This is Episode 5 in the Decoding the ACS series, where we break down the Airman Certification Standards one task at a time.

In this episode, we cover Area of Operation I, Task E: National Airspace System. Whether you're preparing for your Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or CFI checkride, this session explains how this task is tested across all three levels—with a focus on scenario-based evaluation using ForeFlight.

You’ll learn how to:

Interpret ACS objectives at all certificate levels

Plan routes through Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace

Evaluate MOAs, TFRs, and Part 93 Special Airspace

Use ForeFlight’s aeronautical and profile tools

Apply risk management in real-world flight planning

Understand Special VFR rules and limitations

We also highlight useful FAA references, online courses, and tips for briefing airspace scenarios effectively on a checkride.

Referenced tools and documents are linked in the ACE Guide.

Chapters:

02:29 Objective Differences

04:57 Knowledge Topics

08:58 Risk Management

10:00 Skill Requirements

15:18 Scenario Flight Planning

16:10 ForeFlight Tools

16:31 MOA Avoidance

16:31 Restricted Airspace

26:37 SATR & SAFR

27:04 Flyway Charts

30:34 Training Courses

33:09 Airspace Examples

37:24 Class C & ADS-B

40:42 Class B & Clearance

47:48 Special VFR

In this live Q&A edition of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into a wide range of topics submitted by the aviation community. From the myths around required CFI ground training hours to advice on whether getting your MEI is worth the investment, Seth provides practical, experience-based insights. He also tackles how to avoid inadvertently participating in illegal charter ops, how commercial pilots can understand operator responsibility, and answers listener questions about time-building, hypoxia training, and spatial disorientation.

If you're a student pilot, a CFI, or a seasoned commercial pilot brushing up on the regs, this episode is packed with value. Don’t miss the tips on interpreting Part 135 eligibility and how to recover after a long flying hiatus.

Regulatory Knowledge

• Misunderstandings around minimum CFI ground training hours

• How to validate endorsements with AC 61-65J

• Clarification on operational control vs. holding out (AC 120-12A)

• What Part 119.1(e) actually allows without a certificate

• Tips on checking if an aircraft is listed under a Part 135 certificate

Professional Development

• Cost/benefit analysis of pursuing an MEI

• How to maintain continual learning as a pilot

• FAA CAMI training options: hypoxia chamber, PROTE, vestibular illusions

Career Guidance

• Time-building strategies that airlines value

• Stage check failures: how to report and recover

• Advice for applicants to the DPE program

Practical Scenarios

• Instrument checkride failure from altimeter misreading

• Transitioning back to flying after a year-long break

• Risk of complacency in experienced pilots

In this episode, we celebrate new pilot certifications 🎉, tackle common logbook questions 📘, explain how ForeFlight sources winds aloft 🌬, and clarify cross-country time rules 🗺. We also walk through a real listener landing scenario at KVNY 🛬, give a quick weather symbol refresher 🌦, cover what to do if ADS-B is inoperative 📡, and answer listener questions ❓. Stick around to the end for shout-outs and closing notes!

👉 Join the Discord for more discussions: vsl.aero
🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app!

⏰ Chapters

00:00 🎙 Episode Introduction & Shout-outs

02:16 🎉 Celebrating New Pilot Certifications

03:42 📘 Logging PIC Time: Common Questions

06:22 🌬 How ForeFlight Sources Altitude Winds

09:44 🗺 Who Can Log Cross-Country Time

18:42 🛬 Listener Landing Scenario at KVNY

24:27 🌦 Quick Refresher on Weather Symbols

26:40 📡 ADS-B Inop

30:30 ❓ Q & A

➤ Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/46zt3N8ckx

➤ FAA ADS-B Deviation Tool: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/equipadsb/adapt

➤ UND Magneto Trainer: https://aero.und.edu/aviation/current-students/trainers.html

➤ ForeFlight Winds Aloft Article: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313449-How-are-winds-aloft-used-in-NavLog-calculations

➤ FAA Legal Interpretations (Gebhart, Hillard):
Gebhart:
https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FAA000000000LEGALINTPR2009024PDF.0001

Hillard:
https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FAA000000000LEGALINTPR2009033PDF.0001