Best DPE Podcasts (2025)

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More to the Story: Musings of a Retired DPE w/ Larry Bothe 36:21

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11h ago36:21

36:21

Host Beth Stanton, NAFI’s director of publications and editor, interviews Larry Bothe, retired designated pilot examiner (DPE), flight instructor, and longtime Mentor magazine contributor, for an in-depth look at the world of checkrides and flight training. Bothe expands on his recent Mentor article “Musings from a Retired DPE, Things you might lik…

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Legal or Illegal? The Real Rules Behind Pilot Compensation 39:54

13h ago39:54

39:54

In this episode of The VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth lays the groundwork for understanding one of the most confusing topics in aviation: pilot compensation and illegal charter operations. He breaks down key definitions like operator vs. pilot in command, commercial activity vs. commercial operation, and the meaning of holding out. Seth explains how co…

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#34 - Rediscovering the Joy of Movement with Dr. Vicky Randall 56:36

1d ago56:36

56:36

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. Dr Vicky Randall is an educator, researcher and consultant in Physical Education, with over 20 years experience in the field. She holds fellowships in the UK with the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and …

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403 UPS MD-11 Crash Analysis + Dr. Catherine Cavagnaro on How to Make Better Landings 1:04:32

4d ago1:04:32

1:04:32

In this episode of Aviation News Talk, we begin with the developing details surrounding the crash of UPS Airlines Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F cargo aircraft that crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky. The aircraft, tail number N259UP, was a 34-year-old MD-11F powered by three General Electric CF6-80 engines. Bystander …

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402 Flying the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet Before the Type Rating: 5 Days with Ken Ansin 1:01:23

10d ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Vision Jet owner Ken joins Max Trescott to recount an unforgettable five-day training adventure that bridged the gap between piston flying and turbine jet proficiency. As a longtime Cirrus SR22 pilot from the Boston area, Ken had spent nearly a decade flying for both business and family trips, rarely exceeding 300 nautical miles from home. When he …

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DPE Availability: Making the Most of a Limited Resource w/ Jason Blair 47:20

14d ago47:20

47:20

In this episode, Sarah Staudt, NAFI's program development manager, and Jason Blair, a DPE and aviation author, discuss the ongoing DPE shortage in aviation, exploring its causes, implications, and potential solutions. They delve into the data surrounding DPE activity, the importance of effective communication and scheduling, and the challenges face…

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401 Cirrus Crash Lessons: CAPS Parachute Save vs. Deadly Go-Around + GA News 1:07:20

19d ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Max talks with John Fiscus of The Flight Academy to break down two Cirrus SR22 accidents that highlight the extremes of safety outcomes in general aviation: one a dramatic survival story, the other a heartbreaking tragedy. Accident 1: CAPS Parachute Save over Lake Michigan The first accident involved a Cirrus SR22 (N121JB) that suffered engine fail…

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#33 - Standards-Based, Student-Led Activities with Paddy Bailey 47:52

22d ago47:52

47:52

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. Paddy received his bachelors degree in K-12 PE and a Masters in Physical Education Leadership through SUNY Cortland. He has been teaching elementary PE for 10 years, and is entering year 3 at Van Renssel…

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Maintaining CFI Professionalism in Challenging Times w/ Anthony Sypula 46:58

29d ago46:58

46:58

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast, Sarah Staudt, NAFI's Program Development Manager, and Anthony Sypula, the Chief Flight Instructor of a large flying club and NAFI Master Instructor, discuss the importance of maintaining professionalism and readiness among flight instructors during industry slowdowns. They explore the current hiring…

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#32 - Prioritizing Skill Development and Challenging the Status Quo with Jake Miller 1:13:34

1M ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. After teaching elementary PE for three years, Jake has been teaching junior high physical education for the past 17 years. first in Montana, and currently at North Junior High in the Boise school distric…

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400 Starlink Internet for Pilots: Safety, Costs, and Future Tech with Sporty's Bret Koebbe 1:09:56

