Flight Training The Way I See It

Hosted by Mike Shiflett

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May 2026

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Flight Training - The Way I See It is a weekly podcast covering essential news, like regulation changes, Training Tips to improve your flying and Opinion on a variety of issues. Hosted by Mike Shiflett, Director of Training at CFI Bootcamp. There are recaps of major conferences and events, interviews with top people in the aviation industry and of course Mike's unique and at times edgy opinions on what's right and what's wrong in flight training. Always informative and always entertaining, tune in each week to get the latest Flight Training the Way I see it.

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May 31, 2026Episode 7422 min

Episode 74: FAA Test Changes, Airline Hiring Cycles, Thunderstorm Flying, and CFI Training Gaps

This episode breaks down the most important flight training, regulatory, safety, and career updates affecting pilots and instructors in 2026. We begin with the FAA's upcoming knowledge test changes, including the removal of public supplement books and the introduction of embedded, variable images inside the online test environment. The first major change is scheduled for the Instrument Rating knowledge test on October 27, 2026, with other tests expected to follow. We also discuss the current airline hiring slowdown and why students should avoid stopping their training just because the market feels uncertain. Aviation hiring has always moved in cycles, and pilots who continue building certificates, staying current, and networking are often better prepared when opportunities return. The episode then moves into practical thunderstorm-season flying in South Florida. We talk about afternoon airmass thunderstorms, local timing patterns, radar interpretation, lightning, rain shafts, microburst risk, and why avoiding thunderstorms is not just a recommendation — it is a survival decision. You'll also hear about the upcoming 300th Power Hour, a major milestone for CFI Bootcamp's weekly aviation education community, along with the release of the new CFI Aeronautical Knowledge Gaps Course, built to help CFI applicants master the difficult areas many initial CFI programs miss. We close with practical CFI ProTips covering aircraft handling on the ground, tow bar discipline, and how to understand glide range using real-world sight picture. This is flight training discussed honestly and practically — from an instructor's perspective, with a focus on understanding, safety, and long-term success.

April 30, 2026Episode 7330 min

Episode 73: CFI Training Gaps, MOSAIC Confusion & Why Syllabi Matter

This episode covers major training, regulatory, and instructional developments shaping flight training right now — and what they mean for CFIs, students, and the industry moving forward. We begin with the FAA's recently released MOSAIC InFO, which has sparked significant debate within the instructor community. We break down what the guidance says about operating under Sport Pilot privileges, why many instructors disagree with the interpretation, and how this could impact flight reviews, instructional authority, and certification privileges. We also discuss the closing window for Part 141 Modernization comments, why this is a critical moment for instructors and schools to provide input, and what the long-term implications could be for structured flight training. You'll hear updates from Sun 'n Fun, including insights from the live Power Hour, along with the rollout of Weekly Power Hour Re-Runs, designed to give students a consistent second opportunity to stay engaged and reinforce key concepts. We then cover the expansion of Virtual Ground Instruction, the importance of consistent academic training, and introduce a new upcoming course focused on closing CFI knowledge gaps, including FOI, endorsements, and real-world instructional expectations. Finally, we address one of the biggest issues in flight training today — the lack of structured syllabi — and why this continues to impact student progress, motivation, and training efficiency across the industry. This is flight training discussed from a real instructor's perspective — focused on clarity, structure, and preparing pilots not just to pass, but to perform. In this episode: FAA MOSAIC InFO controversy and instructor privilege implications Sport Pilot vs Subpart H instructional authority explained Part 141 modernization comment deadline and what it means Live Power Hour insights from Sun 'n Fun Weekly Power Hour Re-Runs launch (Wednesdays at 8 PM ET) Growth of Virtual Ground Instruction and instructor consistency New CFI Aeronautical Knowledge Gaps Course preview Why most students still don't receive a syllabus How structured training improves outcomes and confidence CFI Prep Course and transitioning into the instructor role Audio-only Power Hour lessons now available on streaming platforms ProTips: heat safety, taxi technique, and ASA AI study tools

March 31, 2026Episode 7221 min

Episode 72: Part 141 Is About to Change Everything! | From centralized oversight to QMS-driven schools, here's what flight training's biggest regulatory overhaul means for you

The biggest overhaul to Part 141 in decades is about to go public — and this episode covers everything you need to know before the Federal Register drops on April 1st, 2026. View our entire newsletter here: https://www.cfibootcamp.com/monthlynewsletter/march-2026 We break down the Part 141 Modernization Team's final recommendations: a new Central Management Office, a two-tiered school approval system, Quality Management Systems with dynamic TCO update authority, greater Chief Pilot autonomy, revised examining authority criteria, standardized grading scales, and expanded allowances for flight training devices and new technology like VR. Plus: CFI Bootcamp's Airspace Flash Cards just got a major update with 32 new scenarios. The CFII PTS is on its way to becoming an ACS. And the new Commercial Pilot ASEL SmartStudy Pro Course is almost here — listen to find out how to get early access at half price. We wrap up with practical pro tips for CFIs, including how to earn extra income through remote ground instruction, the underrated perks of the AGI certificate, and how to get more out of ForeFlight Premium. Whether you're a flight instructor, a Part 141 school operator, or a student pilot — this one's worth your time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and visit cfibootcamp.com for resources mentioned in this episode.

