Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A

Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A

Author: Seth Lake April 4, 2025 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 Deck initiative and explains how this content can help applicants prepare—especially for CFI-level checkrides. The second half features a live Q&A pulled from the VSL Discord and YouTube chat, covering a range of real-world aviation questions from the community.

Chapters:
02:50 – Topic 1: Runway Incursion Avoidance & FAA's "From the Flight Deck"
07:42 - Airworthiness Advisory: Primer Issue Sheet
11:28 - What maneuvers help you learn your airplane?
29:43 - How to fly an NDB approach.
42:31 - Teardrop pattern entry question.
45:26 - How does weight impact stall speed?
48:45 - CFI Initial checkride question 
50:31 - ForeFlight Question
52:14 - Tips when instructing an aircraft owner
56:01 - AOPA Focused Flight Review and WINGS
57:42 - Aircraft instability
59:27 - Ground adjustable trim tab question
1:05:00 - Sport Pilot instructor question
1:10:34 - CFI Checkride lesson plans question
1:14:07 - Commercial pilot restrictions question

Links:
VSL Discord Channel
https://vsl.aero/discord – For joining the community and submitting future questions.

From the Flight Deck (FAA)
https://www.faa.gov/fromtheflightdeck – FAA's video series on runway safety, including airport-specific content and pilot handbooks.

FAA Taxi Simulator
https://www.faa.gov/runway_safety_pilot_simulator

ForeFlight Procedures Tab
Open any airport (e.g., KCOS) → go to the "Procedures" tab → look for "Airfield" and "Pilot Handbook." These often link to From the Flight Deck videos.

PDF Primer Issue Sheet (linked in Discord)
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2025/Mar/FAA_ACS_-_7EC_Fuel_Primer_Pump.pdf

https://www.aopa.org/landing-pages/airworthiness-concern-sheets


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

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