Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for The Student Pilot Cast
LeisureAviation

The Student Pilot Cast

Bill Williams

This is a podcast for anyone interested in aviation. While it started as a podcast to follow Bill's primary training, it has evolved into a podcast about how all of us can continually improve our flying. This is the audio only feed. The audio podcasts are not necessarily the same content as the video podcasts, so if you want all the content, please check out both. The video feed is mostly available on Youtube, now (inlcuding the back catalog), and you can find it by searching for "Student Pilot Cast" there or use this link: https://www.youtube.com/@studentpilotcast.

Play
Open in
  • 26 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 52 min
  • English

Episodes 26

NewestOldestLongest
All20Unplayed20In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • #99
    Wednesday · 17 min

    SPC099 [BR] The Starting Gun — What MOSAIC Means for Student Pilots

    MOSAIC took effect right in the middle of Oshkosh this year. A few months later, here's what actually showed up, what it costs, and what it means if you're learning to fly. This is my AirVenture 2026 industry report, the one I promised you back in Episode 94. I look at two big stories through one lens: what do they mean for a student pilot, for someone thinking about getting started, or for a pilot who wants a more affordable airplane? We walk through the first MOSAIC trainers from Van's, Sling, Pipistrel and others, and how their purchase prices and fuel burn compare with a new 172 or Archer. I also get into what the new rules really unlocked, including flying in actual clouds, and why sport pilot is now a much more useful starting point. On the panel side, it's Garmin AXIS, Dynon and a bold little startup called Airhart. I also share a caution about technology and good pilots, why you shouldn't wait for new airplanes to start training, and my hope for where MOSAIC takes this industry over the next five years. Were you at Oshkosh? Tell me what you saw at https://studentpilotcast.com/radiocheck. Links: Radio Check (voicemail): https://studentpilotcast.com/radiocheck The Friday Flight Brief newsletter: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief/ All episodes: https://studentpilotcast.com/episodes/ Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #98
    October 26 · 51 min· Video

    SPC098 [CS] Hit Record — How to Record Your Cockpit Audio

    How do you record your flight lessons? Nick, a listener in Houston, asked me the same question I got in 2009, so I flew with six recorders running at once, then tested five cables on the ground to find out what actually works in 2026. We start with why it matters: in the moment you hear maybe a quarter of what your instructor says, and listening back is one of the best debrief tools there is. Then the options: a recording headset like the Lightspeed Delta Zulu, the classic splitter cable into a recorder, 32-bit float recorders like the DJI Mic 2 and Insta360 Mic Pro, a USB-C cable straight into your phone, and recording into a camera. Along the way you'll hear what clipping sounds like, why 32-bit float still isn't foolproof, and how much the cable itself matters. Then the real question: what do you want the recording for? Clean panel audio is perfect for a transcript but sounds sterile, so we also cover a lav mic in your ear cup and recording two tracks for a natural cockpit sound. There's a lot of "listen to this, now this" in this one. If your podcast app shows chapter art, the labels are on screen. The full video is at https://studentpilotcast.com/98. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #97
    October 17 · 29 min· Video

    SPC097 [BR] Never Skip the Debrief — Five Questions After Every Flight

    Your logbook knows you flew. It has no idea what you learned. In this Briefing Room episode: five questions to ask after every flight (Surprise, Workload, Skill, Decision, and Goal), where the self-debrief came from (FITS and learner-centered grading), and a simple system to capture your goal, bridge it into your next flight, and close the loop. Leave your answer to question five at studentpilotcast.com/radiocheck. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #96
    October 6 · 24 min· Video

