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On Centerline

Sam Tarrel, The Northwest Aeronaut

A show by aviators, for aviators. Join the discussion with real aviators as we explore the trials and tribulations of flight training from the student and flight instructor perspectives. Listen to stories from pilots in all different stages of their careers to hear the challenges they faced, and how they overcame those challenges.

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24 episodes
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Avg 28 min
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#70
Thursday · 19 min
Understanding the Steep Spiral | Back to the Airplane Flying Handbook
In this episode of the On Centerline Podcast, we're going back to the Airplane Flying Handbook to take a closer look at the steep spiral. As we've done with previous episodes in this series, we'll read directly from the FAA's handbook, discuss what it has to say about the maneuver, and break down the concepts and techniques pilots should understand. The steep spiral is a commercial pilot maneuver, and is one of the most mis-understood maneuvers we do in training. Today, we'll work through the FAA's guidance, talk about the purpose of the maneuver, and discuss the details that matter when it comes to flying it safely and correctly. This episode is also a companion to my Steep Spiral flight video, where you can watch me fly the maneuver and see it in action. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#69
September 24 · 39 min
Ground Reference Maneuvers - Straight From the Airplane Flying Handbook
Ground reference maneuvers are often taught as a collection of separate maneuvers—rectangular courses, turns around a point, S-turns across a road, and eights around pylons etc. But are they really different maneuvers? In this episode, we go straight to the FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook to look at ground reference maneuvers from the source. No matter the shape, the various elemental ground reference maneuvers are really teaching us the same fundamental skills. So rather than focusing on how to fly one particular maneuver, this episode focuses on the common techniques and fundamental skills that connect them all—and why understanding those commonalities can make ground reference maneuvers much easier to understand and teach. This is a part of our ongoing series of episodes where we go directly to the Airplane Flying Handbook to cut through myths, misconceptions, and maneuver-specific lore and examine what the FAA actually says. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#68
September 3 · 31 min
Slow Flight Myths Vs. The Airplane Flying Handbook
Welcome to the On Centerline Podcast! Slow flight is one of those maneuvers that seems to generate endless debate, myths, and misconceptions. How slow should you fly? What configuration should you use? How should the airplane be controlled? In this episode, we’re setting opinions aside and going straight to the source: the FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook. This is the first episode in what I hope will become a long-running series dedicated to reading directly from the Airplane Flying Handbook and examining what it actually says about the maneuvers we teach and fly. The goal is simple: cut through the myths, misconceptions, and endless interpretations by going straight to the source. Rather than adding another opinion to the conversation, we’ll read the FAA’s guidance on slow flight and examine it as it is written. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you’ve heard about slow flight actually matches what the FAA teaches, this episode is for you. No myths. No assumptions. No opinions. Just straight from the source. Let’s read the handbook. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#67
August 13 · 29 min
Turns Around A Point ISN'T THE POINT!
Welcome to the On Centerline video podcast! Episode Content starts at 10:47 Today we take a closer look at how instructors teach maneuvers — and why jumping straight into any given maneuver may be missing the bigger lesson. We will be using turns around a point as a case study today. Turns around a point isn’t really the skill. It’s an exercise designed to develop a pilot’s ability to maneuver an airplane in relation to the ground. That means understanding things like wind correction, ground track, and the relationship between speed, bank angle, rate of turn and radius of turn before we worry about checking the boxes of a particular maneuver. This episode explores the difference between teaching a maneuver and teaching the fundamental skill that the maneuver is meant to develop. We’ll get into the details of ground reference maneuvers, turns around a point, wind correction, and how I believe instructors can approach these exercises in a way that produces pilots who actually understand what they’re doing—not just pilots who know how to perform a checkride maneuver. Because the maneuver isn't the lesson. The maneuver is the practice. If you're a flight instructor, student pilot, or simply interested in becoming a better pilot, this one is for you. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#66
June 25 · 31 min
Proposed Changes to the CFII Check Ride
The CFI-I check ride is designed to ensure flight instructors can safely and effectively teach instrument flying—but does the current practical test truly evaluate the skills that matter most in today's training environment? In this episode of the On Centerline Podcast, I share my personal proposals for how the CFI-I check ride could be improved. We’ll discuss areas where the current evaluation process may fall short, skills that deserve greater emphasis, and potential changes that could better prepare instrument instructors for the realities of teaching in the national airspace system. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#65
June 11 · 21 min
5 Signs of a Professional Pilot
What separates a professional pilot from everyone else? It’s often not the big things—it’s the small habits and skills that consistently show up in every phase of flight. In this episode of the On Centerline Podcast, we discuss five telltale signs of a true professional pilot: disciplined brake usage, smooth aircraft control, exceptional situational awareness, clear and concise radio communications, and precise airspeed management. Whether you're a student pilot working toward your first certificate or a seasoned aviator looking to sharpen your skills, these traits can elevate both safety and proficiency, and show that you don't have to BE a professional in order to FLY like one. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#64
May 30 · 25 min
The Importance of Takeoff Briefings
Before every takeoff, pilots brief engine failures, abort points, runway lengths, terrain, weather, and emergency plans… or at least they should. In this episode of the On Centerline Podcast, we dive into the often-overlooked art of the takeoff briefing and why so many pilots either skip it entirely or reduce it to a rushed, meaningless routine. We discuss what actually makes a takeoff briefing effective, how different conditions should change the briefing, and why a one-size-fits-all script can leave pilots unprepared when things go wrong. From runway environment and aircraft performance to passenger considerations and emergency decision making, we break down the many factors pilots should think through before advancing the throttle. A good takeoff briefing isn’t about sounding professional — it’s about building a clear mental game plan before one of the highest workload phases of flight. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#63