February 28, 2026Episode 7128 min

Episode 71: LPV Now a Precision Approach? CFI Training Updates, Checkride Rules & IFR Teaching Tips

This episode covers major regulatory updates, training clarifications, and instructional insights that every CFI and instrument pilot should understand heading into 2026. We begin with Mike's upcoming presentation at Redbird Migration on "Teaching the Hard Stuff for Initial CFI Training," including how to teach the fundamentals of instructing, endorsements and testing requirements, and how to tailor lesson plans for individual learners. We then break down important instrument training updates, including why LPV approaches are now officially classified as precision approaches, what that means for checkrides and IPCs, and the critical differences between approved vertical guidance and advisory LNAV+V glidepaths. You'll also hear a detailed explanation of localizer versus VOR CDI sensing, why OBS behavior differs, and how to properly set up an HSI to avoid reverse sensing. We dive into often-missed teaching points in chandelles, including proper power application and rudder logic during rollout. Finally, we review current ACS appendix requirements for non-precision approaches on checkrides and IPCs, discuss sport pilot privilege updates, and close with practical ProTips on knowledge test timing, flight recording liability, and lesser-known ForeFlight features. This is flight training explained clearly and practically — focused on understanding the standards, avoiding common teaching mistakes, and strengthening instructional precision. In this episode: Redbird Migration presentation preview Teaching fundamentals, endorsements, and lesson delivery in initial CFI training LPV approaches now defined as precision approaches Difference between LNAV+V advisory glidepaths and approved vertical guidance Localizer vs VOR CDI sensing explained OBS and HSI setup best practices Chandelle power application and rudder logic Non-precision approach requirements for checkrides and IPCs Sport pilot privileges using a driver's license Knowledge test timing strategy for ratings Liability considerations when recording flight lessons ForeFlight airport comments and AI summary feature

January 31, 2026Episode 7017 min

Episode 70: Teaching the hard parts of CFI training, flying smarter IFR approaches, and understanding what your instruments are really telling you — a practical January 2026 reset for instructors and pilots.

This episode focuses on how to teach the hard parts of flight training and how to fly with a deeper understanding of what the airplane and instruments are actually doing. We preview Mike Shiflett's upcoming presentation at the Redbird Migration Flight Training Conference, where he'll be covering how to teach the fundamentals of instructing, use scenarios and flowcharts effectively, and adapt the same lesson to different learner levels. We also share updates on new CFI Bootcamp offerings, including Online Ground Instruction, Remote Private Pilot Ground School, and the release of IFR Smart Study Pro. You'll hear detailed explanations of instrument concepts that are often misunderstood, including how a localizer works differently from a VOR, why OBS selection behaves differently, and how CDI sensing actually determines left/right course guidance. The episode also dives into commonly missed teaching points in chandelles, including proper power application and rudder usage during rollout. We close with practical IFR and CFI ProTips you can apply immediately, covering CDI bracketing, glideslope control techniques, and estimating distance on a standard 3° glidepath. This is flight training explained from an instructor's perspective — focused on clarity, technique, and real understanding, not rote procedures. In this episode: Teaching the hard parts of initial CFI training Using scenarios and flowcharts to teach ratings and endorsements Adapting lessons to different learner levels Online Ground Instruction and Remote PPL Ground School updates IFR Smart Study Pro overview How a localizer actually differs from a VOR OBS and HSI setup best practices Chandelles: power and rudder techniques most pilots miss CDI bracketing for course tracking Flying the glideslope with pitch, not power Estimating distance using a 3° glidepath

December 31, 2025Episode 6919 min

Episode 69: What's Changing in 2026

This episode breaks down the most important training, regulatory, and instructional updates heading into 2026 — and what they mean for CFIs, flight schools, and students. We discuss upcoming Sport Pilot and Sport Pilot Instructor PTS changes aligned with MOSAIC, what to expect from the Part 141 Modernization meetings, and why real change takes time even when the FAA is fast-tracking reform. You'll also hear a deep dive into errors found in the Airplane Flying Handbook, including why common ground reference maneuver diagrams can mislead students, and how to better explain wind correction, crabbing, and sight picture in real-world instruction. We close with practical CFI ProTips covering passenger currency, recency of experience tracking, and how to adopt new technology in stages without overwhelming yourself or your students. This is flight training discussed honestly, practically, and from an instructor's perspective — focused on understanding, not just passing checkrides. In this episode: Sport Pilot & Sport Pilot Instructor PTS changes tied to MOSAIC What the Part 141 rewrite process really looks like Why FAA handbook illustrations can confuse students How to properly explain crabbing in ground reference maneuvers Vy vs Vx explained visually and operationally CFI passenger currency cost-saving tips How to verify CFI recency of experience Learning aviation technology in stages without overload

