E186 - Are you ready for your SOLO?

This episode of Behind the Prop focuses on what truly determines student pilot readiness for solo flight, emphasizing judgment, consistency, and safety over simply meeting legal minimums. Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern explain that solo readiness is not a checklist item but a mindset. Students must be willing to cancel a solo flight when conditions are not right, whether due to weather, aircraft condition, traffic volume, or personal readiness. The ability to say “no” is framed as a critical pilot skill, not a failure.A major theme is the importance of consistent personal minimums. The hosts discuss how changing limits based on convenience or pressure can lead pilots into dangerous decision-making zones. Personal minimums may differ between pattern work and cross-country flying, but they must remain logically consistent and conservative. Clear boundaries, reinforced by instructors and aviation leaders, help prevent accidents caused by poor judgment and overconfidence.The episode also stresses rigorous preflight inspections, especially on familiar aircraft. Complacency with aircraft condition is highlighted as a common risk, with reminders to physically verify fuel, oil, caps, and surfaces every time. Performance planning is equally important, as long runways and home airports can create a false sense of security. Understanding density altitude, weight, and engine performance builds confidence and prevents surprises during solo operations.Traffic awareness and communication receive significant attention. In acknowledging crowded training environments, Bobby and Wally discuss how poor pattern discipline and weak radio calls contribute to near midair collisions. Students are encouraged to master pattern procedures, listen more than they talk, and fully understand both towered and non-towered operations before soloing.Emergency preparedness rounds out the discussion. Pilots must be ready to handle unexpected failures alone by prioritizing aviate, navigate, and communicate. Practicing emergencies, memorizing light gun signals, and rehearsing radio failures help ensure calm, effective responses when things go wrong.Finally, the hosts address training philosophy. Instructors are encouraged to reduce over-talking and create space for students to think independently. The goal is to produce pilots who take ownership of their decisions, demonstrate sound judgment, and fly safely—not just students who follow rules or pass checkrides.

In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern explore how pilot training can—and should—better integrate ground knowledge with real-world flying skills. Titled “From Ground to Sky: The Equal Journey,” the discussion challenges the long-standing separation between classroom learning and cockpit experience, arguing that true pilot proficiency comes from blending the two from the very beginning.Wally shares insight from airline training at United, where modern programs no longer rely on weeks of traditional classroom ground school. Instead, pilots complete short, focused computer-based training at home and transition almost immediately into flight training devices. By learning systems, normal procedures, and abnormal scenarios while seated in the cockpit and actively manipulating switches, pilots gain a deeper, more durable understanding than rote memorization ever provides. This hands-on approach reduces disengagement and accelerates learning by tying knowledge directly to action.Bobby contrasts this with common practices in general aviation, where students are often encouraged to “get ground school out of the way” before flying. He explains why this mindset is flawed, emphasizing that interacting with taxiway signs, runway markings, airspace, and procedures in real time creates understanding that flashcards and videos cannot. Ground knowledge, he argues, should be continuously reinforced throughout flight training—not treated as a one-time hurdle.A major theme of the episode is navigating the overwhelming number of training resources available today. Both hosts stress that the “best” ground school is the one aligned with a student’s flight school and instructor syllabus. Using mismatched materials often creates confusion and slows progress, even if those alternatives are cheaper or more popular.The conversation then shifts to the critical gap between passing a written exam and being ready for a checkride—or real-world flying. Wally shares checkride examples where applicants knew answers by memory but struggled to apply them in practical situations, particularly with weather minimums and airspace requirements. Bobby adds personal experiences where rote knowledge failed under real operational pressure, reinforcing the need for contextual learning.The episode also addresses modern avionics training, clarifying misconceptions about navigation identification and encouraging pilots to properly use available technology, including visual identifiers and autopilots, as safety tools.The takeaway is clear: great pilots are not just “good sticks.” They are aviators who seamlessly combine ground knowledge, judgment, and flying skill to make sound decisions in real-world conditions.