1M ago1:09:56

1:09:56

Max talks with Bret Koebbe, Vice President of Sporty's Pilot Shop, about how Starlink internet access is entering general aviation cockpits and what that means for pilots today and in the future. For decades, cockpit connectivity was mostly reserved for the airlines. Systems like Gogo provided limited bandwidth, required expensive antennas, and wer…

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Introducing Part 22 Aircraft Certification via MOSAIC w/ Bill Snodgrass 40:05

1M ago40:05

40:05

CORRECTION: This video states that there is a 3,000 weight limit for Light Sport Aircraft. That is incorrect. Under the new MOSAIC rule there is no weight limit for Light Sport Aircraft. In part two of this special episode of More Right Rudder, NAFI's program development manager and podcast host, Sarah Staudt, is joined by Bill Snodgrass for an in-…

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MOSAIC: Modernizing Sport Pilot and Sport Flight Instructors w/ Samantha Bowyer 1:03:04

1M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

In this two-part series all about MOSAIC, host Sarah Staudt, NAFI's program development manager, is joined by Samantha Bowyer, an associate professor of aeronautics at ERAU. Bowyer is also an active NAFI volunteer who, with others, represented NAFI's interests during the MOSAIC rule making process. This first episode provides an overview of the MOS…

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#31 - The Return of the Presidential Fitness Test: Repeating the Past or Reimagining the Future, with Kathy Harvey and Jamie Sparks 45:19

2M ago45:19

45:19

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up ... In this episode, Kathy Harvey, Jamie Sparks and I talk about the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, whether or not it belongs in a high-quality PE program, and the impact it can have on students…

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More to the Story: Making Aviators w/ Jason Miller 35:50

2M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode of the More to the Story, a feature series on the More Right Rudder podcast, host and NAFI’s Director of Publications and Editor, Beth Stanton interviews Jason Miller, a seasoned flight instructor and founder of The Finer Points. Miller wrote Making Aviators in the July/August issue of Mentor magazine. They discuss the critical firs…

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Professionalism and Culture in Aviation: Building a Safer Cockpit Environment 1:30:18

2M ago1:30:18

1:30:18

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives into two closely connected themes: professionalism and culture in aviation. Using relatable analogies like libraries and football stadiums, Seth explores how environment shapes behavior and why developing a professional safety culture matters for every pilot—from student to ATP. Joined by John…

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399 Crash Survival: How Pilots Can Be Found Faster with Cyriel Kronenberg + GA News 1:01:58

2M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Max talks with Cyriel Kronenberg, Vice President of Airports and Air Traffic Management at uAvionix and a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol's National Radar Analysis Team (NRAT), about one of aviation's most overlooked safety questions: if you survive a crash, how quickly will you be found? How Long Searches TakeCyriel explains that while ADS-B h…

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The Power of NASA Reports with Jeffrey Madison 35:50

2M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast, host Sarah Staudt speaks with Jeffrey Madison, an airline pilot and author, about the significance of NASA reports in flight training. They discuss how these reports can enhance decision-making skills for flight instructors and students, the importance of learning from real-life aviation incidents, …

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#30 - Back to School 2025: Creating a PE Program That Welcomes Every Learner with Juli Neace 40:08

2M ago40:08

40:08

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up ... This episode is the final installment of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningfu…

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398 9/11 from the Air: NYPD Chief Pilot Ken Solosky Remembers + GA News 1:13:54

3M ago1:13:54

1:13:54

Max Trescott talks with Ken Solosky, the NYPD's Chief Pilot on 9/11, about his experiences managing helicopter operations on one of the most catastrophic days in American history. Though Ken wasn't flying at the moment of the attacks, he was on the ground coordinating the NYPD's aviation response. He recounts how what began as a seemingly routine a…

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Bird Strikes: Lessons, Tools, and Survival Strategies 46:38

