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!

Author: Seth Lake November 15, 2023 Duration: 1:03:56

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!

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


Seth Lake hosts The VSL Aviation Podcast, a conversation that feels like hanging around the hangar after a flight. It digs into the practical realities and pure joy of General Aviation, moving beyond textbook definitions to the lived experience. You’ll hear discussions about aircraft ownership, maintenance tips, navigating weather, and the stories that emerge from a life spent in the sky. The tone is approachable, whether you’re a student pilot, a seasoned aviator, or simply someone fascinated by flight. This podcast sits at a great intersection-it’s a leisure listen that feels like catching up with friends, yet consistently offers educational nuggets that stick with you. Episodes might explore a specific cross-country adventure, break down a common regulatory question, or feature a conversation with another pilot sharing their unique perspective. The result is a well-rounded look at the aviation community, delivered with genuine enthusiasm. Tuning in provides a regular dose of that flying mindset, the one that combines meticulous planning with the freedom of exploration. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to head to the airport, even if just to watch the traffic pattern. For anyone who finds magic in the hum of an engine and the view from above, this podcast feels like coming home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 56

The VSL Aviation Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:21
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake dives into runway incursion avoidance, a critical focus area for the FAA and a common checkride discussion point. He shares insights from the FAA's From the Flight D…
Don't Log That! FAA Time-Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:38
In this week's VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into three critical topics for pilots and instructors alike. First, he breaks down how to get involved with the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) and make the most of the WIN…
ADS-B Pitfalls, Mastering Forward Slips, and What CFIs Are Missing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:44
Welcome back to the VSL Aviation Podcast! I'm your host, Seth Lake, a CFI and DPE here to help you navigate checkrides and general aviation topics. This weekly podcast is recorded live on Discord, with additional streami…
Rethinking Commercial Pilot Training [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:51
In this episode, we take a deep dive into Jason Blair's recent article, "Things I Propose We Change in Initial Commercial Pilot Certification Standards and Experience Requirements" (🔗 Read it here). I break down his key…
Pilot Logbook: Insights, Emergencies, and Oddities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:45
In this episode of Pilot Logbook, we dive into essential and intriguing topics every pilot should consider. We clarify the nuances of PDPIC and explore the proper ways to log PIC and Cross-Country time as a safety pilot.…
Kicking Off the New Weekly Format [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:31
Welcome to the revamped weekly edition of the podcast! In this episode, I tackle listener questions about MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) privileges and share tips for preparing for a multi-engine add-on rating. I also div…
Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:32
In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into Cross Country Flight Planning, a critical task in the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Seth breaks down the 2024 ACS updates, incl…