    SPC096 [HS] Logging Is Not Learning — Inside FlyORKA's Feedback Loop

    At AirVenture 2026 I sat down with Adriana, founder of FlyORKA, expecting an app demo. I walked away with a line I haven't been able to shake: logging is not learning. Adriana spent her career as a flight test engineer, learning to fly airplanes nobody had flown before. That path led her into gliders, tailwheel, and aerobatics, a pile of soaring records, and years of ab initio instruction. Her whole training philosophy comes down to one idea: we don't learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience. We talk about what flight test can teach a student pilot about every lesson: observe with curiosity, record without judging, then share what you found. Adriana tells the story of waiting through all of her primary training for honest feedback, and what she finally heard when it came. And we break down ORKA (Observe, Record, Know yourself, Assess and adjust), a structure for debriefing every flight and making your progress visible to your instructor, your peers, and the people cheering you on from the ground. Not a sponsorship, but Adriana offered listeners 15% off FlyORKA for 12 months with code STUDENTPILOTCAST. She made 50 codes, so it's first come, first served. Fair warning: we lost some audio and video during the recording, so the conversation jumps in a few places. That one's on me. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Fly ORKA — We log memories—not just flight hours Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #95
    September 9 · 52 min· Video

    SPC095 [HS] Pull Early, Pull Often — Inside Cirrus Training

    At AirVenture this year I sat down in the Cirrus compound with Eamon Powers, the Director of Cirrus Approach — the man who owns every piece of training content Cirrus produces, for pilots and for mechanics. Twelve or fourteen years ago the fatal accident rate in the Cirrus fleet was, being generous, unremarkable, and there was a real argument in this industry about whether the parachute was helping at all. That number has moved a long way since. I wanted to know what actually moved it, how they know what moved it, and how much of it the rest of us can steal — because most of you listening aren't flying a Cirrus. What I got was a lot better than a company pitch. Eamon has a PhD in instructional design, an ATP, and an A&P, and he'll be the first to tell you the business card looks a little silly. We get into why every syllabus in America puts the first solo before lesson 20, and why that number is a leftover from World War II. What he calls "time to independence." How you keep a safety briefing from going rote. The CSIP standardization machine. The hardest number in aviation safety — the denominator. And the training nobody ever asks their mechanic about. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Cirrus training Cirrus Approach — the training platform, for pilots: https://www.cirrusapproach.com/pilots/ Cirrus Approach course catalog: https://learning.cirrusapproach.com/learning-catalog CAPS course — free, open to anyone, you don't have to own or fly a Cirrus:https://learning.cirrusapproach.com/courses/424/overview Mission Ready 2026 Simulator Sessions: https://learning.cirrusapproach.com/courses/821/overview Cirrus Embark — complimentary transition training when you buy a pre-owned Cirrus:https://cirrusaircraft.com/embark/ Cirrus Training Network — find a Cirrus Training Center or a CSIP near you:https://cirrusaircraft.com/training-network/ Becoming a CSIP (Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot): http://csip.cirrusaircraft.com Becoming a Cirrus Training Center: https://cirrusaircraft.formstack.com/forms/ctc_application Cirrus flight training overview: https://cirrusaircraft.com/approach/caps-training-course/ Also mentioned COPA — Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association: https://www.cirruspilots.org/ Cirrus IQ (the data platform, built on the Garmin GDL 60): https://cirrusaircraft.com/cirrus-iq-faq/ TRAC10 — the clean-sheet trainer Cirrus introduced in July 2026:https://cirrusaircraft.com/aircraft/trac10/ Student Pilot Cast Radio Check — leave me a voicemail: https://studentpilotcast.com/voicemail/ The Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief/ Three Simple Questions for ADM (free PDF): https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions/ All episodes: https://studentpilotcast.com/episodes/ Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #94
    August 9 · 59 min· Video