3M ago46:38

46:38

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake shares a live seminar from the North Little Rock Airport on the realities of bird and wildlife strikes. Drawing from Arkansas accident cases, military and airline experience, and FAA safety resources, Seth explores the history of bird strikes, why Arkansas sees higher numbers than average,…

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Modernizing Flight Training Rules with Don Wykoff 23:17

3M ago23:17

23:17

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast, Sarah Staudt interviews Don Wykoff from Sporty's Academy about the modernization of Part 141 flight training regulations. They discuss the need for updates to reflect current technologies and training methods, the challenges faced by smaller flight schools, and the importance of quality assurance in…

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#29 - Back to School 2025: Building a Culture of Belonging in PE with Courtney Lukasavitz 54:37

3M ago54:37

54:37

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for al…

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397 APR Key Explained: GPS Approach & Autopilot Errors to Avoid with DPE Jim Pitman 1:16:37

3M ago1:16:37

1:16:37

Max talks with airline pilot and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Jim Pitman to clear up a persistent avionics myth: that pressing the APR (Approach) key activates a GPS approach. In reality, APR is part of the automatic flight control system (AFCS)—not the GPS navigator. Its function is to arm the flight director's lateral and vertical capture mode…

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396 How All Pilots Benefit from New MOSAIC Sport Pilot and LSA Rules with Sean Elliott + GA News 1:06:27

3M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

In this episode of the Aviation News Talk podcast, Max Trescott talks with Sean Elliott, Vice President of Advocacy and Safety at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), about the FAA's groundbreaking MOSAIC final rule—and how it benefits all pilots, not just sport pilots or Light-Sport Aircraft owners. Sean explains that MOSAIC replaces the o…

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395 NYPD Pilot Ken Solosky on 9/11 — Listen Now on the Rotary Wing Show 2:55

3M ago2:55

2:55

Ken Solosky was the NYPD's Chief Pilot on 9/11, responsible for coordinating helicopter operations during the most devastating day in modern American history. In this short teaser, you'll hear a preview of our in-depth interview with Ken, including why rooftop rescues at the World Trade Center weren't attempted and how the team coped with confusion…

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More Than Skin Deep: Enhanced Preflight Inspection for GA Pilots | Seth Lake Safety Seminar 50:01

3M ago50:01

50:01

In this detailed safety seminar, DPE and CFI Seth Lake walks pilots through an enhanced preflight inspection process—going beyond the surface-level checks most pilots perform. Using real NTSB accidents from Arkansas, Seth highlights how minor oversights—like frayed throttle cables, loose spark plugs, or degraded exhaust components—can result in cat…

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Low-Level Insight: RADAR and LiDAR Altimeters for CFIs 34:08

3M ago34:08

34:08

In this episode of More Right Rudder, we welcome Sean Sherman, aviation technologist owner of Skeeter Enterprises, to demystify two increasingly relevant technologies in general aviation: RADAR and LiDAR altimeters. Whether you're a flight instructor looking to improve your students' understanding of new cockpit tools or a GA pilot exploring your n…

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#28 - Back to School 2025: Co-Agreements, Student Voice, and Intentional Routines with Rhys Meredith 45:09

3M ago45:09

45:09

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up. This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for al…

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Live Q&A: CFI Renewals, MEI Training Tips, Wet vs Dry Leases, Aircraft Ownership & More 52:04

3M ago52:04

52:04

In this live Q&A session of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake tackles a wide range of pilot questions from Discord, Instagram, and YouTube. Topics include: CFI Gold Seal renewals and FISDO processing Understanding static pressure and pitot systems Preparing for Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) training Teaching depth for CFIs and avoiding informatio…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 4 — Jeremy Lashbrook on Airworthiness, Checkride Errors, and CFI Rolls 1:01:47

3M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

In this episode, Seth sits down with Jeremy Lashbrook, a seasoned pilot and Designated Pilot Examiner with over 26 years of U.S. Army aviation experience. Jeremy brings unique insight from his extensive background flying both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, EMS helicopter operations, and type ratings in multiple complex aircraft. Together, they…

