The Pilot’s Checklist
✈️ Welcome to The Pilot’s Checklist – the ultimate podcast for aspiring pilots looking to conquer their FAA written exams with confidence!
📚 We go through FAA manuals, one by one, and break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons, insider tips, and real-world flying insights.
🛩️ Whether you’re studying for your Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, or beyond, this podcast is your go-to co-pilot for success.
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🎧 Tune in, level up your knowledge, and get one step closer to your pilot’s license or advanced rating!
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Episodes
90 episodes
Private Pilot ACS | Area of Operation 12: Special Emphasis Areas
These are safety-critical concepts (like stall/spin awareness, collision avoidance, and ADM) that are woven throughout the checkride, not tested in isolation.
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Season 6
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Episode 12
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3:29
Private Pilot ACS | Area of Operation 10: Postflight Procedures
Looks at proper shutdown, securing the aircraft, and postflight inspections.
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Season 6
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Episode 10
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4:15
Private Pilot ACS | Area of Operation 8: Basic Instrument Maneuvers
Ensures the pilot can maintain aircraft control using only flight instruments, useful during unintentional entry into IMC.
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Season 6
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Episode 8
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3:56
Private Pilot ACS | Area of Operation 7: Flight at Critically Slow Airspeeds (Slow Flight and Stalls)
Assesses recognition and recovery from aerodynamic stalls and the ability to safely fly the aircraft at minimum controllable airspeeds.
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Season 6
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Episode 7
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4:20
Private Pilot ACS | Area of Operation 6: Navigation
Demonstrates the pilot’s skill in pilotage, dead reckoning, using electronic navigation, and managing a cross-country flight.
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Season 6
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Episode 6
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4:37
Private Pilot ACS | Area of Operation 5: Performance and Limitations
Tests the ability to perform precise maneuvers such as steep turns, slow flight, and stalls, while understanding aircraft performance limits.
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Season 6
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Episode 5
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4:47
Private Pilot ACS | Area of Operation 3: Airport Operations
Assesses safe and efficient operations on the ground—taxiing, runway use, communications, and situational awareness.
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Season 6
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Episode 3
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4:43
Private Pilot ACS | Area of Operation 2: Preflight Procedures
Focuses on how the pilot conducts inspections, checks systems, and safely prepares the aircraft for engine start, taxi, and flight.
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Season 6
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Episode 2
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3:44
Private Pilot ACS | Area of Operation 1: Preflight Preparation
Covers the pilot’s knowledge of regulations, airspace, weather, performance calculations, and cross-country planning. It's all the groundwork before flying.
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Season 6
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Episode 1
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7:11
EPISODE 086: Instrument Procedures Handbook - Chapter 6: Airborne Navigation Databases
Airborne navigation databases are critical for modern IFR operations, ensuring pilots have accurate and up-to-date information for safe flight planning and execution. This episode explores the components of navigation databases, including waypo...
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Season 5
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Episode 6
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12:00
EPISODE 084: Instrument Procedures Handbook - Chapter 4: Approaches
Continuous improvement in instrument procedures is vital for aviation safety. This episode explores ongoing modernization efforts in IFR operations, including new navigation technologies, procedural enhancements, and advancements in performance...
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Season 5
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Episode 4
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58:37
EPISODE 083: Instrument Procedures Handbook - Chapter 3: Arrivals
Instrument arrivals help pilots transition from enroute flight to approach procedures safely. This episode explains Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs), ATC clearance expectations, and how to effectively manage altitude and speed constrain...
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Season 5
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Episode 3
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46:57
EPISODE 081: Instrument Procedures Handbook - Chapter 1: Departure Procedures
Departing safely in instrument conditions requires an understanding of IFR departure procedures, including Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs). This episode covers IFR clearance expectations, obstacle ...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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38:05
EPISODE 080: Instrument Flying Handbook - Chapter 11: Emergency Operations
Emergencies can happen anytime, and IFR pilots must be prepared. This episode covers lost communications, electrical failures, engine-out scenarios, and ATC assistance during IFR emergencies. Learn best practices for handling high-stress situat...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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33:55
EPISODE 078: Instrument Flying Handbook - Chapter 9: Navigation Systems
Modern navigation systems provide critical guidance for IFR pilots. This episode explores VOR, GPS, ILS, and RNAV systems. Learn how to interpret navigation signals, plan efficient IFR routes, and use automation effectively.
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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29:19
EPISODE 076: Instrument Flying Handbook - Chapter 6: Airplane Attitude Instrument Flying
Attitude instrument flying is the core of IFR flight. This episode explains the primary and supporting method, control and performance method, and instrument scanning techniques. Learn how to develop precise instrument flying skills.
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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27:15
EPISODE 075: Instrument Flying Handbook - Chatper 5: Flight Instruments
Flight instruments are the foundation of IFR flying. In this episode, we explore the pitot-static system, gyroscopic instruments, and glass cockpit displays. Learn how instrument failures affect flight and how to recognize erroneous indications...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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1:01:43
EPISODE 073: Instrument Flying Handbook - Chapter 3: Human Factors
Pilots must understand the human factors affecting instrument flight. This episode covers spatial disorientation, sensory illusions, fatigue, and cockpit workload management. We also discuss how stress and decision-making impact safe IFR operat...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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17:20
EPISODE 071: Instrument Flying Handbook - Chapter 1: National Airspace System
Understanding the National Airspace System (NAS) is essential for all instrument-rated pilots. In this episode, we cover airspace classifications, controlled and uncontrolled airspace, and the operational requirements for IFR flights. We also d...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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20:43
EPISODE 070: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 18: Emergency Procedures
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook covers in-flight emergencies, including engine failures, fires, forced landings, and system malfunctions. It explains how to use checklists, maintain situational awareness, and follow best practices ...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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37:08
EPISODE 069: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 17: Transition to Light Sport Airplanes (LSA)
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook explores the transition to Light Sport Airplanes (LSA), covering handling characteristics, weight and balance considerations, and performance differences from standard aircraft. It provides best prac...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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22:18
EPISODE 068: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 16: Transition to Jet-Powered Airplanes
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook explains the transition to jet aircraft, covering high-speed aerodynamics, jet engine operation, swept-wing characteristics, and energy management. It also discusses high-altitude considerations, inc...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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17:32
EPISODE 067: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 15: Transition to Turboprop Airplanes
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook discusses the transition to turboprop aircraft, including power management, propeller control, and differences in aerodynamic handling. It also covers the operation of turbine engines and performance...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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14:58
EPISODE 066: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 14: Transition to Tailwheel Airplanes
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook covers the transition to tailwheel airplanes, discussing the differences in handling, ground operations, and takeoff and landing techniques. It explains the unique challenges of tailwheel aircraft, i...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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20:20
EPISODE 065: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 13: Transition to Multiengine Airplanes
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook discusses the transition to multiengine airplanes, covering asymmetric thrust, engine-out procedures, and Vmc (minimum controllable airspeed) considerations. It explains the unique aerodynamics and h...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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24:16