The Finer Points - Aviation Podcast

In this podcast we review the aerodynamics of the turn. Learn to differentiate what's important and what's not. We also discuss turning stalls. Please enjoy!

In this episode we discuss how to find the local procedures before you arrive at a new airport. Fly Your Best!

Many people think that getting a commercial certificate after their instrument rating is the logical next step. Not necessarily. If you are not going to fly professionally there are many other ways to get good. Fly Your Best!

In this espisode we discuss how to understand Induced Drag and Ground Effect as well as why Maneuvering Speed changes with weight. These are two aerodynamic concepts that are critical to understand and many pilots get wrong. Fly Your Best!

This is important information for anybody who flies an aircraft with a Continental Engine. Fly Your Best!

Last week we had a fatal accident at KGOO. We have no information yet but I was planning to meet the pilot to begin instrument training and I think there are some valuable initial takeaways. Let's discuss them for the sake of learning. Fly Your Best! Jason

In this podcast we talk about the 70/50 rule for determining takeoff performance. The rule says, "if I don't have 70% of the required speed by the halfway point of the runway, I should abort the takeoff". Is this a myth? Does it hold true? If you do have the speed, does it mean you should go? Let's discuss on this episode of The Finer Points, Fly Your Best!

The FAA is proposing the removal of all Remote Communications Outlets in the lower 48. These RCOs are the only way to establish search and rescue in flight when you don't have a cellular signal. This would be a HUGE mistake. Please leave a public comment at the Federal Register using this link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/27/2025-05167/notice-of-intent-to-decommission-flight-service-remote-communications-outlets-rcos

What will truly fix our safety problem and why does it matter? Let's talk.

In this podcast, we talk with legendary mechanic and founder of Savvy Aviation, Mike Busch. Mike explains how shock cooling is not really a thing but we should all be concerned about shock heating! Please enjoy The Finer Points! Fly Your Best, Jason

On a recent CFI Club call, I was asked about how I teach spins. This is what I said ... Fly Your Best!

THIS is how you save time and money in training. Become a safer, more confident pilot. Fly Your Best!

On our recent Canyons of the Southwest Airplane Camp trip, one aircraft experienced an engine failure and had to execute a forced landing. In this podcast, we talk to both pilots and discuss what we learned. Please enjoy The Finer Points!

In this podcast, we talk with Nick Wegner, one of the founders of Flight Schedule Pro. Nick and his team have announced a major effort to streamline the way flight training works for Schools, CFIs, and the pilots that fly there. Please enjoy The Finer Points!

In this episode, we talk about the "teardrop" into a 45 on a non-towered pattern entry. Fly Your Best!

At Oshksoh 2024 I had a chance to catch up with JP Shulze to discuss his adventures. Live from the AOPA Lounge, here is the podcast as we recorded it yesterday. See y'all at #OSH25!

In this podcast, we discuss the Commercial certificate. What are the real goals here and how do we put Commercial applicants ahead of the game and make them ready for the professional environment? Fly Your Best!

This podcast discusses the upcoming changes to many of the ACS. Special guest, John Ewing is an author, CFI, and former DPE join us as we discuss some of these changes that will impact us all. Fly Your Best! Jason

Apart from gusts, once the airplane leaves the ground it knows no wind. Agree? Let's discuss on this episode of TFP! Fly Your Best, Jason

In this episode, we join another Office Hours discussion on whether or not to become a CFI, how to make great lesson plans, and more! Please enjoy! Jason

In this podcast, we talk with Dr. Mike Jones about why some airports fail and some succeed. What makes an airport ... good? Please enjoy!

In this podcast, we answer a few listener questions and drop in with this week's Office Hours to discuss the practical application of lesson plans. Fly Your Best! Jason

In this podcast, we discuss how to use checklists, which to use, and how to make your own. Please enjoy!

In this podcast, we cover: How to best transition from High Wing to Low Wing How to best approach CFI Training 2 Year CFI -- How to best train other CFIs Please enjoy! Jason

In this podcast, we cover A LOT. We're coming live from TFP Office Hours which happen every Friday at 12pm Pacific via Zoom. In this session, we covered: Pop Up IFR Practice Approaches VFR Flight Plans IFR Flight Plans Search and Rescue ... and much more.

