35. Understanding aerodynamics and checkride tips, with Catherine Cavagnaro

35. Understanding aerodynamics and checkride tips, with Catherine Cavagnaro

Author: Sporty's Pilot Shop September 27, 2022 Duration: 32:40

Catherine Cavagnaro learned aerobatics from legendary instructor Bill Kershner and is a math professor on the side, which gives her a unique perspective on key topics in flight training. She explains what "the back side of the power curve" really means, why takeoffs are an overlooked risk for most pilots, and when you should use flaps on a power-off 180. She also shares her tips as a pilot examiner, including how to handle nerves and whether it's OK to admit "I don't know" on a checkride. In the Ready to Copy segment, Catherine explains the right way to use a sick sack, whether spins should be required for the Private Pilot test, and what geometric topology is.

Ace Aerobatic school: https://www.aceaerobaticschool.com

Catherine's articles for AOPA: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/articles-by-author/catherine-cavagnaro

Sporty's Pilot Training app: https://www.sportys.com/sporty-s-pilot-training-app.html


There’s a particular kind of conversation that happens in the cockpit or after a flight, where the real stories and honest opinions come out. Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's captures that feeling, sitting down for genuine talks with some of the most compelling people in aviation. You’ll hear from flight instructors breaking down the real challenges of training, alongside airshow performers sharing the moments that truly tested their skill. Each episode goes deeper than the usual hangar talk, aiming to connect with anyone who feels that pull to the sky. Wrapping up every conversation is a favorite segment, “ready to copy,” a rapid-fire round that cuts past the cliches to reveal what each guest truly believes. This podcast, presented by Sporty's Pilot Shop, is built for those who live and breathe flying, offering a mix of grounded advice and unforgettable stories from the people who know aviation best. It’s about the shared language and passion that defines the flying life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's
Podcast Episodes
Hard truths about aviation safety, with Douglas Boyd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:10
The GA accident rate is getting better, but aviation safety researcher Douglas Boyd says there’s still plenty of work to do. He shares a fascinating array of statistics in this episode, pulled from the 300+ papers he has…
Legal gray areas for pilots, with Mark Kolber [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:22
Too many pilots miss out on fun and rewarding flying experiences because they’re afraid of legal gray areas, according to aviation lawyer and flight instructor Mark Kolber. He shares the facts about cost sharing, ramp ch…
What pilots should know about ATC, with Marcus Miller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
Air traffic controllers and pilots are on the same team, they just have different perspectives. Marcus Miller, a center controller and the creator of the PropHatCat TikTok channel, explains those differences and much mor…
Crossing the Atlantic at age 89, with Ed Galkin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:33
Ed Galkin has flown his Cessna 210 around the world in both directions, and last year he flew a circle around the Atlantic Ocean at age 89. In his uniquely energetic way, he explains how much planning goes into each trip…
Space Shuttle lessons for private pilots, with Charlie Precourt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:28
From the Space Shuttle to F-15 fighter jets to his homebuilt VariEze, Charlie Precourt approaches every flight with the same discipline. In this episode he shares some of the lessons learned from his one-of-a-kind career…
The killing zone for pilots, with Paul Craig [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:27
Pilots with 50-350 hours are involved in more fatal accidents than anyone else, according to research from flight instructor Paul Craig. In this safety-focused episode, he explains the numbers behind this “killing zone,”…
Promoting conservation from a Cessna 210, with Bruce Gordon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:21
Bruce Gordon learned to fly in Aspen over 40 years ago and has been flying in the Rockies ever since. He uses that experience to share tips for flying piston airplanes out West, name some of his favorite airports, and ex…
Learning from other pilots' mistakes, with JJ Madison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:08
Plenty of pilots read accident reports, but airline pilot and author JJ Madison says NASA reports are even better—because you’re hearing directly from the pilot. He shares common themes and memorable stories from these r…
The life of a corporate pilot, with Mark McIntyre [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:25
Pro pilot doesn’t have to mean airline pilot. Longtime corporate pilot and safety advocate Mark McIntyre explains the appeal of business aviation, why safety has to be the focus for a flight department, the unique challe…
Rethinking flight instruction, with Doug Stewart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:40
Legendary instructor Doug Stewart has a lot of strong opinions about flight training, from inadvertent IMC maneuvers to instrument procedures to engine failures. In this episode, Doug offers a sweeping view of the flight…