Flight Tales

Ryan Owens

Ryan Owens, Owner and flight instructor at Owens Flight training interviews other pilots, co-workers, students, air traffic controllers, and talks about everything aviation in these fun and sometimes informative episodes of Flight Tales.

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Avg 43 min
English

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S2 · E13
Thursday · 58 min
Pilot Proficiency Examiner (PPE): What 50+ Years of Flying Teaches You
What does it really mean to stay ahead of the airplane?In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Jeff Brevelle, whose aviation career began right here in Lafayette in 1970 and has taken him through an incredible range of flying, instructing, maintenance, airline operations, and aircraft.Jeff has flown everything from floatplanes, helicopters, King Airs and Citations to Saab 340s, 727s, 737s, MD-11s and DC-3s. Along the way, he’s spent decades teaching, training, checking, and learning what separates simply being able to fly an airplane from actually managing it.We talk about why pilots get behind the airplane, energy management, planning descents and approaches, situational awareness, automation dependency, instrument flying, understanding aircraft systems, and why simply following the magenta line isn't enough. Jeff explains how experienced pilots are thinking miles ahead of where the airplane currently is—and why that skill matters whether you're flying a Cessna 172 or a transport-category jet.We also get into the importance of understanding why the airplane does what it does. Jeff shares why students should understand the systems underneath the cowling instead of simply memorizing what a control does, and why instructors need to adapt their teaching to the individual student.Later in the episode, we dig into advanced pilot topics including energy management, stabilized approaches, workload management, automation, situational awareness, and knowing when it's time to stop trying to salvage an approach and go around.Jeff's biggest lesson after more than five decades in aviation comes back to planning and knowledge: know what you're going to do, know where you need to be, and have another plan ready when things don't happen the way you expected.Whether you're a student pilot, instrument student, CFI, commercial pilot, or experienced aviator, there's something to take away from this conversation.Our mission at Owens Flight Training is to help you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining
S2 · E12
September 17 · 35 min
How to Fly an Approach Plate | What IFR Pilots Need to Know
What do you actually do with an approach plate once you’re flying the approach? In this episode of Flight Tales, we’re breaking down how to actually use an approach plate while flying IFR. Using the VOR/DME RWY 11 approach into Lafayette, Louisiana (KLFT), we walk through the approach from beginning to end and talk about what should be going through your head at each step. We cover how to make sure you have the correct approach, verify that you and the airplane can actually fly it, check equipment and NOTAMs, determine how you’re getting onto the approach, understand when you’re authorized to descend, and stay ahead of the airplane throughout the procedure. We also get into IAFs and FAFs, procedure turns and NoPT, DME arcs, the plan and profile views, loading versus activating an approach in your GPS, selecting the correct transition, MDA versus DA, what you need to see at minimums, and what to do if you have to go missed. Most importantly, we talk about staying ahead of the airplane. Your approach briefing, frequencies, navigation setup, aircraft configuration, minimums, and missed approach should be figured out before you need them. If you’re trying to figure everything out while you’re already descending on the approach, things can snowball quickly. The goal isn’t to memorize an approach plate for your instrument checkride. It’s to understand what the chart is telling you, know what’s coming next, and use that information to safely fly the approach. If you’re working on your instrument rating, preparing for an IFR checkride, or trying to become a more proficient instrument pilot, this episode is for you. Our mission at Owens Flight Training is to help you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.
S2 · E11
September 10 · 27 min
Part 61 vs. Part 91: Do You Know These FAA Regulations?
