commanding Officer Awake at Night(00:33:29) Why the CT-114 Tutor Was the Perfect Demonstration Aircraft(00:34:31) Did Anyone Expect the CT-114 Tutor to Fly for 63 Years?(00:35:38) Saying Goodbye to the CT-114 Tutor(00:37:31) What Canadians Underestimate About the CT-157 Siskin Transition(00:39:10) Lessons from the Red Arrows and Other Aerobatic Teams(00:41:19) The Strongest Argument for a Snowbirds Pause(00:43:25) What Canada Risks Losing During the Snowbirds Pause(00:45:51) The Hardest Snowbirds Skills to Rebuild(00:48:58) What Concerns Snowbirds Alumni Most(00:49:33) What the Snowbirds Alumni Association Wants to See Happen(00:54:24) What the Snowbirds Mean to Maryse Carmichael(00:55:18) What Canadians Should See in Nine Red and White Aircraft(00:55:38) The Legacy Maryse Carmichael Hopes the Next Snowbirds InheritCONTINUE THE FLIGHTMaryse's story begins in Part 1, where she discusses flying the CT-114 Tutor, becoming the first female jet demonstration pilot, and her path to the Snowbirds. Snowbirds: The Pause Part 1: Flying the CT-114 Tutor and Becoming the First Female Jet Demonstration Pilot - Maryse CarmichaelMaryse mentioned our interview with Comd RCAF, Jamie Speiser-BlanchetCommand: The Future Force: Building a Fifth Generation Air Force - Jamie Speiser-Blanchet Maryse also discusses the challenge of preserving specialized aviation expertise during transition, a theme we explored in our SEEDCORN series. Long Range Patrol: The P-8 SEEDCORN Part 1Long Range Patrol: The P-8 SEEDCORN Part 2MORE SNOWBIRDS EPISODESMore Snowbirds episodesEXPLORE THE LOGBOOKMore stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots
In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn dive deep into the essential soft skills that set exceptional flight instructors apart from the rest. They explore why teaching ability often outweighs raw flying proficiency when it comes to developing great CFIs, emphasizing the need to hire teachers rather than just pilots. The discussion highlights how emotional intelligence plays a critical role in the cockpit, helping instructors connect with students of all ages and backgrounds while adapting to individual learning styles. Bobby and Wally share insights on managing student progress, fostering accountability, and maintaining clear communication under pressure. They stress the value of effective debriefs and how these moments build trust and accelerate learning. Real stories from their experiences illustrate the shift from demonstrating skills to creating environments where students can learn through guided practice and even mistakes. The conversation also covers professionalism and leadership, reminding instructors that they serve as role models who shape the next generation of pilots. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies to improve their teaching approach, from using lesson plans and objectives to balancing knowledge with empathy. Whether you're a new CFI or a seasoned instructor, this episode offers valuable takeaways for elevating flight training.
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Donald Maloy of Maloy Aircraft joins Nik to share his vision for a more streamlined path from zero experience to becoming an airline-ready pilot. Drawing on his background as a Naval Aviator, he explains how the structure, standards, and consistency of military flight training could translate to more efficient outcomes in the civilian world. He also introduces his company's first aircraft – expected in 2029 – which takes cues from military trainers with its tandem cockpit and high-performance engine. To learn more about Maloy Aircraft and its next-generation approach to training, visit maloyaircraft.com or follow the company on LinkedIn. CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the promo code "R4P2026" and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates! SPONSOR Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US. Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order. #Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #flightschool #aviationschool #pilotcareer #pilotlife #pilot
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In this episode of Pilots Say What, Tim sits down with Zach to talk about what it was really like starting flight training from zero time, moving across the country, taking on the financial risk, and learning how to handle the pressure that comes with becoming a pilot.
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In this episode of Pilots Say What, Zach sits down with Jackson, a brand-new CFI at Thrust Flight, to talk about his path from Part 61 training, medical delays, and the uncertainty of whether aviation would actually work out, all the way to finishing his ratings and becoming a flight instructor.
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Captain Troy Clarke shares his unconventional path into aviation, from growing up in rural Newfoundland to navigating early flight training struggles, 9/11's impact on the industry, and joining the RCAF.After earning his wings on fast jets, a serious in-flight decompression incident forced him to rethink his career and ultimately transition to helicopters.This episode is all about persistence, setbacks, and finding your path in aviation.
