Teaching Pilots to Think | More Right Rudder Ep. 150

In this episode of More Right Rudder, NAFI program development manager Sarah Staudt talks with retired U.S. Air Force instructor navigator and CFI Mark Pierce about how aviation acronyms can be used as more than just memory aids. From PAVE and the 3P model to real-world aeronautical decision-making (ADM), this conversation focuses on helping pilots move beyond rote memorization and into true understanding. Pierce shares his journey from military instruction in the F-15E Strike Eagle and T-39 Sabreliner to teaching in general aviation, and how those experiences shaped his approach to instruction. They also discuss how instructors can better prepare students for checkrides, scenario-based training, and real-world flying decisions. Guest Bio Mark Pierce is a retired U.S. Air Force navigator and former instructor in the F-15E Strike Eagle and T-39 Sabreliner. He now instructs in general aviation and is the author of Eleven Acronyms Every Pilot Should Know, a guide to understanding the “why” behind common aviation acronyms. You can find Pierce’s book online here: https://www.amazon.com/Eleven-Acronyms-Every-Pilot-Should-ebook/dp/B0GKW39J5Y Thank you to Pilot Institute for sponsoring this episode! If you aren't already a NAFI member, join us today at https://nafimentor.org. Use code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your new NAFI membership.

CFI and non-owners insurance is an endless source of questions in the CFI community. In this episode, Sarah Staudt, NAFI’s program development manager, sits down with Avemco Insurance Company’s Underwriting Manager Kim Skipper to break down the essentials of flight instructor insurance. From liability limits to common misconceptions, they unpack real-world scenarios and answer questions pulled straight from the NAFI community. If you’re a CFI, this episode will help you better understand what your policy actually covers—and where the gaps might be. What you’ll learn:  The difference between liability coverage and aircraft (hull) damage Why legal defense coverage might be your most valuable protection What it really means to be “at fault” in an insurance claim Common situations that are NOT covered (and surprise a lot of instructors) How non-owner policies differ from owner coverage Why your policy likely doesn’t protect the aircraft owner The importance of selecting the right aircraft categories in your policy How ownership structures (like LLCs) can impact coverage The little-known “31-day rule” that could void a claim Why you should consider keeping your policy even after you stop instructing How past instruction coverage can protect you years later Why clearly defining your role in the cockpit matters—for more than just safety Don’t miss Skipper’s entertaining and informative episode from last year: https://youtu.be/faqbtn-ooTc If you aren't already a NAFI member, join us today! Use code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your new NAFI membership at https://nafimentor.org.

What happens when a generation raised on seamless tech steps into the cockpit? In this episode of More Right Rudder, host Sarah Staudt sits down with Mary Bender, a PhD candidate in human factors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, to explore how Gen Z pilots are learning, using, and sometimes misunderstanding automation in modern flight decks. Bender shares insights from her research on Gen Z student pilots and CFIs navigating advanced systems like the G1000. The conversation reveals a fascinating tension: some students overestimate what automation can do, while others feel undertrained on how to use it effectively. This is where effective training becomes critical. Understanding how students learn plays a large role in training outcomes. Bender’s study revealed that Gen Z learners prefer to learn by observing a demonstration followed by hands-on practice - and that early experiences matter. Students who have positive interactions with automation are more likely to trust and use it, while negative experiences can have the opposite effect.  As automation becomes more integrated and accessible earlier in training, the role of the pilot continues to evolve from operator to manager of systems. Instructors and learners alike must be ready to adapt. You can read Mary’s study here: https://nafimentor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Bender-et-al.-2025.pdf If you aren't already a NAFI member, join us today! Use code PODSAVE5 to save $5 on your new NAFI membership at https://nafimentor.org. Thank you to Avemco for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode of the More Right Rudder podcast: More to the Story series, host Beth Stanton, NAFI’s director of publications and editor, sits down with flight instructor and author Maclyn Stringers to discuss his Mentor magazine article Flight of Understanding. The conversation explores how Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can reshape the way instructors approach flight training. Instead of focusing only on stick-and-rudder technique, Stringers suggests that great instruction begins with meeting a student’s human needs: safety, belonging, confidence, and purpose. From hydration in the cockpit to building confidence in hesitant students, this episode dives into the psychology behind effective flight instruction and why understanding people may be just as important as understanding aerodynamics. Learn more about Stringers and his stories at his website: https://maclynstringer.com/ 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.

Transitioning into high-performance aircraft is more than a horsepower upgrade. It’s a fundamental shift in planning, energy management, and mindset. In this episode of More Right Rudder, host Sarah Staudt is joined by Matt Speare, CFI/CFII (airplane and helicopter), two-time Master Flight Instructor, and President of the Lancair Owners and Builders Organization. Together, they explore the challenges pilots and instructors face when moving from trainer-style aircraft into faster, cleaner, and less forgiving machines. Many modern instructors never encounter high-performance aircraft during their own training. As a result, the first exposure often comes later in a pilot’s career, sometimes without the structured transition training these airplanes demand. Speare and Staudt break down why speed changes everything and how being “five miles behind the airplane” can quickly become a safety issue. Whether you’re an instructor preparing to teach in high-performance aircraft or a pilot considering your next step up the performance ladder, this episode highlights why standardized training, disciplined planning, and deep aircraft knowledge are critical to safe operations. 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.

In this episode of More Right Rudder, host Sarah Staudt, NAFI’s program development manager, sits down with Clayton Sander, a Gen Z flight instructor and owner of AeroEdge LLC, to talk about generational differences in aviation training. Social media stereotypes often paint Gen Z instructors as distracted or overly dependent on technology. Sander offers a thoughtful inside perspective, explaining how growing up as “digital natives” shapes how his generation processes information, adapts to new tools, and approaches learning. Staudt and Sander explore how today’s new CFIs face an unprecedented volume of knowledge requirements. Modern instructors must be fluent in legacy instruments, glass cockpits, electronic flight bags, and increasingly complex handbooks and FAA guidance, all before they even begin building real teaching experience. Sander emphasizes that while tools and timelines have changed, the heart of flight instruction has not. Students still learn best through relationships, encouragement, and instructors who understand how to teach, not just how to fly. 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.

This episode of More Right Rudder marks a leadership transition at NAFI. Host Sarah Staudt talks with outgoing president Paul Preidecker and incoming president and executive director Brian Wynne about where the organization has been and where it is headed. Preidecker reflects on key progress made over the past five years to better support flight instructors, while Wynne shares his vision for building on that momentum with fresh energy and strong member collaboration. The conversation highlights the vital role volunteers and engaged instructors play in shaping NAFI’s programs, resources, and impact on aviation safety. It is a forward-looking discussion about community, continuity, and the shared commitment to strengthening flight instruction nationwide. 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.

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.