Wet vs Dry Leases, Second Opinions, and Manifold Pressure Myths

Wet vs Dry Leases, Second Opinions, and Manifold Pressure Myths

Author: Seth Lake April 19, 2025 Duration: 1:31:18

This week on the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives into three major topics that affect pilots across the training and professional spectrum. First, he breaks down the difference between wet and dry leases — why it's critical to understand operational control, how to avoid illegal charter situations, and what lease paperwork needs to be in place. Then he addresses a crucial question: should you get a second opinion before a checkride? (Spoiler: Yes.) Finally, he tackles a deep-dive into manifold pressure gauge requirements, clearing up widespread confusion using ECFR archives and FAA history.

Other topics include:

    Tips for MEI and Commercial Multi Add-On Checkrides

    Minimum takeoff fuel logic for commercial ops

    Partial panel IFR approaches: realistic failures

    Required checkride stall scenarios and types of hypoxia

    Thoughts on aviation YouTube channels

    Scenario-based checkride prep advice

Join us live on YouTube or Discord next time, and submit your own questions at https://vsl.aero!

Discord: https://discord.gg/YnkV4pxm

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & John's Co-Host Introduction

03:10 – Wet Lease vs Dry Lease Explained

12:48 – How Lease Agreements Can Protect You from Certificate Action

14:36 – Truth-in-Leasing Questions Pilots Should Ask

17:32 – Why Every Student Pilot Needs a Second Opinion Before a Checkride

22:12 – Virtual Mock Checkrides & New Coaching Services

23:26 – Manifold Pressure: Who Needs the Gauge and Why

28:02 – How Turbochargers & Superchargers Actually Work

41:46 – Using Historical ECFR to Find Manifold Requirements

50:20 – MEI and Multi Add-On Checkride Tips

01:01:32 – Logging Approaches: VMC vs IMC Clarified

01:03:46 – Commercial Checkride Scenario: Minimum Takeoff Fuel

01:10:46 – Partial Panel: What's Realistic Today?

01:16:20 – Stalls in Turns vs Straight Flight – What the ACS Requires

01:18:47 – Hypoxia Types: What You Actually Need to Know

01:21:00 – Closing Thoughts & Post-Show Discord Hangout

Links:

Truth in Leasing – AC 91-37B
https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-37B.pdf

Flying Light Twins Safely
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2015/Nov/FAA_P-8740-66.pdf

Airplane Flying Handbook – Chapter 13 (Multi-engine operations)
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/14_afh_ch13.pdf

FAA Info for Operators 150-12 (IFR Approach Logging)
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/InFO15012.pdf


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
CFI Hour Myths, MEI ROI, and Avoiding Illegal Charter: Live Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:44
In this live Q&A edition of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into a wide range of topics submitted by the aviation community. From the myths around required CFI ground training hours to advice on whether ge…
Logging Time, Checkride Tips & Pilot Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:31
In this episode, we celebrate new pilot certifications 🎉, tackle common logbook questions 📘, explain how ForeFlight sources winds aloft 🌬, and clarify cross-country time rules 🗺. We also walk through a real listener land…
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…