November 30, 2025Episode 6810 min

Episode 68: Black Friday Sale, 141 Reform Ends, and Eights on Pylons Debunked – Nov 2025 Flight Training Update

The November 2025 aviation update covers major changes and exclusive offers for CFIs and student pilots: Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale Now Live Get 50% off all CFI Bootcamp digital downloads and online courses. Offer ends Dec 1—perfect gift for aspiring CFIs. Final FAA 141 Modernization Meeting on Dec 2 The rewrite of FAR Part 141 is almost complete. Find out what comes next and how long we might wait before the rulemaking takes effect. Eights on Pylons Debate Settled Is it a fixed power maneuver? Yes—and we explain why, with logic pulled directly from FAA guidance and aerodynamic principles. ProTips for Safer and Smarter Flying Why you should never "line up and wait" at non-towered airports Night takeoff lighting tips Flow checks vs checklists, and how to use CIGAR TIPS before takeoff

October 29, 2025Episode 6721 min

Episode 67: The Instructor's Mindset: Lessons from the CFI Round Table

This month is all about building better instructors and understanding what's next for CFI training. Following one of our most engaging Power Hours yet, the CFI Round Table, Part Two brings together Mike, Dorothy, Greg, Rex, and other experienced educators to discuss what today's flight instruction is missing — and how to make it stronger. They dive into the real challenges CFIs face, from the lack of structured syllabi and clear onboarding to the growing need for mentorship and accountability in aviation education. The conversation highlights the importance of teaching beyond the checkride, aligning instruction with each student's goals, and creating a learning culture that values both precision and passion. You'll also hear updates on MOSAIC, the future of sport pilot training, and how these regulatory shifts will reshape instructor roles across the industry.

September 30, 2025Episode 6620 min

Episode 66: Private Pilot SmartStudy Pro Launch, AC 61-65K Changes, and Why You Need an AGI Certificate

This month is packed with major milestones for both students and CFIs. From course launches to FAA rule changes, here's what you need to know: SmartStudy Pro for Private Pilot Is LIVE The full 11-hour audio/video course with 45 tasks, ACS-aligned, and packed with companion PDFs. Get ready for your checkride or flight review—available now at 50% off for early access users. IFR ACS SmartStudy Pro in Progress 20 full tasks covering all ACS knowledge, risk, and skills. Built to listen while you drive, fly, or prep on the go. Launch expected late October. AC 61-65K Finalizes Oct 22 New endorsements are coming for night, retractable gear, variable pitch prop, and more. Sport Pilot proficiency check changes are confirmed—no more 2-CFI method for airplanes and helicopters. Why There's Still No ACS for Sport Pilot It's still a Practical Test Standard (PTS)—and here's why that matters for your test prep and training approach. ProTips for CFIs and Future Instructors Use ChatGPT to generate custom quizzes from POHs Treat the throttle like a flight control Why getting your Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) certificate early is a smart, strategic move Links and Resources → Get SmartStudy Pro: https://cfibootcamp.kartra.com/page/Private-pilot-smart-study-pro → FAA Draft AC 61-65K: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/afs_ac/AC_61-65K_Coord_Copy.pdf → Join the CFI Study Group: facebook.com/groups/CFIStudyGroup

September 4, 2025Episode 6515 min

Episode 65: Sport Pilot Rule Changes, AC 61-65K Update, and SmartStudy PRO Nears Launch

n this August 2025 edition, we break down major regulatory shifts, essential training deadlines, and new tools to help pilots and instructors stay ahead. Sport Pilot Regulations Update – Two new FAA draft Advisory Circulars (AC 61-146 & AC 61-65K) are out for public comment. These clarify aircraft privileges and reshape how CFIs train Sport Pilots. Proficiency Checks Ending Oct 22 – Big change: after Oct 22, you'll need a DPE or ASI to add Sport Pilot airplane or helicopter privileges. Until then, you can still use the 2-CFI method. NAFI Summit Preview – Mark your calendar: the 2025 NAFI Summit is Sept 21–23 in Akron, Ohio, with sessions focused on CFIs, examiners, and training trends. Private Pilot ACS SmartStudy PRO – Launching in early September, this audio-first prep course covers the full ACS—ideal for flight review or checkride prep during your commute. Includes companion PDFs and optional video. ProTips Why training momentum matters How to trim efficiently The difference between slipping and skidding stalls—and which one leads to a spin Resources → Comment on the AC drafts: [FAA.gov] → SmartStudy PRO early access: [cfibootcamp.com] → NAFI Summit info: nafisummit.org/attendee-info