In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern reflect on the lessons learned from flying in 2025 and use those experiences to frame practical pilot resolutions for the year ahead. The conversation opens with an honest discussion about why there is no such thing as a perfect flight, even for pilots with tens of thousands of hours. From automation surprises in advanced aircraft to long, weather-impacted piston flights, Bobby and Wally share real examples that reinforce the importance of staying mentally engaged and maintaining strong manual flying skills.Bobby recounts earning his Vision Jet type rating and the humbling moments that followed, including approach errors caused by mode confusion and overreliance on automation. These experiences highlight how quickly situations can escalate when pilots assume the airplane will “fix it” for them. Wally adds his own “never again” lesson involving fuel planning, where chasing cheaper fuel led to delays, extra flying, and higher costs. Together, these stories underscore a core theme of the episode: reliability, preparation, and judgment matter more than convenience or marginal savings.The hosts dive into personal minimums and proficiency, challenging pilots to reevaluate their limits as skills, experience, and operating environments change. They discuss why flying IFR, especially in actual weather, is mentally fatiguing and why proficiency can erode quickly without regular practice. Wally uses sports analogies to explain the importance of gradually building confidence in real conditions, while Bobby emphasizes aligning personal minimums with terrain, weather, and familiarity—not just legal minimums or flight school standards.The episode also explores how pilots can elevate their skills by using instructors strategically and taking advantage of programs like FAA WINGS. Rather than viewing instructor time as a burden, Bobby and Wally encourage pilots to treat it as an opportunity to sharpen skills, gain confidence, and reduce the need for formal flight reviews. They close by offering goal-setting guidance for student pilots, advanced trainees, and aspiring airline pilots, urging each group to balance knowledge, hands-on flying, and giving back to the aviation community.This episode serves as a reminder that growth in aviation comes from reflection, humility, and commitment. By documenting lessons learned, reassessing personal limits, and setting intentional goals, pilots can make the coming year safer, more rewarding, and more professionally fulfilling.

In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern unpack one of the most persistent and underestimated threats in aviation: cockpit distraction. Drawing from both historical airline accidents and modern general aviation trends, they explore how small lapses in attention can escalate into major safety events. The hosts revisit the tragedies of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 and United Flight 173, where professional crews became so focused on minor gear-indicator issues that they stopped flying the airplane—proving that distraction, not mechanical failure, can be the true killer. With the NTSB attributing 15–20% of GA accidents to distraction, the need for proactive management has never been clearer.The conversation moves into the cockpit realities of today’s pilots, where heavy reliance on iPads, automation, and touchscreen avionics often leads to excessive head-down time. Bobby and Wally share recent examples from training flights where pilots missed radio calls, misprogrammed GPS units, or became task-saturated simply because tech drew their attention away from flying. They emphasize the importance of preparing devices and routes before takeoff, and using automation deliberately rather than reactively. A key takeaway is that pilots must be willing to self-identify errors, speak up immediately, and assume the mistake is theirs until proven otherwise—a mindset that dramatically improves safety margins.The episode also highlights the critical role of the sterile cockpit, with Bobby advocating its use below 2,500 feet in GA. The hosts explain how nonessential chatter during taxi, takeoff, or climb dilutes situational awareness and can overwhelm newer pilots. They encourage instructors to reduce excessive talking as students advance, creating the “intentional silence” needed for real concentration and independent decision-making.Finally, Bobby and Wally address a commonly misunderstood distraction: open doors during takeoff or initial climb. They explain why an open door is typically benign, why rejecting a takeoff is often riskier, and why pilots must train for these scenarios before facing them unexpectedly.The episode closes with a call to action—pilots should openly discuss distractions, log them, review them, and build habits that keep them anchored to the core principle of aviation: aviate, navigate, communicate.

In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern welcome Mark Patey — entrepreneur, aviator, and co-founder of Best Tugs and Best Aviation Products — for a powerful conversation on aviation innovation, safety, and personal growth. With over 12,000 flight hours and nearly three decades of flying experience, Mark shares how his passion for engineering and aviation led to building products that offer twice the value for only 10–20% more cost, creating a winning formula for pilots who prioritize both performance and safety. His companies now have 47 new aviation products under development, each designed to make flying more efficient, safer, and more enjoyable.Beyond business, Mark opens up about his transformation from the thrill-seeking days of the “Flying Cowboys” to becoming a safety advocate focused on humility and honesty. He reflects on how earlier flying videos showcasing aggressive backcountry flying unintentionally encouraged risk-taking, and how experience — along with age and perspective — taught him the true meaning of responsible flying. Mark emphasizes that proficiency and preparation make the difference between danger and mastery, comparing backcountry flying to instrument flying: both can be safe or deadly, depending on skill and mindset.The discussion also explores the growing issue of negativity in online aviation communities, where misinformation and quick judgments often drown out real learning opportunities. Mark and the hosts discuss the need for empathy, understanding, and constructive dialogue among pilots. In response to the fear and stigma surrounding mistakes, Mark introduces his vision for a “Pilot Confessional” podcast, where aviators can anonymously share near-miss experiences and lessons learned — helping others avoid similar situations without fear of backlash or violation.In a heartfelt conclusion, Mark reveals how a near-death medical experience reshaped his outlook on life and aviation. No longer chasing records or recognition, he now prioritizes peace, longevity, and family. His message to the aviation community is clear: be honest about your skills, stay humble, and fly for the love of life — not the thrill of risk.

