You just landed after a challenging flight when the controller says, ‘Possible pilot deviation—advise you contact the facility.’ What should you do next? Should you immediately make the call? Should you explain what happened? And could your pilot certificate be at risk?

A possible pilot deviation does not automatically mean the end of your flying career. Your immediate priority is operating the aircraft safely. After landing, slow down, document what happened, understand your reporting deadlines and obtain qualified guidance before making decisions that could affect your certificate or career.

Links:

https://pilotcounsel.com/

One on One Career Coaching:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

We will help you define your goals and create a plan to land your dream job.

Mentorship:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/

Receive one month access to the mentorship community free using the coupon code “CoachItForward”

The post SMAC359 How to Handle a Pilot Deviation with Aviation Attorney Chris Pezalla appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

What does an FAA Flight Inspection Pilot actually do, and how does this specialized work help keep the National Airspace System safe?

In this episode of the Stuck Mic AvCast, Carl Valeri interviews Russ Roslewski about his career as an FAA Flight Inspection Pilot. Russ takes us behind the scenes of flight inspection missions and explains how pilots and mission specialists evaluate the navigational facilities, instrument procedures, and systems used by aircraft throughout the aviation system.

We discuss the qualifications needed to pursue this unique aviation career, the FAA hiring process, the aircraft and equipment used during missions, and what a typical flight inspection assignment may involve.

Russ also shares memorable experiences from his career and offers practical advice for pilots interested in working for the FAA or exploring aviation careers beyond the airlines.

Take the Next Step in Your Aviation Career

Are you trying to determine the best path toward your aviation career goals?
Join our coaching and mentorship programs for personalized career guidance, interview preparation, accountability, and support from experienced aviation professionals.
Learn more:
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

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The post SMAC358 Life Of An FAA Flight Inspection Pilot appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

Today we will discuss aging challenges and provide tools to continue flying as you, your friends, or learners approach and navigate the golden years.

There is no mandatory retirement age for General Aviation (GA) pilots flying non-commercial aircraft in the U.S. While airline pilots face a strict mandatory retirement age of 65, GA pilots simply need to hold a valid medical certificate and maintain proficiency to continue flying.

Medical Considerations: FAA Medical/Basic Med/Transition to Sport Pilot?

Insurance Considerations

Adjusting to the Aging Process (short summary of AOPA’s Aging & the GA Pilot course)
Vision
· Yearly eye exam
· Low-level white light vs red at night
· Haze-cutting prescription sunglasses
· ADSB-in for situational awareness
Hearing
· Noise cancelling headset, hearing aids?
· “Say again”
· LiveATC.net, scripts, role-playing
Endurance
· Regular physicals, lab work, check meds
· Regular exercise and mobility exercises
· Time of day: mornings/late afternoons for smoother air, avoid after lunch
· Eating/drinking: Coffee, hydration, snacks, shorter legs
· Lack of rest = Early onset fatigue
Memory
· Use a notepad/pen especially when talking to ATC
· Mornings are generally best
· Consider flying with friends
Decision Making
· Thorough preflight, think about different scenarios and contingency plans
· Always know where you are at
· Always have a Plan B

Studies show that experience plays a huge role in offsetting cognitive decline in older pilots.
Fly regularly & actively
Adjusting personal minimums as needed
Go above & beyond with recurrent training (yearly flight review and IPC, WINGS, seek out a new rating)
Regularly & honestly assess your skills beyond stick & rudder (memory, information processing, decision making, task saturation)

When should the aging pilot slow down, or call it quits?

How to keep flying even when you must call it quits?
Find a friend to fly with.
Training for another rating to keep sharp even if you can’t use the rating.
Find an instructor who needs to build hours and take them on a cross country flight and buy them lunch.

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:

Leslie – AOPA Rusty Pilots Program: In-person seminars, webinars, and online course
https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/lapsed-pilots/rusty-pilots

Carl –
https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/aging-gracefully

Alex – The MOSAIC Rule in plain English
Mad Props Aero

https://youtu.be/cfRy6VRcr6w?si=czthhgO06Scu0HsL

Russ – A Higher Call by Adam Makos: https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Call-Incredible-Chivalry-War-Torn-ebook/dp/B0095ZQ36G/

Links

https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/MOSAIC

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/fact_sheets/MOSAIC_Fact_Sheet.pdf
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/

Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

The post SMAC357 The Aging Pilot appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.