Hello Aviators! In this episode, we discuss listener questions about: logging time as a safety pilot why AOA is "not" taught more should you hold student solos to ACS standards why might an approach not be authorized at night? Please enjoy!

The last in the series on the laws of learning this podcast will help you understand why it's important to stay current to stay proficient. Also, our special guest Rich Rafferty discusses how he approaches being a CFI on his way to the airlines. Please enjoy!

In this podcast, we continue the series on the laws of learning. I will tell you a horror story about the law of readiness -- if you're not ready, you're not ready. Please enjoy!

The 2nd in our series on the laws of learning, let's discuss the law of INTENSITY! Fly Your Best!

The first in our Laws of Learning series in which we discuss the Law of Primacy. The most important of all the laws. Hear real-world examples of these learning laws affect (and have affected) you. Fly Your Best!

In this podcast we review the NEW guidance from the FAA in AC 90-66C which clearly describes whether or not the first leg of the traffic pattern is the "upwind" or "departure leg". Please enjoy The Finer Points!

Let's talk with former Harrier pilot, Pinto, about a recent engine failure he had at 300' AGL on departure. He was forced to execute an impossible turn ... with a successful outcome! Please enjoy The Finer Points! Jason

Bryan Weathers has been an Air Traffic Controller for more than 13 years in over 5 different countries. He is also a photographer, author, and a pilot! Please join us as Bryan brings his unique experience to The Finer Points. Fly Your Best!

Let's continue the conversation about whether or not you can/should try to turn back to the airport in the event of an engine failure. Fly Your Best! Jason

In this podcast, we continue to explore some of the nuances of approaches with vertical guidance and learn some pretty shocking things! Special guest: Tim Morgan, CFII Please enjoy! Jason

On this podcast we discuss: The Sun and Fun airshow! What it's like and how to best plan for it. Also, we continue the IFR conversation about approaches with vertical guidance. Enjoy!

In this podcast we discuss: -why the EGT rises when you select one mag -what is a "precision" approach anymore? Please enjoy The Finer Points! Fly Your Best, Jason

In this episode we discuss: What Makes a Good CFII? Good Instrument Training? How to Best Use Simulators Please enjoy!

In this episode, I answer listener questions on: Why do pilots tend to land left of the centerline? How to defuel an aircraft safely Please enjoy!

In this podcast, I address how you know when you're ready for an Instrument check ride. We go over what you should be feeling going in and how you should cope with the ride itself. Please enjoy!

In this podcast, we review the importance of learning things correctly the first time and what it takes to change this if your CFI didn't cover it in your basic training. This is what I'd focus on in your first 25 hours. Fly Your Best!

In this podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Howard Donner to dig into some of the finer points I was unable to hit on the latest YouTube video about Box Canyon Turns. Please enjoy and Fly Your Best!

In this podcast, I'm joined by RH from the Opposing Bases podcast. We take listener questions and do a "lightning round" of ATC annoyances. Please enjoy!

In this podcast, I talk with Carson Wagner, a 13-year old student pilot and the youngest YouTuber I know - as the host of "George Has The Wheel." Check out this kid! Way ahead of the game. http://podpage.com/ghtwhe We also review the old "Box Canyon Turn". Please enjoy!

It's not easy to know when it's time to up your personal minimums ... or how you might go about that process. In this podcast, two Flight Instructors discuss their own minima and how we approach this for students. Please enjoy!

In this podcast, I answer a few questions - - How do I approach the Flight Review - How Does Standardization Work - What Would I Say To Somebody Who Doesn't "need" a Checklist Enjoy!

In this podcast, we discuss special VFR. What it is, how to obtain it, and most importantly how it is used in practice.

In this podcast, we discuss the recent mid-air collision in Watsonville California, and discuss the gold standard of ongoing training. Please enjoy!

In this podcast, we discuss pressurization in light airplanes and talk with Captain Doug Morris, author of "This Is Your Captain Speaking". Please enjoy The Finer Points!