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Welcome to FAA Decoded, the channel where aviation comes to life! Whether you're a pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about how the skies work, we’re here to break down the complex world of flight into clear, engaging, and insightful content. From airspace regulations and FAA policies to operational know-how and the science of aviation, our podcast-style episodes dive deep into the topics that matter.
Join us as we decode the rules, explore the systems, and share practical knowledge to empower your wings — or just fuel your passion for flight. New episodes drop regularly, so subscribe now and hit the bell icon to stay in the loop! Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Drop it in the comments — we’re listening.
Let’s soar smarter together!
FAA Decoded is an independent podcast and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
35 Episodes
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Send us a text Decoding ATC: The Art of Radio Communications | FAA Decoded Podcast #35 Welcome back to FAA Decoded! In Episode 35, a concise 26-minute session, we’re continuing our new series, “Behind the Cockpit,” by tackling one of the most critical skills a pilot can master: radio communications with Air Traffic Control (ATC). Drawing from the official Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and 14 CFR Part 91, we'll demystify the art of talking on the radio. In this episode, we'll cover the...
Send us a text FAA Medical Certificate: A Pilot's Health Check | FAA Decoded Podcast #34 Welcome back to FAA Decoded! In Episode 34, a critical 9-minute session, we're launching a new series, "Behind the Cockpit," by diving into the essential topic of the FAA Medical Certificate. Drawing from the official FAA medical regulations in 14 CFR Part 67 and the A.M.E. Guide, we'll break down everything a pilot needs to know about meeting the health standards to fly. In this episode, we'll explain th...
Send us a text Night Operations Decoded | FAA Decoded Podcast #33 Welcome back to FAA Decoded! In Episode 33, a concise 23-minute session, we dive into the critical world of night operations, a topic that’s both challenging and essential for pilots. Drawing from the Helicopter Flying Handbook, we'll break down the unique physiological and environmental factors that pilots face after the sun goes down. In this episode, we'll explore key topics such as visual deficiencies like night myopia and ...
Send us a text Plane vs. Helicopter: Choosing Your Aviation Path | FAA Decoded Podcast #32 Welcome to FAA Decoded! In Episode 32, a concise 15-minute session, we tackle a fundamental question for aspiring aviators: "Should I fly airplanes or helicopters?" Drawing from our recent deep dive, we'll quickly break down the core considerations for choosing your aviation path in the USA. We'll highlight the pros and cons of flying airplanes, touching on their generally lower training and rental cost...
Send us a text Decoding VFR Navigation: Charts, Compasses, and GPS Essentials | FAA Decoded Podcast #31 Welcome back to FAA Decoded! In Episode 31, we embark on a comprehensive 60-minute journey through Chapter 16 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, where we unravel the critical art of VFR navigation. Whether you're planning your first cross-country flight or looking to sharpen your navigational skills, this episode is your ultimate guide. We'll kick things off by exploring the...
Send us a text Mastering Helicopter Emergencies: Autorotation & Beyond | FAA Decoded Podcast #30 In Episode 30 of FAA Decoded, join us for an in-depth 44-minute discussion on Chapter 11 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, focusing on helicopter emergencies and hazards. We'll demystify autorotation, explaining this critical power-off maneuver, its mechanics, and the factors affecting descent rate, such as airspeed and rotor RPM control. Learn about common errors in autorotat...
Send us a text Airport Operations Simplified | FAA Decoded Podcast #29 In Episode 29 of FAA Decoded, we dive into Chapter 14 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge for a focused 26-minute session on Airport Operations. Learn the essentials of navigating airport environments, from understanding runway markings and taxiway signs to mastering tower communications and traffic patterns. We’ll cover key procedures for takeoffs, landings, and ground operations, while highlighting safety p...
Send us a text Mastering Advanced Helicopter Maneuvers | FAA Decoded Podcast #28 Join us for Episode 28 of FAA Decoded, a focused 25-minute dive into Chapter 10 of the Helicopter Flying Handbook. We unpack advanced flight maneuvers, guiding pilots through critical techniques like high and low reconnaissance, maximum performance takeoffs, and rapid decelerations. Learn how to safely execute steep and shallow approaches, slope operations, and confined area landings, with emphasis on avoiding ha...
Send us a text Aircraft Construction Uncovered | FAA Decoded Podcast #27 In Episode 27 of FAA Decoded, we explore Chapter 3 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge in a concise 37-minute session. Discover the fundamentals of aircraft construction, from FAA certification and airworthiness standards to the four forces of flight—lift, thrust, weight, and drag. We break down major components like the fuselage, wings, empennage, landing gear, and powerplant, while exploring construction ...