May 16 · 25 min
360s in the PATTERN!
The airport traffic pattern is one of the highest-risk environments in aviation for mid-air collisions — and non-standard maneuvering is often a major factor. In this episode of the On Centerline Podcast, we break down the dangers of performing 360° turns in the traffic pattern, especially at uncontrolled airports, and explain why these maneuvers can quickly create confusion, blind spots, and collision hazards for everyone in the pattern. We’ll discuss why 360s should never be used as a spacing tool in the uncontrolled airport environment and offer 3 safer, more predictable alternatives that help maintain sequencing without sacrificing safety. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#62
May 2 · 40 min
Additional Pilot Training (and the endorsements you'll need)
A good pilot is always learning! These are words I live by and that's why today we will be discussing additional training you may want or NEED as you go through your aviation career! For you flight instructors out there, there will be times you will have well established and accomplished pilots come to you for additional training, and you will need to know how to best structure their training and how to properly log and endorse their logbooks. Today we discuss the experience and endorsements required to train an established pilot for additional privileges and ratings. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#61
April 18 · 26 min
Do you need a medical to fly?
With the passage of MOSAIC things have changed in a dramatic way in the world of aviation when it comes to medicals and the privileges of all pilots when it comes to not having a medical! Today we discuss these changes and talk about all the things you can do WITHOUT a medical! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#60
April 4 · 34 min
Multi-Engine Ground School Part 3: Performance and Limitations
Multi-Engine flying is some of the most fun and rewarding flying you can do! As multi-engine pilots it's critical to understand the performance capabilities and limitations of our aircraft. Today we discuss the performance and limitations a multi-engine aircraft and how they can differ from single-engine aircraft! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#59
March 21 · 34 min
Multi-Engine Ground School Part 2! - VMC
Multi-Engine flying is some of the most fun and rewarding flying you can do! As multi-engine pilots there are some key aerodynamic principles we need to understand and be proficient with handling. Today we discuss Vmc and the perils of flying on a single engine in a multi-engine aircraft! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#58
March 7 · 27 min
Multi-Engine Ground School - Aerodynamics and the Critical Engine
Multi-Engine flying is some of the most fun and rewarding flying you can do! As multi-engine pilots there are some key aerodynamic principles we need to understand and be proficient with handling. Today we discuss the aerodynamics involved with the critical engine in our first installment of our multi-engine ground school! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#57
February 21 · 29 min
GPS Is Making Us Dumb!
As with everything in aviation, there are no human instincts that come into play or naturally inherited traits. Flying is something that is completely foreign to human beings so everything we do in an airplane is a LEARNED trait. Unfortunately we don't always teach, or get taught the right things the right way, and these days pilots are not being taught to LOOK OUTSIDE. With the advent of GPS, ADSB and all the other pretty things we have on digital displays these days, pilots are being taught simply to look inside and never to look up except to land. Today we discuss the harm this type of training is doing and what YOU can do to overcome it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#56
February 7 · 20 min
Assessments - How instructors learn to teach!
Learning to be an effective flight instructor can be TOUGH. They say the best way to learn something is to TEACH it and that is what proper assessments can help us to do! Today we discuss the different kinds of assessments and how we as flight instructors can actually use our own students to teach us to be better educators! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#55
Dec 23, 2025 · 18 min
Do you know the THREE types of weather reports?
If there is one thing all pilots struggle with UNIVERSALLY, it's WEATHER! Today we discuss the THREE types of weather reports available to us, and try to gain a better understanding of how to compare and contrast these reports to one another to gain the most vivid picture of what the weather is doing for a given flight. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#54
Sep 13, 2025 · 29 min
How to train a Helicopter Pilot - Advanced Endorsements
As a flight instructor not everyone you will be working with are student pilots. There will be times you will have well established and accomplished pilots come to you for additional training, and you will need to know how to best structure their training and how to properly qualify them for their check ride. Today we discuss the experience and endorsements required to train an established helicopter flight instructor for their single-engine airplane add-on. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#53
Sep 6, 2025 · 49 min
Endorsements for Student Pilots
Learning to be an effective flight instructor is hard enough for most people as it is. Add to that all the regulatory requirements and record keeping you have to do and it can become overwhelming for many people! Endorsements are typically one of the things new flight instructors struggle the most with when it comes to the "paperwork" side of being an instructor, and they can also have some of the most severe consequences if you get them wrong! Today we discuss the endorsements needed to get a student pilot from "zero to hero". Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#52
Aug 30, 2025 · 18 min
Certificates VS. Ratings - What's the Difference!?
In aviation, communication is critical for safety. Being sloppy with our words can have unintended consequences that can lead to accidents and incidents. So it's imperative we are always using the right words to refer to the right things at the right times. When it comes to the difference between a pilot certificate and a pilot rating, we may not be talking about life and death, but nonetheless we should not only know the difference between the two, but we should be using these terms properly in everyday conversation. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte
#51
Aug 23, 2025 · 18 min
CFI Intervention! HOW and WHEN to take control!
Knowing HOW and WHEN to intervene as a flight instructor is one of the hardest things for new CFIs to learn and even harder for any CFI to master. Today we discuss the different types of intervention we can utilize and when we should utilize them. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Receive early access to all episodes and support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182804/support Youtube: www.youtube.com/northwestaeronaut Instagram: @northwest_aeronaut TikTok: nw_aeronaut Website: www.northwestaeronautics.com Music - Epidemic Sound: Go Higher - FLYIN Vegas - Onda Norte

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