    SPC094 [HS] Engine Out - Who Showed Up

    In episode 94 of the Student Pilot Cast, Bill recounts an unplanned start to AirVenture 2026 after the engine in his Jabiru quit over far southeastern Colorado on July 18, forcing an off-airport landing in a cornfield with his son Trey; both were unhurt and the airplane remains repairable with minor gear damage and an unresolved engine issue. Rather than a debrief, Bill focuses on gratitude for the “rings” of people who helped: Trey’s calm, useful cockpit support; his wife Crystal’s steady response, prayer, and communication with worried family; airline crews relaying the mayday on guard; ATC/FAA personnel tracking him down by phone; local deputies and responders; fire chief Everett and his wife Becky transporting and hosting them; friend Kent flying a Mooney rescue to continue to Oshkosh; and the broader aviation community at Oshkosh that shared support, stories, and connections. This is not the debrief of the emergency...that comes later. This is arguably more important...the human side. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #93
    July 31 · 47 min

    SPC093 [HS] Day Four of Days Not Mattering

    It's Thursday night at Camp Scholler, day four of days not mattering, and Kent and I sat down with one goal: be smart-asses about a few things we'd seen at AirVenture. So we get into it. Textron had us all convinced this was the year the Pipistrel Panthera would finally get certified under MOSAIC — and instead we got another two-seat trainer. The Camp Scholler bathhouse has quietly relocated the towel hooks inside the shower. The night air show is still the best thing in aviation, but somebody counted down "two minutes to hack" and then made us wait ten more for two drones and a flag. Also, everybody please sit down and stop filming it. Then Bob Bittner wandered into the conversation and blew up our whole gripe session, because the 2026 AirVenture Cup — the one Kent has rechristened the SmokeVenture Cup — turned out to be a much better story than anything we were complaining about. We tried to be snide. We learned things instead. That's episode 93. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Links Mentioned The AirVenture Cup AirVenture Cup Race — official site 2026 race course 2026 results — EAA Hangar Flying Wildfire smoke postpones the race (WSAW) The race finally launches from smoky Wausau skies (WSAW) Learn Build Fly — Wausau youth aviation program Bob's airplane Cozy Mark IV Rutan VariEze — where the canard family started Long-EZ (EAA) Textron, Pipistrel & MOSAIC Pipistrel (a Textron eAviation company) Pipistrel Panthera Textron buys Pipistrel, 2022 (AOPA) FAA MOSAIC rule MOSAIC explained — FAQ (AOPA) Other things we talked about SubSonex personal jet kit (Sonex Aircraft) Camp Scholler (EAA) Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #92
    July 17 · 11 min

    SPC092 [HS] Storms, Smoke, and Bladders...Let's Go!

    In Episode 92, we join Bill and Trey talking briefly about their upcoming trip to OSH in a light sport aircraft, Lil' Rue. B Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #91
    July 10 · 25 min· Video

    SPC091 [BR] ADM in Three Simple Questions - Or How NOT to Become a Case Study

    In Episode 91, Bill teaches a simple aeronautical decision-making framework for go/no-go and continue/divert decisions built around three simple questions: can the airplane do it? Can I do it? And is it legal? He breaks each question into three lenses—aircraft performance/envelopes/condition; pilot proficiency/physiology/capability under pressure; and legal airworthiness/mission-specific regs/paperwork—highlighting how pilots can miss risks or rationalize. He adds a “three strikes” rule where three “yellow” factors stacked together mean a no-go, and recommends post-flight learning with five quick debrief questions. He shares a headwind-induced fuel stop example, offers a free two-page PDF at studentpilotcast.com/threequestions, and invites listeners to connect, including at Oshkosh. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #90
    July 3 · 1 hr 21 min· Video

    SPC090 [BTC] A Tragic Past - Changing The Pilots (ATP-CTP)

    In Episode 90, Beyond the Checkride, Bill and Kent reflect on the 2009 Colgan Air 3407 crash near Buffalo and how it drove regulatory changes including the 1,500-hour rule and the FAA-required ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP). They discuss what ATP-CTP is, how provider and instructor quality can vary, and what Kent experienced taking it independently (about $4,000) with nearly 3,000 hours and single-engine turbine Part 135 time. They outline regulatory requirements (30 hours ground, 10 hours simulator) covering high-altitude aerodynamics, weather radar, air carrier operations, and CRM/leadership, emphasizing lessons from accidents like Air France 447, Tenerife, United 232, and American 965. Kent describes key sim takeaways such as high-altitude stall recovery requiring nose-down and significant altitude loss, automation differences, EGPWS/windshear maneuvers, and the importance of mindset, SOPs, checklists, and professionalism. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #89
    June 26 · 53 min· Video

