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