In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Wally Mulhern and Bobby Doss dive into one of the most important and often overlooked stages of a pilot’s development — the period right after earning a Private Pilot Certificate, when decision-making truly begins. While training provides structure and supervision, real pilot-in-command judgment is built through solo experience, reflection, and continuous learning.Wally explains that many new pilots complete training with strong technical skills but little real-world decision-making experience. He compares flying to golf — once the fundamentals are learned, consistent, thoughtful application separates good pilots from great ones. Without the safety net of an instructor, new private pilots must learn to evaluate fuel, weather, and personal minimums on their own. Both hosts emphasize that certification is not the finish line but the starting point of lifelong learning.The conversation covers key tools like the PAVE acronym (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures), which provides a structured way to assess preflight risk. Wally and Bobby also stress the importance of mental rehearsals and “what if” scenario planning to strengthen decision-making during unexpected events. Through real stories — from leaving chocks in place to handling equipment failures — they illustrate how small mistakes can lead to valuable lessons when managed properly.Technology plays a major role in modern flying, but the hosts caution against overreliance on apps and automation. Errors in systems like ForeFlight can mislead pilots who fail to verify data manually. Proficiency, not just currency, is the foundation of safety. Pilots are urged to set personal minimums, fly regularly with instructors, and stay humble about their skill level, especially after certification.The episode closes with a powerful reminder: good judgment is learned through experience, reflection, and discipline. Wally and Bobby encourage pilots to embrace real-world flying, learn from others’ incidents, and view every flight as an opportunity to refine decision-making. Their shared vision promotes a culture of continuous learning and safety, helping pilots evolve from newly certified to truly competent and confident aviators.

In this episode, Wally Mulhern and Bobby Doss take listeners deep into the mindset and methods behind effective flight planning. They break down how professional pilots think, plan, and prepare—long before the engine ever starts.Wally explains why smart flight planning begins weeks in advance, sometimes as early as 20 days before departure, especially for longer trips. He shares how to select fuel stops just beyond the halfway point—around 280 to 320 miles—to maintain both efficiency and mental endurance. Past experiences taught him that chasing cheaper fuel can backfire through delays and limited services, making reliability and safety worth the extra cost.Weather plays a defining role in every flight, and Wally emphasizes checking forecasts repeatedly—three weeks, two weeks, ten days, and again the night before. He outlines how to analyze broad surface charts, TAFs, and METARs to anticipate conditions, adjust routes, and account for winds that can change fuel burn by up to 20% in a Cessna 172. He also discusses planning around TFRs and keeping alternate airports ready, even when not required.Bobby builds on that foundation with his focus on cockpit organization and readiness. His night-before checklist includes verifying oil levels, charging devices, updating ForeFlight, and packing flight materials. These habits reduce stress, save time, and make each preflight smoother. Wally echoes this with his own structured airline routine—packing the night before, updating iPads, and keeping notes on the yoke for future pilots. Both stress that good organization directly impacts performance and safety, especially during check rides.Together, they underline a shared philosophy: prepare early, plan thoroughly, and stay flexible. Weather forecasts are only predictions, sound judgment and real-time decision-making matter most. Their combined airline and general aviation experience shows that professional-grade preparation leads to safer, more confident flying.Whether you’re a new student pilot or seasoned aviator, this episode delivers actionable insights on fuel management, weather interpretation, and cockpit discipline—helping you fly smarter, safer, and more like a pro.

