The VSL Aviation Podcast

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth sits down with aviation attorney and pilot Edward A. Hadley of AeroLegal Advocates to talk about the legal traps commercial pilots face—especially around illegal charter, operational control, and holding out.
Edward walks through what actually happens when the FAA starts looking at you or your operation: from that dreaded "call the tower" instruction or ramp check, through the investigation phase, to 709 rides, legal enforcement, ALJ hearings, and NTSB appeals. He explains why you should get an aviation lawyer involved early and why on-the-record statements can come back to haunt you.
For commercial pilots flying Part 91 "pilot services," Seth and Edward dig into:
What operational control really means and why it often overlaps—but isn't identical to—PIC authority
Dry vs. wet leases, 91.501, and how the NBAA small aircraft exemption fits into all of this
How an owner or manager can unknowingly create an illegal transportation package (plane + pilot) even when "everyone at the airport does it this way"
Why "goodwill" and time-building can still count as compensation, even if no money changes hands
How holding out actually works, and why a business card or "I'm a commercial pilot" post is not the problem—the transportation package is
They also cover risk management from the pilot's side:
Using the AOPA Legal Services Plan as "legal insurance"
How PRIA and your employment history interact with being a whistleblower
Red flags with Part 135 operators (falsified records, paper crews, pressure flights) and when it's time to walk away
Practical advice on documenting concerns, using internal reporting channels, and knowing which hills are worth dying on
If you're a commercial pilot, aspiring commercial pilot, or flying Part 91 for a business owner, this episode will help you ask better questions, spot bad structures, and protect your certificate and livelihood.


Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Aviation Law and Pilot Regulations

02:48 Understanding FAA Investigations and Pilot Violations

05:22 Legal Resources for Pilots

08:24 Operational Control in Aviation

11:02 The Importance of Operational Control for Commercial Pilots

13:58 Navigating Dry and Wet Leases

16:44 Understanding Holding Out in Aviation

19:38 Compensation and Goodwill in Aviation Operations

22:07 NTSB Cases and Legal Precedents

24:48 Business Aircraft and Goodwill

39:03 Navigating the NBAA Exemption

40:59 Understanding Entry-Level Aircraft and Pilot Experience

43:52 Compliance and the Role of the FSDO

46:22 Whistleblower Protections in Aviation

49:10 The Importance of Legal Consultation for Pilots

51:39 The PREA and Reporting Obligations for Pilots

54:41 Credibility and Ethical Considerations in Aviation

57:30 Resources for Pilots: AOPA and NBAA
 
AOPA Legal Services Plan https://pilot-protection-services.aopa.org/
NBAA and the small aircraft exemption https://nbaa.org/flight-department-administration/aircraft-operating-ownership-options/nbaas-small-aircraft-exemption/
AC 91-37B https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-37B.pdf
AC 61-142 https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-142.pdf
AC 120-116 https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac_120-116.pdf
NTSB Blakely V Murray https://www.ntsb.gov/legal/alj/OnODocuments/Aviation/5061.pdf
NTSB Babbitt V Wallace https://www.ntsb.gov/legal/alj/OnODocuments/Aviation/5461.PDF
AeroLegal Advocates / contact info for Edward Hadley
https://www.aerolegaladvocates.com/

In this episode of The VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth lays the groundwork for understanding one of the most confusing topics in aviation: pilot compensation and illegal charter operations. He breaks down key definitions like operator vs. pilot in command, commercial activity vs. commercial operation, and the meaning of holding out. Seth explains how compensation, contracts, and operational control intersect, clarifying what's legal under Parts 61, 91, 119, and 135. This is the first part of a multi-episode series that every commercial pilot, CFI, and aircraft owner should hear.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Pilot Compensation and Illegal Charter
04:09 Understanding Operational Control and Pilot Responsibilities
10:10 Commercial Activity vs. Commercial Operation
13:47 The Role of Contracts in Aviation
18:37 Private Carriage vs. Common Carriage
24:59 Clarifying Holding Out in Aviation
32:40 Aircraft Size and Legal Operations
37:28 Conclusion and Future Discussions
Links:
https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/1kesimg/what_pilots_get_wrong_about_private_carriage_and/
https://sethlakedpe.substack.com/p/operational-control-where-legal-flights?r=j12c3
https://sethlakedpe.substack.com/p/the-history-and-importance-of-holding?r=j12c3