Episode Overview This episode of Behind the Prop, hosted by Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn, dives into the hidden costs associated with rushing through flight training. Bobby shares a real-life story from United Flight Systems about a student who paused training due to lack of preparation and motivation, only to return years later with a renewed drive. The hosts explore why accelerated training programs can backfire, how students can better prepare before starting, and the importance of setting realistic expectations for the journey to becoming a pilot. Key Discussion Topics The Cost of Unpreparedness: Bobby recounts a conversation with a mother and son at the flight school, where the student had previously quit due to immaturity and lack of study habits. He explains how unprepared students waste money on lessons they can't fully utilize, turning what should be productive flights into expensive review sessions. Accelerated Programs and Marketing Hype: The hosts critique the misleading marketing of fast-track pilot programs, noting that while the FAA minimum for a private pilot is 40 hours, the national average is around 60-80 hours. They discuss how promises of quick certifications often lead to burnout, failed check rides, and additional costs. Maturity and Motivation: Bobby emphasizes that a student's readiness isn't just about age but about having the discipline and motivation to study outside of lessons. He shares how a student who returned after a break was far more successful because of personal growth and a genuine passion for flying. Practical Tips for Efficiency: Wally and Bobby discuss strategies like chair flying, consistent scheduling, and self-study to make training more cost-effective. They stress that flying two to three times a week with proper preparation is far more efficient than cramming lessons without study. Avoiding External Pressure: The hosts warn against letting friends, family, or online advice push students into rushing their training. They argue that each student's journey is unique, and comparing progress to others can lead to poor decisions and unnecessary expenses. Notable Quotes "He took a couple years off, grew up, and came back as a different person. And his training was much more efficient because of it." - Bobby Doss "Don't try to be the minimum. The minimum is not the standard you want to aim for." - Bobby Doss "Chair flying costs you nothing and can save you thousands in the long run." - Wally Mulhearn Takeaways Rushing flight training often leads to higher costs from repeated lessons, failed check rides, and burnout. Students should focus on preparation, including studying ground material and chair flying, to maximize the value of each lesson. Accelerated programs may work for some, but most students benefit from a steady, consistent pace that fits their lifestyle. Finding the right flight school and instructor who support your individual learning pace is crucial to a successful and enjoyable training experience.
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Choosing the right flight training software can make or break how efficiently an aero club manages its pilot training operations. Here is what club managers and instructors should look for before making a decision. Learn more at https://eavio.aero/ eAVIO d.o.o. City: Maribor Address: Jadranska cesta 28 Website: https://eavio.aero Email: info@eavio.aero
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Show Notes for Episode: When FINE Isn't FINE Introduction to Weather Discussion: Bobby and Wally kick off the episode by sharing their experiences with poor weather in Houston, Texas, highlighting how a seemingly "fine" day can quickly turn dangerous. They discuss the impact of weather on flight training and general aviation operations. Personal Stories of Weather Mishaps: Bobby recounts a flight where he underestimated clouds during a trip to Brenham, Texas, leading to a necessary turnaround. Wally shares his encounter with rime icing in the Saratoga and how it affected his flight decisions, stressing the importance of early recognition of risks. Historical Aviation Accidents: The hosts review key incidents, including Delta Flight 191 (microburst crash), Southern Airways Flight 242 (hail encounter), and Braniff Flight 352 (thunderstorm entry). These examples illustrate how poor weather planning can lead to tragic outcomes and underscore the evolution of weather information availability since the 1980s. Weather Tools and Resources: They recommend the Windy app for visualizing wind patterns and forecasts, originally designed for sailors. Other concepts covered include monitoring pressure changes, temperature-dew point spreads for predicting fog or clouds, and using ADS-B data for real-time weather updates. Subtle Signs and Decision-Making: Bobby and Wally discuss overlooked indicators like altimeter settings (low pressure signals bad weather), wind gradients, and temperature inversions. They advise pilots to check weather from broader areas and avoid locking into a single source like a METAR. Personal Minimums for Safer Flying: The episode emphasizes establishing and adhering to personal limits, such as wind speeds, icing altitudes, and fuel reserves. Wally suggests limits for new pilots, including wind restrictions, ceiling/visibility minimums, and landing with ample fuel. Advice for New Pilots: For those who just passed their private pilot checkride, the hosts recommend focusing on wind, ceilings/visibility, and fuel as core personal minimums. They encourage using tools like the FAA's lapse rate for cloud base calculations and always prioritizing safety over ego. Key Resources and Concepts Mentioned: Windy App: A free app for wind and weather visualization FAA Weather Resources: Including METARs, ATIS, and understanding lapse rates Personal Minimums: Custom rules for safer flying General Advice: Monitor pressure drops, temperature-dew point spreads, and always have a turn-back plan