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394 Pasadena PD Helicopter Crash Analysis and Cirrus SR22 Safety Lessons 1:02:01

3M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Max talks about a dramatic ground collision between two Pasadena Police Department helicopters and the wide-ranging lessons pilots can draw from it. On November 17, 2012, two Bell OH-58 helicopters collided at the Pasadena PD Benedict Heliport when one returned from a flight and struck another that was sitting on the pad with its rotors turning. Si…

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High Altitude Ops: Oxygen Systems & Pressurization Explained 1:22:27

4M ago1:22:27

1:22:27

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth takes a deep dive into high altitude operations, breaking down FAA requirements, oxygen systems, and cabin pressurization from both a technical and checkride prep perspective. Whether you're a Commercial, CFI, or ATP applicant, you'll gain practical insight on: • The types of oxygen systems you'll e…

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393 Bonanza Ruddervator Crisis Solved: $500K Prize Spurs Certified Replacement 1:02:43

4M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Max talks with Tom Turner, Executive Director of the American Bonanza Society's Air Safety Foundation, about an extraordinary initiative to preserve the operational future of the iconic V-tail Bonanza aircraft. When Textron Aviation quietly stopped producing the magnesium ruddervator skins—a unique flight control surface used only on V-tail Bonanza…

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More to the Story: The Balloonist's Perspective 44:02

4M ago44:02

44:02

In this More to the Story episode of More Right Rudder, we explore the perspective of flight instruction without power—just heat, wind, and a whole lot of planning. Beth Stanton, NAFI's Director of Publications, sits down with Kim and Adam Magee, co-founders of The Balloon Training Academy and recent Mentor magazine contributors, to discuss the uni…

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392 ForeFlight's Dynamic Procedures: Interactive Approach Charts on the Moving Map 43:37

4M ago43:37

43:37

Max talks with Cole Crawford from ForeFlight about the company's latest innovation: Dynamic Procedures. Built to replace the static, legacy approach chart paradigm, Dynamic Procedures enables pilots to access IFR approach information dynamically, contextually, and interactively—right from the ForeFlight map screen. Cole explains that most pilots sp…

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Flight Training of the Future: eVTOL and Powered Lift w/ Chris Penningroth 36:05

4M ago36:05

36:05

The sky is changing—and so is the role of the flight instructor. In this episode of More Right Rudder, we’re joined by Chris Penningroth, former Air Force pilot and leader of NAFI’s eVTOL and Powered Lift Special Interest Group. Penningroth brings his unique perspective to a conversation about the emergence of eVTOL and powered-lift aircraft and wh…

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391 Should You Learn to Fly in a Bonanza? Max Trescott and Tom Turner Talk Training Options + GA News 1:09:40

4M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

Max Trescott teams up with Tom Turner—executive director of the American Bonanza Society's Air Safety Foundation—to help listener Marc Brodecki weigh options for earning his private pilot certificate. Marc, a 39-year-old aerospace engineer in Los Angeles with glider experience, is evaluating three flight training options: a nearby tailwheel-focused…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 3 — Nick Adcock on Preparation, Common Pitfalls, and Checkride Mindset 50:13

4M ago50:13

50:13

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake interviews Nick Adcock, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with a rich background in military and commercial aviation. They discuss common pitfalls applicants face during checkrides, including logbook issues, airworthiness checks, and the importance of preparation. Nick shares insights on t…

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SimVenture 2025 37:49

4M ago37:49

37:49

Join us for a deep dive into SimVenture 2025, PilotEdge’s immersive virtual re-creation of flying into EAA AirVenture! This summer’s event, scheduled for July 11–13, puts you right in the cockpit as you fly the Fisk Arrival complete with landing on the colored dots, flagmen, parking, and departure. Throughout the event you'll receive air traffic in…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 2 — Adam Boyd on Airworthiness, Instruction, and Checkride Readiness 1:14:59