What’s the difference between FAR Part 61 and Part 91—and which FAA regulations should you actually know before you fly?In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan Owens sits down with flight instructor Fernando to break down two of the most important sections of the FARs for general aviation pilots: Part 61 and Part 91.Instead of simply memorizing regulations for a checkride, Ryan and Fernando look at how these rules affect the decisions pilots make in the real world. They discuss student pilot endorsements, private pilot privileges and limitations, acting vs. logging PIC, passenger currency, flight reviews, instrument currency, medical certificates, PIC authority, VFR weather minimums, required aircraft equipment, inoperative equipment, and more.They also put the regulations into practical scenarios: Can you legally fly after four months away from the airplane? What if your flight review expired yesterday? Can you take passengers if you haven’t made three landings in the last 90 days? What happens when equipment is broken? What should you do when an ATC instruction could compromise safety?Knowing the regulations isn’t just about passing an FAA knowledge test or checkride. It’s about understanding your privileges, limitations, responsibilities, and authority as pilot in command so you can make better decisions when you’re actually flying.If you’re a student pilot, private pilot, instrument student, CFI, or just need a FAR/AIM refresher, this episode is for you.Topics include:Part 61 vs. Part 91, pilot certificates and endorsements, currency vs. proficiency, private pilot privileges and limitations, PIC logging, passenger currency, flight reviews, instrument currency, medical certificates, PIC authority, careless or reckless operation, alcohol regulations, IMSAFE, VFR weather minimums, Special VFR, required equipment, inoperative equipment, aircraft inspections, and ATC clearances.Flight Tales is presented by Owens Flight Training with one mission: helping pilots become safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilots.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining
S2 · E10
August 27 · 48 min
Can You Learn to Fly With a Full-Time Career?
Think you don’t have enough time to learn to fly? Dr. Bose Cheeran became a private pilot while working full-time as an interventional cardiologist, taking call, raising a family, traveling internationally, and dealing with all the normal challenges that come with flight training.In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan Owens sits down with Bose to talk about his journey from a Discovery Flight at Owens Flight Training to earning his Private Pilot Certificate in a Cirrus. What started as a birthday gift from his wife—who hoped one flight might get aviation out of his system—ended up doing exactly the opposite.Bose talks about fitting flight lessons around a demanding medical career, flying after work and on weekends, dealing with motion sickness, staying proficient during breaks in training, preparing for his checkride, and the confidence that came from his first solo.They also dig into what medicine and aviation have in common: checklists, risk management, staying calm during emergencies, knowing your memory items, and fighting complacency. As Bose explains, whether you're dealing with a complication during a medical procedure or an engine failure in an airplane, you can't freeze and start searching for the answer—you need to know how to respond.Plus, Ryan and Bose talk Cirrus training, avionics, CAPS, the new SR20 G7+, Safe Return Autoland, checkride mistakes, get-there-itis, flight planning, and why even the best technology can't protect a pilot from bad decisions.If you've been telling yourself “I don't have time to become a pilot,” Bo's story might change your mind. His advice to other busy professionals is simple: if you want to learn badly enough, you can find the time—even if it takes a little longer.In this episode:Learning to fly while working a demanding full-time careerDiscovery Flights and getting hooked on aviationTraining in a CirrusOvercoming motion sickness during flight trainingFinding time to fly consistentlyFirst solo and building confidencePreparing for the Private Pilot checkrideMistakes and go-arounds during a checkrideCirrus avionics and avoiding automation dependencySR20 G7+ and Safe Return AutolandSimilarities between physicians and pilotsChecklists, emergency procedures and memory itemsComplacency and get-there-itisWhy good preflight planning mattersEvery pilot has a story, and every story has a lesson. Flight Tales with Ryan Owens is about helping you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining
S2 · E9
August 20 · 44 min
Can You Pass This Airspace Mock Checkride? | Sectional Charts Explained
