Mutual Support: CRM Beyond the Cockpit w/ Brandon Williams

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast, Sarah Staudt, NAFI's program development manager, and Brandon Williams, a former fighter pilot and current airline captain, explore the role of mutual accountability and professional support within the flight instruction community. The conversation reframes accountability as a collaborative practice rooted in trust, respect, and a shared commitment to safety rather than enforcement or criticism. Sarah and Brandon discuss the value of effective debriefing as a cornerstone of continuous improvement, emphasizing how thoughtful reflection and constructive dialogue can enhance both instructional quality and pilot performance. They also address strategies for navigating challenging conversations, highlighting the importance of strong professional relationships in facilitating clear, productive communication. The episode further examines the role of openness and gratitude in receiving and delivering feedback, underscoring how a positive feedback culture supports instructor development and reinforces safety at every level. Throughout the discussion, the focus remains on the broader purpose of feedback in aviation: advancing professionalism, strengthening instructional standards, and promoting safer outcomes for the aviation community. Join NAFI today at https://nafimentor.org. Use code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your NAFI membership.  Thank you to Sporty's and AOPA for sponsoring this episode.  

Weather, holidays, and real life can bring flight training to a halt—but learning doesn’t have to stop. In this episode of More Right Rudder, Sarah Staudt sits down with instructor and airline pilot Nate Ehlers to share practical ways CFIs can keep students engaged during training disruptions. From chair flying and simulators to scenario-based training and creative ground lessons, this conversation offers real-world strategies to maintain momentum when flying isn’t possible. Ehlers also explains how flight schools can build camaraderie, use downtime to knock out knowledge tests, and even turn bad weather into valuable weather training. If you want your students to stay sharp, motivated, and progressing—even when the airplane isn’t moving—this episode is for you. Learn more about Nate and Backseat Pilot here: https://thebackseatpilot.com/ Thank you to Sporty's and Avemco for sponsoring this episode.  

DPE John Boos and NAFI Program Development Manager Sarah Staudt dive into the power of scenario-based training to strengthen student judgment and decision-making. They discuss why rote memory—while valuable—is only the starting point, and how realistic simulations help students apply knowledge in meaningful ways. The discussion includes how AI can support instructors by generating scenario ideas, variations, and trigger events, all while emphasizing the importance of CFI curation to ensure accuracy, realism, and safety. This episode offers practical strategies for building stronger pilots through intentional scenario design, thoughtful evaluation, and smart use of AI as a creative tool—not a replacement for instructor expertise. Join NAFI at https://my.nafimentor.org. Use promo code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your NAFI membership. Thank you to Sporty's and AOPA for sponsoring this episode.

Host Beth Stanton, NAFI’s director of publications and editor, interviews Larry Bothe, retired designated pilot examiner (DPE), flight instructor, and longtime Mentor magazine contributor, for an in-depth look at the world of checkrides and flight training. Bothe expands on his recent Mentor article “Musings from a Retired DPE, Things you might like to know.” He shares his perspective on what examiners look for, tells a few checkride tales, and provides guidance on how instructors can better prepare their students for success. The conversation explores the evolution of DPE guidance and information, opportunities for professional development, and how effective instruction directly impacts aviation safety. Packed with real-world insights from decades in the cockpit, this episode is a must-listen for flight instructors, student pilots, and anyone passionate about aviation education. Join NAFI today at https://my.nafimentor.org. Use promo code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your NAFI membership. Thank you to Sporty's and AOPA for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode, Sarah Staudt, NAFI's program development manager, and Jason Blair, a DPE and aviation author, discuss the ongoing DPE shortage in aviation, exploring its causes, implications, and potential solutions. They delve into the data surrounding DPE activity, the importance of effective communication and scheduling, and the challenges faced by flight training providers. The conversation emphasizes the need for thorough preparation for checkrides, understanding experience requirements, and the role of instructors in ensuring student readiness. They also touch on innovative training tools and the importance of being well prepared for checkrides, including experience requirements, documentation, and aircraft airworthiness. Remember, you can save $5 on your NAFI membership with promo code PODSAVE5 at https://nafimentor.org Thank you to AOPA and Sporty's for sponsoring this episode.  