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives into two closely connected themes: professionalism and culture in aviation. Using relatable analogies like libraries and football stadiums, Seth explores how environment shapes behavior and why developing a professional safety culture matters for every pilot—from student to ATP. Joined by John, a CFI/CFII/MEI and FAASTeam Rep, the discussion covers how instructors and flight schools can intentionally build culture, how friendships and professionalism can coexist in training, and lessons from both the military and airlines on creating a cockpit environment where safety comes first. The episode also features live Q&A from Discord and YouTube listeners, covering topics such as instructor-student relationships, right-seat solo policies, instrument approaches, transitioning to ATP training, and even the value of single-engine ATP certification.
00:00 Introduction to Professionalism and Culture in Aviation
02:32 Understanding Safety Culture in Aviation
07:24 The Library and Football Stadium Analogy
12:42 Building a Professional Safety Culture
18:36 Instructor-Student Relationships and Professionalism
23:43 Setting Expectations and First Impressions
33:25 Sole Practitioner Culture of Safety and Professionalism
46:13 Creating a Comfortable Checkride Environment
48:00 Professionalism and Safety Culture in Aviation
50:02 Teaching Instrument Approaches Effectively
52:54 First Impressions for DPEs
58:01 Military Experience and Civilian Transition
01:01:55 Communication with ATC for Training
01:06:11 Resources for Transitioning to ATP Training
01:12:41 Addressing ATC Challenges in Training
01:21:03 Single Engine ATP: Worth It?
01:23:11 Balancing Checkride Preparation and Pilot Competence

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake shares a live seminar from the North Little Rock Airport on the realities of bird and wildlife strikes. Drawing from Arkansas accident cases, military and airline experience, and FAA safety resources, Seth explores the history of bird strikes, why Arkansas sees higher numbers than average, and what pilots can do to prepare. Topics include risk tools like BAM and AHAS, mental rehearsal for worst-case scenarios, practical recovery steps after a strike, and the importance of reporting. Whether you fly GA or professionally, this episode gives you insights and strategies to handle one of aviation's most unpredictable hazards.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bird Strikes
01:24 Understanding Bird Strike Statistics
03:44 Case Studies of Bird Strikes
05:51 Analyzing a Fatal Helicopter Accident
10:25 Bird Avoidance Models and Tools
12:23 Avian Hazard Advisory System Explained
18:09 Reporting Bird Strikes and Their Impact
23:21 The Importance of Studying Bird Strikes
23:50 Mental Preparedness for Emergencies
26:41 Understanding Bird Strikes and Their Implications
29:58 Engine Failures and Bird Strikes
33:59 Controllability Checks After Bird Strikes
37:37 Wildlife Hazards Beyond Birds
41:54 Reporting and Mitigating Bird Strikes

In this detailed safety seminar, DPE and CFI Seth Lake walks pilots through an enhanced preflight inspection process—going beyond the surface-level checks most pilots perform. Using real NTSB accidents from Arkansas, Seth highlights how minor oversights—like frayed throttle cables, loose spark plugs, or degraded exhaust components—can result in catastrophic failures.
You'll learn practical, actionable techniques to integrate deeper inspections into your routine, including:
    How to test your autopilot and detect early signs of control cable issues
    Why checking static RPM on takeoff matters
    A simple method for detecting exhaust leaks using soapy water
    What to look for under the cowl—fire sleeves, linkages, baffling, and more
    Fuel system checks, selector testing, and collapsed bladder detection
    Critical brake, nose gear, and wiring issues pilots often miss
    When and how to do a proper mag check and fuel selector shutoff test
🔧 Designed for renters, owners, and CFIs alike, this seminar will help you build a smarter monthly inspection routine that can catch hidden risks early.
📎 BONUS: Includes discussion of checklist accuracy, placard requirements, and how STCs affect airworthiness.
🛠️ Don't just walk around—dig deeper. Risk is always present, but better habits can minimize it.
#PreflightInspection #AviationSafety #SethLakeDPE #PilotTraining #GeneralAviation #FlightSafety #NTSB #CheckridePrep #OwnerOperator #AircraftMaintenance #EnhancedPreflight #CFITips
Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Enhanced Pre-Flight Inspection
02:47 Analyzing Past Accidents for Learning
06:08 The Importance of Thorough Pre-Flight Checks
09:01 Autopilot and Control Cable Inspections
11:57 Engine Checks: RPM and Exhaust Leak Tests
15:13 Critical Components: Carburetor and Linkages
18:05 Fire Safety and Engine Baffling
20:56 Final Thoughts on Pre-Flight Inspections
25:18 The Importance of Enhanced Pre-Flight Inspections
29:12 Fuel System Checks and Common Issues
32:33 Overlooked Areas in Aircraft Maintenance
36:49 Panel Blind Spots and Electrical Safety
40:41 Final Thoughts on Safety and Maintenance Practices