Think you know your airspace? Ryan Owens puts Owens Flight Training instructor Fernando Sequera through a mock-checkride-style breakdown of sectional charts and the airspace knowledge every student pilot should have before the real thing.In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan and Fernando work their way across the sectional and cover Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace, VFR weather minimums, Special VFR, equipment and communication requirements, TRSAs, restricted and prohibited areas, MOAs, TFRs, VFR corridors, terminal area charts, airport symbols, VORs, Victor Airways, maximum elevation figures, magnetic variation, and more.They also get into the practical stuff that matters when you're actually flying: when you need to talk to ATC, how to determine whether special-use airspace is active, why flight following is worth using, what all those symbols on the sectional actually mean, and where to look when you don't know the answer. The episode even works through real-world flight planning scenarios, including navigating complex airspace and considering glide distance over large bodies of water.If you're preparing for your Private Pilot checkride, studying for your written exam, or you're already certificated and could use an airspace refresher, follow along and see how many questions you can answer before Fernando does.Topics include:Class B, C, D, E, G and A airspaceVFR weather minimums and cloud clearancesAirspace entry and equipment requirementsSpecial VFRMOAs, restricted areas, prohibited areas and TFRsSectional chart symbols and airport informationTRSAs and VFR corridorsVORs, Victor Airways and Flight ServiceMaximum Elevation Figures and obstaclesMagnetic variationFlight following and ATC communicationPractical VFR flight planningEvery pilot has a story, and every story has a lesson. Flight Tales with Ryan Owens is about helping you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining
S2 · E8
August 13 · 48 min
What DPEs REALLY Look for on a Checkride with DPE Peyton Enloe
What is a DPE actually thinking during your checkride?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Designated Pilot Examiner Peyton Enloe to talk about what examiners notice, the mistakes that cause pilots to fail checkrides, and what separates a pilot who can simply perform a maneuver from one who actually understands what they're doing.Peyton explains why your checkride starts before you ever get in the airplane—from having your documents and FAA reference materials ready to knowing how to access IACRA without relying on your instructor.Ryan and Peyton also dig into some of the most common weaknesses Peyton sees in flight training, including instructors teaching students how to perform maneuvers without explaining why they're performed that way.In this episode:What DPEs notice when you first walk into a checkrideHow to show up prepared for your practical testCommon mistakes CFIs make when preparing studentsWhy pilots need to understand the "why" behind maneuversFlap usage and when full flaps may not be the best choicePower-on stalls, turning stalls, skids, and spin scenariosWhat pilots misunderstand about steep turnsWhy the ACS should be part of your training—not just checkride prepScenario-based training vs. memorizing proceduresForward slips and why the scenario mattersWhen going around is the right decision on a checkrideHow many go-arounds can become too manyWhat happens after an unsatisfactory maneuverContinuing a checkride after a failed maneuverA real-world example of a pilot landing and taking off downwind during a checkrideWhy stabilized approaches matterHow professional flight operations monitor unstable approachesFuel management mistakes that can become dangerousWhy good decision-making may be the most important skill a pilot developsPersonal minimums for new instrument-rated pilotsWhy instrument students should experience actual IMC during trainingWhat DPEs expect you to know about your autopilotAutomation mistakes that can lead to altitude deviationsWhy you should always fly the airplane firstWhether you're preparing for your Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, or CFI checkride, this conversation gives you a look at practical tests from the examiner's side of the table.The biggest lesson? Don't just memorize what your instructor tells you to do. Understand why you're doing it, know where to find the answer when you don't know it, and learn how to make good decisions when the situation doesn't go exactly as planned.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining
S2 · E7
August 6 · 1 hr 13 min
Aviation Attorney Discusses FAA Violations, NASA Reports & Pilot Rights
What should you do if ATC tells you to "call this number" after landing? Do you have to call? What does a NASA ASRS report actually protect you from? Can the FAA really suspend or revoke your pilot certificate over a simple mistake?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with veteran aviation attorney Dennis Haber to answer the legal questions every pilot should know before they ever find themselves under FAA scrutiny. Dennis shares decades of experience as both a pilot and aviation lawyer, covering everything from FAA investigations and enforcement actions to aircraft ownership, Cirrus safety, engine TBO myths, and buying your first airplane.Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, aircraft owner, or professional aviator, this conversation could save you thousands of dollars—and potentially protect your certificate.In This Episode:Dennis Haber's journey from Navy pilot to aviation attorneyWhat to do if ATC gives you a phone number to callDo you actually have to call the FAA?Why talking too much can hurt your caseThe truth about FAA investigations and enforcementNASA ASRS reports: what they do—and don't—protectWhen certificates get suspended or revokedUnderstanding 709 rides and FAA reexaminationsClass B airspace violations and common pilot mistakesPart 91 vs. Part 135 maintenance requirementsThe truth about engine TBO recommendationsBuying an airplane without getting burnedAircraft purchase agreements and pre-buy inspectionsLLCs for aircraft ownership: are they worth it?Cirrus ownership, COPA, and the CAPS parachute systemSafe Return technology and the future of GA automationLessons learned from an actual engine failureWhy glider flying makes better pilotsCritical aeronautical decision-makingWhether you're preparing for a checkride or have thousands of hours in your logbook, this episode is packed with practical legal and operational advice every pilot should hear.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining
