How a New DPE is Made: An 18-Month Journey w/ Lex Crosett

How long does it really take to become a designated pilot examiner? In this episode of More Right Rudder, Sarah Staudt welcomes Lex Crosett to walk step-by-step through his 18-month path to DPE authorization. From initial application and FAA interviews to Oklahoma City training and observed checkrides, Crosett offers a transparent look at each phase of the process—and explains why patience, professionalism, and preparation are essential. The conversation also sheds light on how DPE availability, geography, and FAA workload affect examiner capacity nationwide. An informative episode for instructors, applicants, and anyone interested in the future of flight training. If you aren't already a NAFI member, join us today at https://nafimentor.org. Use code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your NAFI membership. Thank you to Pilot Institute for sponsoring this episode. 

Join NAFI Director of Publications Beth Staton as she welcomes guest Dr. Victor Vogel to this episode of the More to the Story series of the More Right Rudder podcast. Vogel is a highly respected physician, CFI-I, NAFI board member, and prolific contributor to NAFI’s publications. In this episode, Stanton and Vogel discuss his contributions to aviation safety focusing on human factors and mental health. Together they explore Vogel’s recent Mentor article on loss of control inflight and his newly published book, A Pilot's Guide to Risk Management and Judgment. The conversation emphasizes the need for better training and awareness of mental health as a human factor in the aviation community to enhance safety and support for pilots. Vogel's new book is available now from your favorite bookseller. If you aren't already a NAFI member, join us today at https://nafimentor.org. Use code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your NAFI membership. Thank yo to AOPA for sponsoring this episode.

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.