    SPC089 [CS] Hi - Nice to Meet Rue

    In Episode 89, we join Bill as he introduces everyone to his airplane, a 2008 Jabiru J230. Come along on a flight with him and he'll tell you all about the plane, but also dive into some of the interesting things from the flight. This is part of the Cockpit Series where we go on a flight together, learn what we can, and have a little fun. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #88
    June 19 · 50 min· Video

    SPC088 [HS] Powered by Human Intelligence, a Discussion with Jason Miller

    In Episode 88, Bill welcomes Jason Miller, two-time FAA Western Pacific CFI of the Year and founder of The Finer Points, to discuss how his platform evolved into an flight training app that models real-world lessons with briefings, flights, and debriefs across five courses. They talk about uneven student preparation, the 2015–2023 “explosive growth” period that left inexperienced CFIs training newer pilots, and signs of degraded proficiency and safety concerns, alongside the FAA’s overhaul of written tests to reduce memorization and align questions with the ACS. Jason explains the free CFI Club’s mentorship focus, monthly meetings, and “CFI Handbook” videos, and why he chose a career instructing path. They cover technology’s impact—YouTube safety content, EFB benefits and distractions, and best practices—plus thoughts on AI’s current limits and targeted uses. Miller also describes his mountain/canyon “airplane camp” adventure training emphasizing risk management and survival planning. This is Student Pilot Cast episode 087, Powered by Human Intelligence; A Conversation with Jason Miller. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Join The Finer Points on our Adventure Flying Trips The Finer Points – Become a better pilot Join The Finer Points CFI Club! Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #87
    June 12 · 53 min· Video

    SPC087 [BTC] Vroom, Vroom or What Does the Turbo Say?

    In Episode 87, we join Bill and Kent as they discuss forced induction in general aviation, contrasting normally aspirated engines with superchargers, turbochargers, and turbo-normalizers, and explaining how turbos use exhaust-driven turbines and wastegates (automatic, manual—separate or throttle-linked—and fixed) to manage boost. They cover turbocharged vs turbo-normalized manifold pressure, the role of intercoolers in cooling compressed intake air, and operational considerations like avoiding overboost on takeoff/go-arounds, critical altitude (example: Seneca around 12,000 feet), and high-altitude issues including cooling challenges, pressurized mags, and pilot oxygen needs. They recommend FAA hypoxia training (including nitrogen-based options and a spatial disorientation simulator) and discuss descent and shutdown considerations, including turbo cool-down and the debate around shock cooling. Finally, they outline why pilots choose turbos (terrain, takeoff/climb performance, speed on long legs, weather/icing avoidance) and why some shouldn’t (cost, shorter TBO, more fuel burn, maintenance complexity, limited benefit on short legs, and discomfort using oxygen), using a Mooney vs Mooney Bravo comparison to illustrate time vs fuel tradeoffs. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #86
    June 8 · 19 min· Video

    SPC086 [BR] Fly. Learn. Repeat. Our New Mission

    In Episode 86, we join Bill as he relaunches the podcast. Four distinct series, a new look, and more bad puns. I do a Briefing Room episode to launch things back off, and explain how things are changing, how they're staying the same, and what we want to focus on. Get the free Go or No-Go guide: https://studentpilotcast.com/three-questions Get the Friday Flight Brief: https://studentpilotcast.com/flightbrief Links: Radio Check – The Student Pilot Cast Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #85
    Jun 30, 2025 · 45 min· Video