S2 · E6
July 30 · 39 min
Flying Corporate Jets Internationally: Panama, Crew Resource Management & Challenger 300
What does it take to go from teaching students in a Cessna to flying a Challenger 300 business jet across the United States and internationally? In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Brennan Gouaux, a Challenger 300 First Officer, to discuss the realities of corporate aviation, crew resource management, international flying, and what it's really like operating a high-performance business jet. Brennan shares what surprised him most after leaving the flight instructor world, how professional flight crews communicate, why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) matter, and the lessons every pilot should learn before transitioning into multi-crew operations. They also dive into international flying, including trips to Panama, working with international handlers, customs, language barriers, challenging airspace, and how flying outside the United States is very different from domestic operations. Transitioning from CFI to Challenger 300 pilot Corporate aviation vs airline flying Crew Resource Management (CRM) explained How First Officers support captains Why SOPs make flying safer Captain upgrades and Part 135 requirements International business jet operations Flying to Panama and international customs Flight planning outside the U.S. Language barriers and ATC communication Why handlers are essential overseas Life as a corporate jet pilot The importance of speaking up in the cockpit Lessons every pilot can apply to become safer Whether you're a student pilot, flight instructor, aspiring corporate pilot, or simply fascinated by aviation, this conversation provides an inside look at professional flight operations and the teamwork that keeps every flight safe. In this episode:
S2 · E5
July 23 · 43 min
Air Traffic Controller Explains FAA Transfers, Shortages & His Assumptions About Orlando Tower
What does it take to become an air traffic controller at one of the busiest airports in the country?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Jake Ross, an air traffic controller who is leaving Lafayette Regional Airport for an exciting new assignment at Orlando International Airport (MCO).Jake gives an inside look at the FAA transfer process, what controller training is really like, how facilities are staffed, and the challenges of working increasingly busy airspace. The conversation also explores the nationwide controller shortage, how new technology and AI could impact air traffic control, and what pilots should know about communicating with ATC.Ryan also shares stories from flying a brand-new Cirrus SR22T and discusses the importance of preparation, weather planning, and making smart aeronautical decisions.Whether you're a student pilot, experienced aviator, or curious about becoming an air traffic controller, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of aviation's most important careers.Topics Covered:Jake Ross's transfer from Lafayette Tower to Orlando InternationalHow FAA air traffic controller transfers workATC training, certification, and Oklahoma City AcademyThe nationwide air traffic controller shortageController staffing and facility operationsAI and the future of air traffic controlPilot and controller communicationFlying a brand-new Cirrus SR22TWeather planning and preflight decision makingAdvice for becoming a safer, more knowledgeable, and more confident pilotOwens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining
S2 · E4
July 16 · 53 min
How to Buy Your First Airplane with A&P Mechanic Vernon Knowles
Buying an airplane is one of the biggest investments a pilot can make—but choosing the wrong one can cost you far more than the purchase price. In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with A&P/IA mechanic Vernon Knowles to break down everything pilots should know before buying an aircraft. From defining your mission and setting a realistic budget to finding the right mechanic for a pre-buy inspection, this episode is packed with practical advice that could save you thousands of dollars. Whether you're shopping for your first Cessna 172, dreaming of a Bonanza, considering a Cherokee Six, Cessna 210, TBM, King Air, or even a Pilatus PC-12, you'll learn how experienced aircraft owners and mechanics evaluate an airplane before making the purchase. In this episode: How to determine the right airplane for your mission Hidden ownership costs most buyers overlook Why a pre-buy inspection is NOT an annual inspection How to find an aircraft-specific "guru" Red flags when shopping for used airplanes Engine time vs. calendar time—which matters more? Why cheap airplanes can become expensive mistakes Negotiating after a pre-buy inspection Insurance, ferry flights, and first-time ownership Maintenance costs, corrosion, parts availability, and long-term planning If you're thinking about aircraft ownership—or simply want to become a smarter pilot—this episode is a must-watch.