In this episode, host Bobby Doss and co-host Wally Mulhearn dive deep into what it truly takes to run a modern flight school day to day. Bobby offers a transparent look at the enormous scope of responsibilities behind United Flight Systems—from facilities and fleet management to staff culture and student success—illustrating that being a flight-school owner is far more than “counting gold bars.”The conversation begins with Bobby describing the constant balancing act of maintenance, compliance, and customer experience. He emphasizes the unseen details that shape safety and efficiency: reliable internet, plumbing, lighting, hangar upkeep, and even thoughtful touches like pull-through aircraft parking, which saves students time and money. The two outline the structure of the show in aviation terms—takeoff, cruise, and landing—mirroring the rhythm of a typical workday.During the “takeoff” segment, Bobby explains his early-morning ritual: checking weather with the Windy app, reviewing schedules, and coordinating with his leadership team to prepare for any disruptions. In “cruise,” he details the constant hum of operations—maintenance calls, last-minute squawks, and people management for nearly 50 employees. He describes leadership as both rewarding and exhausting: motivating staff, resolving conflicts, and maintaining the culture of “UFS to the 5th Power”—Safety, Students, Staff, School, and Self.As the day “lands,” Bobby focuses on reflection and preparation. End-of-day check-ins, milestone tracking, and student-record verification ensure accountability and celebration of progress. He underscores his commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and recognizing both instructor and student achievements. Despite the administrative load, Bobby remains deeply engaged—flying when possible, mentoring, and cherishing the impact his school makes on aviation careers.The episode closes on gratitude and perspective: Bobby and Wally celebrate 500,000 downloads of Behind the Prop, expressing pride that their conversations help pilots become safer and more informed. It’s a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes portrait of dedication, discipline, and passion that defines life as a flight-school owner and aviation advocate.

What happens when a tech executive with a passion for flying gets the chance to combine both worlds? In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn welcome Barry Knuttila, President and CEO of King Schools, to explore that exact story.Barry recounts his early flying background, how a corporate collapse unexpectedly redirected his career, and the fateful moment he reached out to John and Martha King. That outreach led to a role as CTO during King Schools’ transition to the internet era, eventually growing into leadership of the company itself. Along the way, Barry earned advanced ratings, flew Falcons with John and Martha, and became a familiar on-camera instructor.The discussion highlights King Schools’ unique ethos—authenticity, humility, and an unwavering focus on student success. Barry explains how listening to customer feedback and treating students like friends has guided the company from the days of shipping VHS tapes to today’s mobile-friendly apps, flashcards, and integrated flight school tools.Listeners will hear about how the flight training industry has shifted from primarily self-paced, individual learning to ab initio, career-focused programs. Barry shares how King Schools has responded by expanding its B2B offerings for universities and flight schools while continuing to serve individual learners. The conversation also covers innovations in course design, the importance of breaking training into smaller, more consumable segments, and King Schools’ efforts to reduce checkride anxiety through immersive preparation courses.From personal reflections on flying helicopters and biplanes for fun to insights on the future of aviation training, Barry’s perspective underscores both the timeless values and forward-looking vision that continue to shape King Schools. Whether you’re a student pilot, CFI, or aviation enthusiast, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for every stage of the journey.

Mastering energy management is one of the cornerstones of becoming a safe and confident pilot. In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn unpack the topic in detail, showing how altitude, airspeed, and power all work together as “energy assets” that must be carefully managed throughout every phase of flight—especially on approach and landing.Drawing from countless check rides, Wally describes how many applicants fall into the trap of treating every descent as a power-off glide, when in reality, a controlled descent with power and speed can be safer and more effective. Bobby shares his own learning curve, including stories of fast landings and bounced touchdowns, underscoring why setting up a stabilized approach is non-negotiable. Together, they walk through rules of thumb for descent planning, techniques for recognizing if you’re high or low on base, and how instrument training can help sharpen a pilot’s “sight picture” of a standard glide path.Listeners will hear practical guidance on the classic “pitch for airspeed, power for altitude” debate, and how those principles apply differently in cruise versus the landing phase. The duo also highlight the dangers of over-correction and porpoising, explaining why patience and small, measured inputs make all the difference. Wally’s mantra—“eyes moving fast, hands moving slow”—is a powerful takeaway for anyone working toward smoother, more confident landings.The episode wraps with recommended resources like the Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA Risk Management Handbook, and the AIM, plus encouragement to practice energy management on challenging days with an instructor. Whether you’re a new student preparing for a checkride or an experienced pilot refining your technique, this discussion offers the tools to better understand and master the flow of energy in your aircraft.