    SPC#85 - Expanding Your Minimums | Suck Less at Flying

    In Episode 85, we join Bill and Kent as they talk about how to expand the envelope of your flying. In other words, how to fly good and not suck...or at least get better and reduce your personal minimums. Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #84
    Jun 21, 2025 · 1 hr· Video

    SPC#84 - Just Go

    In Episode 84, we join Bill and Kent again for another Beyond the Checkride segment. In this one we talk about getting out there on the proverbial open road, and going places with GA, in whatever airplane you have access to. Hope you enjoy our discussion on cross country flying and expanding your comfort zone a bit. Links: Video of this Episode - Video version of Episode of SPC #84. Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #83
    Apr 29, 2025 · 49 min

    SPC#83 - That Pilotcast Episode with Rob Holland

    In Episode 83, we go back to the days of the Pilotcast. Due to the tragic events of the past weekend, we wanted to re-release a Pilotcast Episode from 2018 where Kent, Tiffany, and Bill interview Aerobatic Champion and Airshow start Rob Holland. Rob tragically was killed this in an aviation accident a few days ago and since the Pilotcast is no longer hosted anywhere, we wanted to get this content back out and available to the world, so I'm releasing it again, in it's entirety, as a throwback SPC episode. We hope you enjoy it. Remember, fly good and don't suck. Links: Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #82
    Dec 25, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min· Video

    SPC#82 - Making a List and Checking it Twice...or Never.

    Welcome back SPC listeners and Merry Christmas! In this special Christmas day episode, hosts Bill and Kent delve into the pilot's lifeline – checklists. Episode 82 of the Student Pilot Cast titled 'Making a List and Checking it Twice...or Never' brings forth a comprehensive discussion on the importance of good checklist habits beyond the checkride. They debate the utility and design of checklists, discuss personal anecdotes, and offer insight on the pros and cons of electronic versus paper checklists. This episode is a must-listen for both new and experienced pilots who want to improve their safety and efficiency in the cockpit. Join the conversation and share your thoughts! Links: Goose, your Digital Co-Pilot Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #81
    Dec 18, 2024 · 51 min· Video

    SPC#81 - An Evening with Legion Air

    In Episode 81 Bill goes on location to interview some of the guys who started a new flight school recently. Legion Air wants to teach people to be the best aviators they can be, so let's find out what makes them tick, what their approach is, and how to turn a large fortune into a small fortune in aviation. Links: Private Pilot ACS - Mentioned in the episode, this is the Airman Certification Standards document that is the roadmap to the Private Pilot checkride. Airline & Commercial Pilot Training Programs / ATP Flight School - Since it's mentioned several times, if you want to know more about ATP, this is your link to their official website. Legion Air - Find out more about the new flight school, Legion Air. Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
    • Chapters
  • #80
    Dec 13, 2024 · 1 hr 14 min· Video

    SPC#80 - Back to Part Time

    In Episode 80 of the Student Pilot Cast we reunite with Nick Smith from Part Time Pilot to discuss the latest developments in his online ground school platform. We explore the addition of new features, such as an IFR ground school and a mobile app, and delve into the challenges of aviation training. Host Bill shares his journey to becoming a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), offering insights and updates along the way. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of aviation education and learn how Part Time Pilot is making flight training more accessible and efficient. See the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/97O5VzO1kZc Links: Video Version of Episode 80 Part Time Pilot Online Flight Training & Ground School - Check out Nick's excellent ground school. Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! Visit the SPC website at https://studentpilotcast.com. Please keep the feedback coming. You can use the contact form on the website or send email to bill at student pilot cast dot com. The theme song for our episodes is "To Be an Angel" by the band, "Uncle Seth". Legal Notice: Remember, any instruction that you hear in this podcast was meant for the student and only for the situation that they happened to be in at the time. Please do not try to apply anything you see or hear in this episode or any other episode to your own flying. If you have questions about any aspect of your flying, please consult a qualified CFI. Copyright 2008-2026, studentpilotcast.com and Bill Williams

    • Transcript
Showing 1–20 of 26 episodes