S2 · E3
July 9 · 47 min
A DPE's Best Flying Stories After 28,000 Hours
What was flying like before GPS, ForeFlight, glass cockpits, and even transponders? In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with legendary Louisiana pilot, former Designated Pilot Examiner Cliff Rice, whose aviation career spans more than 65 years and over 28,000 flight hours. Cliff shares incredible firsthand stories from aviation's golden era, including: Learning to fly in 1958 Flying Louisiana governors for decades Operating the original Learjet 23, King Airs, Aero Commanders, and helicopters Giving checkrides as a DPE beginning in 1968 Flying before GPS, ADS-B, DME, and modern avionics How pilots navigated using only paper charts, wind triangles, and dead reckoning Funny and unforgettable passenger stories Lessons learned from emergency situations Why today's pilots have incredible technology—but still need strong fundamentals Whether you're a student pilot, flight instructor, airline pilot, or aviation enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating look at how aviation has evolved and the timeless lessons that never change. If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes of Flight Tales, leave them in the comments below or message us at owensflighttrainingyt@gmail.com
S2 · E2
June 18 · 1 hr 13 min
Practice Approaches with an Air Traffic Controller
In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Air Traffic Controller Nick Jeffers to talk about practice approaches and IFR training flights to weather decisions, missed approaches, traffic sequencing, and pilot communication, Nick shares valuable insights that can make every pilot safer and more effective in the air.Whether you're a student pilot, instrument student, CFI, or experienced aviator, this conversation provides a rare look at what controllers are thinking when they're working your flight.In This Episode:How to properly request multiple practice approachesWhen pilots should file IFR instead of staying VFRCommon communication mistakes student pilots makeWhat ATC needs to know before your flightWhy practice approaches sometimes get delayedWeather decision-making from the controller's perspectiveMissed approaches, alternates, and fuel planningHow controllers sequence training aircraft with airline trafficWhy ATC wants you talking to them—even when you don't have toBehind-the-scenes stories from the radar roomNick also explains how controllers balance safety, efficiency, and training operations while managing everything from Cessnas to regional jets and military aircraft.If you've ever wondered what the person on the other side of the radio is thinking, this episode is for you.Flight Tales brings pilots, instructors, examiners, controllers, and aviation professionals together to share real-world lessons from the cockpit and beyond.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining
S2 · E1
June 11 · 49 min
DPE Reveals Checkride Mistakes Pilots Make w/ Peyton Enloe
What is the difference between a Forward Slip to a Landing and a Power-Off 180? When should pilots go around? What are the most common mistakes Designated Pilot Examiners see during checkrides?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Peyton Enloe, an experienced Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), to discuss practical flying techniques, checkride expectations, and the safety habits every pilot should develop.Topics include:Forward Slip vs. Power-Off 180When a go-around is the right decisionStable approach concepts and FAA emphasis areasCommon checkride mistakes applicants makeCrosswind landing proficiency and training tipsWhy professional pilots are monitored for unstable approachesHow pilot training standards have evolved over the yearsFlying internationally, including operations in Russia and EuropeThe importance of clearing turns and collision avoidanceHabits that separate safe pilots from unsafe onesWhether you're a student pilot preparing for your first checkride, a flight instructor, or an experienced aviator looking to sharpen your skills, this episode is packed with practical knowledge from the examiner's seat.Flight Tales brings real-world aviation stories, training advice, and conversations with pilots, instructors, examiners, mechanics, and industry professionals.Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment with topics you'd like covered in future episodes.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttrainingYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/@OwensFlightTraining
March 5 · 33 min
Flying the Challenger to Aspen, the Virgin Islands & Beyond
From one-way departures in Aspen to island-hopping across the Virgin Islands, this episode of Flight Tales is packed with real-world corporate jet stories, mountain flying challenges, and unforgettable charter trips. We dive into what it’s really like flying a Bombardier Challenger 600 series into high terrain, including the infamous Aspen/Pitkin County Airport approach — 3,000 feet above the runway, terrain warnings blaring, and zero room for error. One-way in, one-way out. We also talk about: ✈️ Flying to Saint Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, Nassau, and Saint Lucia ✈️ The chaos (and comedy) of arguing airport identifiers at a beach bar ✈️ Caribbean ATC without radar ✈️ Mountain departures with traffic passing just below you ✈️ Flying college football charters (including Michigan’s staff) ✈️ Getting “thank you for your service” while wearing a pilot uniform ✈️ The light-switch system that helps prevent approach clearance mistakes ✈️ When flying jets becomes “just a job”… and how to keep the excitement alive If you're a student pilot, corporate pilot, or just love behind-the-scenes aviation stories, this episode gives you the real, unfiltered look at life in the right seat — and what it takes to level up to Captain.