Send us a text IFR Flight Essentials | FAA Decoded Podcast #26 Welcome to Episode 26 of FAA Decoded! In this comprehensive 1-hour-and-52-minute episode, we dive deep into Chapter 10 of the Instrument Flying Handbook to break down the essentials of IFR flight. From preflight planning with critical resources like the AIM, A/FD, and NOTAMs, to executing a seamless IFR flight, we cover it all. Learn how to file and manage IFR flight plans, understand ATC clearances, and navigate departures, en ro...
Send us a text Helicopter Performance | FAA Decoded Podcast #25 Welcome to Episode 25 of FAA Decoded! In this 24-minute episode, we take off into Chapter 7 of the Helicopter Flying Handbook to explore helicopter performance. Learn the key factors affecting lift, power, and efficiency, including weight, density altitude, wind, and rotor efficiency. We’ll break down performance charts, hover ceilings, and how to calculate safe operating limits for takeoffs and landings. Whether you’re a rookie ...
Send us a text Aircraft Systems | FAA Decoded Podcast #24 Welcome to Episode 24 of FAA Decoded! In this 58-minute episode, we dive into Chapter 7 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge to explore the essential aircraft systems that keep you flying. Discover the workings of the powerplant—reciprocating engines, turbojets, and turbofans—paired with propellers, plus the fuel, lubrication, cooling, electrical, landing gear, and environmental control systems. We’ll break down engine typ...
Send us a text Risk Management Handbook | FAA Decoded Podcast #23 Welcome to Episode 23 of FAA Decoded! In this 26-minute episode, we dive into the essentials of risk management for pilots, based on the Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2A). Discover how to prioritize safety, build confidence, and enjoy every flight to the fullest. We’ll explore the PAVE checklist—Pilot, Aircraft, Environment, and External Pressures—to identify hazards like poor decision-making or adverse weather, as seen ...
Send us a text The Air Traffic Control System | FAA Decoded Podcast #22 Welcome to Episode 22 of FAA Decoded! In this 30-minute episode, we’re navigating the essentials of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) System for instrument flight rules (IFR) within the National Airspace System (NAS). Based on Chapter 2 of the Instrument Flying Handbook, we’ll explore the communication equipment, procedures, and facilities that keep IFR flights safe and efficient. Learn about VHF radio frequencies (118.000–13...
Send us a text Understanding the Rotorcraft Flight Manual | FAA Decoded Podcast #21 Welcome to Episode 21 of FAA Decoded! In this 21-minute episode, we’re unpacking the vital role of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) and how to understand it for safe helicopter operations. Based on Chapter 5 of the Helicopter Flying Handbook, we’ll dive into the legal requirements under 14 CFR Part 91 that mandate pilot compliance with the RFM, standardized by GAMA specifications. We’ll explore its structure...
Send us a text Aircraft Flight Instruments | FAA Decoded Podcast #20 Welcome to Episode 20 of FAA Decoded! In this 41-minute episode, we’re diving into the critical world of aircraft flight instruments, an essential topic for every pilot. Drawing from Chapter 8 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, we’ll explore the instruments that keep you informed and in control during flight. We’ll break down the key systems—pitot-static, gyroscopic, and magnetic instruments—covering how they...
Send us a text Helicopter Basic Flight Maneuvers | FAA Decoded Podcast #19 Welcome to Episode 19 of FAA Decoded! In this 26-minute episode, we’re breaking down the essentials of helicopter basic flight maneuvers, a must-know for every aspiring pilot. Drawing from Chapter 9 of the Helicopter Flying Handbook, we’ll guide you through the foundational skills needed to master a standard single-rotor helicopter. We’ll start with the basics—straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents—and ...
Send us a text Helicopter Aerodynamics | FAA Decoded Podcast #18 Welcome to Episode 18 of FAA Decoded! In this 25-minute episode, we take a deep dive into helicopter aerodynamics, focusing on the forces and principles unique to rotorcraft flight. While we explored the broader "Principles of Flight Explained" back in Episode 4 using the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, this time we’re zeroing in on helicopters with insights from Chapter 2, "Aerodynamics of Flight," of the Helicopter...
Send us a text Aviation Weather Services and Data | FAA Decoded Podcast #17 Welcome to Episode 17 of FAA Decoded! In this comprehensive 44-minute episode, we dive into the world of aviation weather services and data, a critical topic for every pilot. Drawing from Chapter 13 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, we’ll explore the multifaceted system that keeps pilots informed about the atmosphere. Learn how agencies collaborate to gather and share vital weather info, from surface ...
Send us a text Hudson River Helicopter Crash: Analysis and Initial Findings | FAA Decoded Podcast #16 Welcome to Episode 16 of FAA Decoded! In this 14-minute episode, we analyze a tragic event—the fatal Bell 206L helicopter crash in the Hudson River on April 10th, as covered by the YouTube channel Blancolirio. We’ll break down the flight path, helicopter details, and weather conditions, which all seemed normal until a catastrophic failure occurred near the Holland Tunnel. What caused this dis...
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