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.
🔥 Proudly sponsored by PilotPrep.ai – the AI-powered study partner designed to help you master FAA test questions, prep smarter, and pass with confidence.
🎧 Tune in, level up your knowledge, and get one step closer to your pilot’s license or advanced rating!
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Episodes
76 episodes
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
EPISODE 064: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 12: Transition to Complex Airplanes
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook covers transitioning to complex aircraft, including those with retractable landing gear, constant-speed propellers, and advanced avionics. It explains handling characteristics, system operations, and...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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17:09
EPISODE 063: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 11: Night Operations
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook explores the unique challenges of night flying, including night vision limitations, cockpit lighting, airport lighting systems, and night landing techniques. It also covers spatial disorientation ris...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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23:57
EPISODE 062: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 10: Performance Maneuvers
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook explains performance maneuvers, including steep turns, steep spirals, and chandelles. It covers energy management, pitch and bank control, and the importance of smooth control inputs.
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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17:19
EPISODE 061: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 9: Approaches and Landings
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook focuses on approach and landing techniques, including normal, crosswind, short-field, and soft-field landings. It discusses stabilized approaches, go-arounds, and techniques for handling challenging ...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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27:59
EPISODE 060: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 8: Airport Traffic Patterns
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook explains airport traffic patterns, including entry and exit procedures, sequencing, and communication protocols. It provides guidance for safe operations at both towered and non-towered airports, emp...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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34:07
EPISODE 059: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 7: Ground Reference Maneuvers
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook introduces ground reference maneuvers, including rectangular courses, S-turns, and turns around a point. It explains how to apply wind correction angles and maintain proper altitude and airspeed duri...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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16:15
EPISODE 058: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 6: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook covers the fundamentals of takeoffs and departure climbs, including normal, crosswind, and short-field takeoffs. It explains proper control inputs, airspeed management, and climb performance consider...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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12:38
EPISODE 057: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 5: Maintaining Aircraft Control Upset Prevention and Recovery Training
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook covers upset prevention and recovery techniques, helping pilots recognize and recover from unusual attitudes and stalls. It explains proper control inputs and techniques for avoiding loss of control ...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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19:11
EPISODE 056: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 4: Energy Management Mastering Altitude and Airspeed Control
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook explains energy management in flight, focusing on how pilots maintain altitude, airspeed, and aircraft control using power, pitch, and drag. It covers best practices for efficient flight control and ...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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22:28
EPISODE 055: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 3: Basic Flight Maneuvers
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook introduces fundamental flight maneuvers, including straight-and-level flight, climbs, descents, and turns. It explains how to properly control the aircraft using pitch, power, and trim while maintain...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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15:10
EPISODE 054: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 2: Ground Operations
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook covers essential ground operations, including preflight inspections, aircraft servicing, engine starting procedures, taxiing, and securing an aircraft. It also discusses ramp safety, checklist usage,...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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33:59
EPISODE 053: Airplane Flying Handbook - Chapter 1: Introduction to Flight Training
This chapter of the Airplane Flying Handbook introduces the fundamentals of flight training, covering the role of a certificated flight instructor (CFI), the importance of safety, and what to expect in flight training. It also discusses key lea...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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34:50
EPISODE 051: AIM - Chapter 8 - Fitness for Flight
This chapter of the AIM covers medical considerations for pilots, including hypoxia, spatial disorientation, fatigue, dehydration, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It also provides guidance on FAA medical certification requirements.
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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32:03
EPISODE 052: AIM - Chapter 9 - Types of Charts Available
This chapter of the AIM explains how to interpret aeronautical charts, including sectional charts, terminal area charts, and IFR enroute charts. It also covers flight planning best practices, alternate airports, and NOTAM interpretation.
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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18:31