February 5 · 50 min
From Seaplanes to Annuals: Inside the Mind of an Aircraft Mechanic
In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with A&P/IA mechanic and seaplane pilot Vernon Knowles to talk about what really keeps your airplane safe, legal, and running strong. From backcountry-style seaplane flying on the Red River to the gritty reality of annuals, 100-hour inspections, and burnt valves, this one is pure gold for owners, students, and working pilots. Vernon breaks down: How to become an A&P mechanic (school vs. on-the-job experience) and what an IA actually does The real difference between annuals and 100-hour inspections—and why sitting airplanes often cost more to maintain than hard-working flight school birds Engine health 101: compression tests vs. borescope, oil analysis, leaning, and why turbocharged engines love to burn valves Why owners should show up for their annuals, learn what they’re looking at, and stop fighting their mechanic Corrosion, ADs, lav service horror stories, airline vs. GA maintenance culture, and what “treat it like it’s your airplane” really means If you own an airplane, want to buy one, or are thinking about becoming a mechanic, this conversation will change how you look at maintenance forever. Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Drop a comment below and we might cover it on a future Flight Tales!
January 29 · 24 min
You Can’t Cram a Checkride: Real Talk from Flight Instructors
What does it really take to get a student pilot ready for a checkride?In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Chaun to talk candidly about preparing students for FAA checkrides—from private and commercial training to instrument fundamentals.We cover what separates students who pass from those who struggle, why you can’t cram a checkride, and how preparation, immersion, and attitude play a massive role in success. From simulator use and chair flying to managing nerves and avoiding over-control, this episode dives into the realities CFIs see every day.If you’re a student pilot, CFI, or someone thinking about flight training, this episode is packed with real-world lessons you won’t find in a textbook.✈️ In this episode, we discuss:How CFIs know when a student isn’t preparedWhy checkrides are about learning, not memorizingThe role simulators play in building confidence and controlCommon mistakes students make before checkridesWhy immersion in aviation speeds up trainingHelping students break mental blocks and training plateausThe mindset shift from “studying” to truly learningWhether you’re working toward your first solo, prepping for a checkride, or learning how to teach others, this episode reinforces one key takeaway:Don’t just study—learn.
January 15 · 26 min
Passing the CFII Checkride: Holds, Nerves, and Teaching IFR
What’s it really like to take a CFII (Instrument Instructor) checkride? In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Chaun Kraus fresh off passing his CFII checkride to break down the full experience — from the oral exam to the flight, the mistakes, the nerves, and the lessons learned along the way. We talk about: The big gap between an instrument rating and a CFII checkride Why teaching instrument flying forces you to truly understand it IFR holds, wind correction, and why they trip up so many pilots How examiners catch teaching errors — and why wording matters Managing checkride nerves, snowballing mistakes, and self-doubt Explaining complex IFR concepts in a simple, student-friendly way Common regulation traps (alternates, approaches, and scenario questions) Why thinking out loud can save you on a checkride Lessons CFII candidates can apply before their own checkride This episode is packed with real-world CFII advice, honest reflections, and practical teaching insights for: Instrument students CFII applicants Flight instructors Anyone preparing for an FAA checkride If you’re working toward your CFII, struggling with holds, or wondering how to teach IFR more effectively, this one’s for you.