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast, Sarah Staudt, NAFI's Program Development Manager, and Anthony Sypula, the Chief Flight Instructor of a large flying club and NAFI Master Instructor, discuss the importance of maintaining professionalism and readiness among flight instructors during industry slowdowns. They explore the current hiring landscape, the impacts of slowdowns on flight instructors, and techniques to maintain professionalism. The conversation also covers the significance of pass rates, turning slowdowns into growth opportunities, gaining leadership experience, and tips for new CFIs seeking employment. The episode emphasizes that professionalism is a long-term investment in one's career and reputation in the aviation community. You can download your own PDF copy of the presentation discussed in this episode here: https://nafimentor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CFI-Professionalism-Readiness-Presentation.pdf Thank you to Sporty's and AOPA for sponsoring this episode. 

CORRECTION: This video states that there is a 3,000 weight limit for Light Sport Aircraft. That is incorrect. Under the new MOSAIC rule there is no weight limit for Light Sport Aircraft. In part two of this special episode of More Right Rudder, NAFI's program development manager and podcast host, Sarah Staudt, is joined by Bill Snodgrass for an in-depth review of the upcoming changes to Light Sport aircraft certification. Snodgrass is a sport flight instructor, private pilot, and voting member of ASTM. He, along with other volunteers, represented NAFI's interests during the MOSAIC rule-making process. Snodgrass continues to represent NAFI through his service on several ASTM committees. Become a NAFI member to enjoy our numerous member benefits. Join today at https://nafimentor.og

In this two-part series all about MOSAIC, host Sarah Staudt, NAFI's program development manager, is joined by Samantha Bowyer, an associate professor of aeronautics at ERAU. Bowyer is also an active NAFI volunteer who, with others, represented NAFI's interests during the MOSAIC rule making process. This first episode provides an overview of the MOSAIC rule then turns its focus to the changes for sport pilots and flight instructors. Tune in to learn all about new privileges, limitations, and training options available to sport pilots, sport pilot applicants, and their instructors. If you aren't yet a NAFI member, join us today at https://nafimentor.org. Use code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your membership. Thank you to Avemco, Sporty's, and AOPA for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode of the More to the Story, a feature series on the More Right Rudder podcast, host and NAFI’s Director of Publications and Editor, Beth Stanton interviews Jason Miller, a seasoned flight instructor and founder of The Finer Points. Miller wrote Making Aviators in the July/August issue of Mentor magazine. They discuss the critical first 25 hours of flight training, the importance of establishing good habits early on, and the role of flight instructors in shaping competent aviators. Miller shares insights on teaching strategies, the significance of visual references, and the use of technology in flight training. The conversation emphasizes the need for quality instruction and resources to support both instructors and students in their aviation journey. NAFI members can access Miller’s article at https://my.nafimentor.org.  If you aren't yet a NAFI member, join us today. Use the promo code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your new or renewal NAFI membership at https://nafimentor.org. Thank you to AOPA, ForeFlight, and Avemco for sponsoring this episode.  

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast, host Sarah Staudt speaks with Jeffrey Madison, an airline pilot and author, about the significance of NASA reports in flight training. They discuss how these reports can enhance decision-making skills for flight instructors and students, the importance of learning from real-life aviation incidents, and the value of sharing experiences through the NASA reporting system. Madison also shares anecdotes from his book, which aims to provide insights into common mistakes made by pilots and the lessons learned from them. Additionally, they highlight Madison's book YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About 'Em and the Victor Kilo Fund, which supports flight scholarships for under-resourced students in aviation.   New or returning NAFI members can save $5 on a NAFI membership with code PODSAVE5 at https://nafimentor.org   Thank you to ForeFlight, Sporty's, and AOPA for sponsoring this episode.    Resources: Aviation Safety Reporting System website: https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/ Aviation Safety Reporting System Advisory Circular: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1039459 YIKES the book and Victor Kilo Fund: https://www.victorkilofund.org/product/BuyYikesTheBook