4M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth interviews Adam Boyd, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with extensive experience in aviation. They discuss the importance of preparation for check rides, common pitfalls applicants face, and the significance of briefings and debriefings. Adam shares insights on airworthiness, endorsements, and…

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390 Electric Airplane Test Flight: Max Trescott Reviews the Bristell B23 Energic 1:09:43

5M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Max Trescott takes listeners inside the cockpit of the future in episode 390, as he shares his firsthand experience flying the fully electric Bristell B23 Energic trainer and talks with executives from H55, the Swiss company behind its electric propulsion system. This in-depth episode explores the technical, operational, and strategic aspects of el…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 1 — Tom Guillebeau on Setting Expectations and Avoiding Pitfalls 1:01:58

5M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

In the premiere episode of Checkride Insights, Seth sits down with Tom Guillebeau, a seasoned Designated Pilot Examiner and C-130 instructor pilot with the Arkansas Air National Guard. Tom shares his journey from mowing lawns for flying lessons to becoming a military evaluator, and gives practical advice for checkride applicants—from setting expect…

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World Record Flight Instructor: Rodrigo Silvestre Molina Diaz 25:27

5M ago25:27

25:27

In this inspiring episode of More Right Rudder, host Sarah Staudt sits down with Guinness World Record holder, and NAFI member, Rodrigo Silvestre Molina Diaz. This conversation is facilitated with translation assistance from Gus Sanchez of Stratus Financial. Diaz's record is the most flying hours by a flight instructor (male). From his early days i…

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Personal Minimums, Risk Management, and 135 Checkrides: What You Need to Know 1:00:59

5M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of personal minimums—how to build them, stick to them, and apply them on checkride day. Using FAA guidance and practical examples, he outlines real-world risk management techniques, including when to cancel a flight and how to safely mitigate marginal we…

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389 Benadryl, Zyrtec, and More: FAA Wait Time Rules for Pilots with Dr. John Trowbridge 52:26

5M ago52:26

52:26

Max Trescott interviews Dr. John Trowbridge, a physician and former senior Aviation Medical Examiner, to tackle a hidden yet critical safety topic: how over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications contribute to general aviation accidents. Studies have found that up to 40% of fatal accidents involve pilots with impairing substances in their s…

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Decoding the ACS | Part 5 - Mastering Airspace: Private, Commercial, and CFI-Level Scenarios 1:00:55

5M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

This is Episode 5 in the Decoding the ACS series, where we break down the Airman Certification Standards one task at a time. In this episode, we cover Area of Operation I, Task E: National Airspace System. Whether you're preparing for your Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or CFI checkride, this session explains how this task is tested across all th…

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388 Fly Farther, Fly Smarter: The Benefits of Getting High 43:38

5M ago43:38

43:38

Max Trescott welcomes aviation columnist, aerobatic instructor, and DPE Dr. Catherine Cavagnaro to explore smarter ways to plan cross-country flights. The conversation is inspired by Catherine's June 2025 AOPA article titled "The Benefits of Getting High," which argues that pilots often default to lower cruising altitudes or direct GPS routes witho…

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Back Where it all Began: 100K Downloads Reunion Episode 41:44

5M ago41:44

41:44

Join NAFI today: https://nafimentor.org 🎉 100,000 Downloads: A Milestone Reunion 🎉 To celebrate reaching 100,000 downloads, current podcast hosts Sarah Staudt, NAFI's program development manager, and Beth Stanton, NAFI's director of publications and editor, are joined by podcast founder John Niehaus. We reflect on the origins of the podcast, how it…

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#27 - End-of-Year PE Reflections: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Adam Mullis 36:49

5M ago36:49

36:49

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe It’s the final episode of the first year of the Distinguished PE Podcast — and it’s all about taking time to reflect. In this episode, I sit down with Adam Mullis to talk about wrapping up the school year with purpose: how to reflect on your teaching, your students’ …