January 8 · 43 min
“Looks Fine Outside” Is a Trap: How Smart Pilots Plan Weather & Make Better Decisions
On this episode of Flight Tales, we get real about weather planning and aeronautical decision-making (ADM)—from using AviationWeather.gov and understanding winds aloft, to why TAFs can flip fast, and how personal minimums keep new pilots out of trouble. We talk about the stuff that actually matters when you stop flying local training blocks and start doing real cross-countries:✈️ How to plan weather days ahead (trend watching) vs. just checking the departure METAR🌫️ Fog season, temperature/dew point spread, and why forecasts can change overnight💨 Cold fronts, “clear sky = windy day” traps, and seasonal patterns that catch new pilots🧭 Commercial long cross-country planning: different terrain, different systems, different risks🟣 Using in-flight tools (ADS-B/ForeFlight/ATC/ASOS) to re-evaluate and divert early🧠 “Wild West Part 91” decisions (just because you can doesn’t mean you should)🎯 Why actual IMC feels nothing like hood time—and how that affects proficiency🤖 Autopilot: helpful safety tool… until it becomes a crutch Bottom line: Plan on the ground, build margins, have a Plan B (and C), and don’t let external pressure make the decision for you.👇 Drop your questions or episode ideas in the comments—we’ll answer what we can. Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining
Dec 11, 2025 · 24 min
Why Every Student Pilot MUST Learn Paper Nav Logs (Before Trusting ForeFlight!)
In this episode of Flight Tales, we dive deep into one of the most overlooked skills in private pilot training—mastering the paper navigation log. New pilots often jump straight into ForeFlight and other advanced EFBs, but without understanding how those numbers are calculated, you’re setting yourself up for trouble on cross-countries, diversions, and your private pilot checkride. 🎙 What we cover in this episode: Why every student pilot should learn paper nav logs before relying on automation How understanding wind correction, dead reckoning, and pilotage builds real situational awareness Why ForeFlight can help you—but also cripple you if it’s all you know How to prepare for scenario-based private pilot checkrides Weight & balance calculations during multi-leg cross-country scenarios Why paper sectionals still matter (and what happens when technology fails) Real-world stories and examples from training without GPS or ForeFlight The importance of preflight planning, aviationweather.gov, and 1800wxbrief Tips for navigating at night and avoiding common student pilot mistakes ✈️ Key takeaway: Automation is an amazing tool—but it should be a luxury, not a crutch. Understanding the fundamentals makes you safer, more confident, and better prepared for anything a flight throws at you.
Nov 20, 2025 · 22 min
From a $20 Rice Festival Helicopter Ride to CFI
On this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with newly-minted CFI Alex Foreman to talk about his unconventional path into aviation. Alex grew up in Crowley, Louisiana, took his very first helicopter ride at the Rice Festival, and still never imagined flying could be a real career. That changed years later after a simple conversation about discovery flights flipped a switch and sent him down the path to becoming a pilot.Alex shares how he dropped out of college, joined the National Guard as a 25H (IT and communications), and seriously considered a 10-year Guard contract to fly helicopters before deciding it was not the right move for his future. Instead, he found Owens Flight Training, took a discovery flight in an airplane, and instantly knew he had found his thing. From there, he pushed through private, instrument, and commercial in about a year while balancing work, Guard duties, and an IT internship.Now a CFI, Alex talks about getting his first students, including one who skipped the discovery flight and went straight into training, how different it feels flying from the right seat, why landings are so hard to teach, and how instructing exposes both your strengths and your bad habits as a pilot. If you are a student pilot, thinking about becoming a CFI, or wondering whether to go the military route or civilian flight school, this episode is packed with real-world insight.For more aviation stories, training tips, and behind-the-scenes flight school life, explore the rest of the Flight Tales episodes on the Owens Flight Training YouTube channel. To learn more about becoming a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot, visit our website at OwensFlightTraining.com.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

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