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Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
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Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout THEFLIGHTLINE at the link below:https://www.wificfi.com/theflightlineCheckout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
NFL wide receiver Brandin Cooks isn't just known for his speed on the field—he's also building a reputation in the cockpit. In this episode of Behind the Prop, Brandin joins us to share his aviation journey, from earning his private pilot certificate to advancing through instrument training and flying his own Cirrus SR22. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a serious commitment to learning and mastering the craft of flying. We explore the parallels between football and aviation, including how Brandin approaches high-pressure situations, learns complex systems, and maintains discipline across two demanding environments. He also shares why he considers himself a cautious pilot, how he sets personal minimums, and what he's learned about risk management through aviation. Beyond performance, Brandin opens up about how flying has impacted his personal life—giving him a new way to connect with his family and experience freedom outside of the NFL schedule. He also discusses his passion for increasing access to aviation and why representation matters in the industry. Whether you're a pilot, athlete, or someone chasing excellence in any field, this conversation delivers valuable insight into what it truly takes to perform at a high level.
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
Checkout our Study Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/studycourses- Private Pilot Study Course- Instrument Rating Study Course- Commercial Pilot Study Course- CFI Study Course- CFII Study Course- Multi Engine Add-On Study CourseCheckout our Checkride Lesson Plans for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/lessonplans- CFI Lesson Plans- CFII Lesson Plans- MEI Add-On Lesson PlansCheckout our Teaching Courses for free by enrolling below:https://www.wificfi.com/account/teachingcourses- Teach Private Pilot- Teach Instrument Rating- Teach Commercial Pilot- Teach CFI Initial- Teach CFII Add-OnSupport the show
In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss, Wally Mulhearn, and guest Jay Robinson tackle one of the most stressful moments in a pilot's journey—receiving an FAA checkride disapproval—and, more importantly, how to recover from it. The conversation starts by normalizing the experience, emphasizing that disapprovals happen at every level of aviation and do not define a pilot's ability or future. Wally provides insight from the examiner's perspective, explaining that a disapproval simply means a standard was not met on that day—not that the pilot is incapable. The group highlights that anxiety, small mistakes, or even external life factors can contribute to an unsatisfactory outcome. The episode then shifts to actionable recovery steps. First, pilots must fully understand the debrief and letter of disapproval, ensuring they know exactly what needs to be corrected. Next comes ownership—accepting responsibility as pilot in command—followed by focused retraining that targets specific deficiencies rather than starting from scratch. The hosts emphasize the importance of confidence, smart preparation, and even taking time to decompress before a retest. They also reinforce that most pilots successfully pass on the next attempt. Ultimately, the episode reframes disapproval as a powerful learning opportunity—one that can produce safer, more self-aware, and more resilient pilots.
Developing: a routine training flight in March turned into a fight for survival. When a student pilot and instructor flying a Cessna 172 lost engine power over New York's Hudson River, they were forced to make a split-second decision: attempt to get to Stewart International Airport near the United States Military Academy at West Point or put the aircraft down somewhere else. About five miles short of the airport, the crew realized they wouldn't make it back. They decided to ditch onto a patch of ice in the river at night. Miraculously, both the student and instructor survived the crash and were able to swim to shore. The incident raises several important questions about training flights, decision-making, and risk management. In this episode, the Flight Safety Detectives break down the developing story and examine key issues the National Transportation Safety Board will likely investigate, including: ✈️ What kind of preflight planning was done before the flight? ✈️ What caused the engine power loss? ✈️ Why was this route along the Hudson chosen for a night training flight? ✈️ Was this route part of the flight school's curriculum? ✈️ When — or if — control transferred from the student to the instructor? Even though no one was seriously injured, this close call highlights a critical aviation lesson: decisions made before and during a flight can determine the outcome when something goes wrong. The Flight Safety Detectives analyze the situation, explore the risks of night training over challenging terrain, and discuss what pilots and instructors everywhere can learn from this incident. Don't miss what's to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.