You Know You're A CFI When... (Part 5)
Sat Jan 31 2026
Should CFIs stay silent or intervene? Paper charts or electronic flight bags? When's the right time for turning stalls? ✈️
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson debate the most controversial topics in flight training. From stall techniques to tailwheel timing, the hosts challenge conventional wisdom and share strong opinions about how pilots should really learn to fly, including:
When students should learn turning stalls vs. level flight stalls in primary trainingWhy spin training should (or shouldn't) be required for private pilots againThe case for introducing tailwheel flying during private pilot training—not afterAccelerated stalls: commercial maneuver or essential private pilot skill?Electronic flight bags vs. paper charts: which should flight schools require from day one?When CFIs should intervene and when they should let students learn from mistakesGround school vs. hands-on learning: classroom whiteboard or straight to the airplane?🚀 Whether you're a student pilot navigating training decisions, a CFI refining your teaching approach, or a general aviation pilot interested in safety and technique, this debate episode challenges the status quo with practical insights about flight training methods, risk management, and what really makes better pilots.
🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
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Should CFIs stay silent or intervene? Paper charts or electronic flight bags? When's the right time for turning stalls? ✈️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson debate the most controversial topics in flight training. From stall techniques to tailwheel timing, the hosts challenge conventional wisdom and share strong opinions about how pilots should really learn to fly, including: When students should learn turning stalls vs. level flight stalls in primary trainingWhy spin training should (or shouldn't) be required for private pilots againThe case for introducing tailwheel flying during private pilot training—not afterAccelerated stalls: commercial maneuver or essential private pilot skill?Electronic flight bags vs. paper charts: which should flight schools require from day one?When CFIs should intervene and when they should let students learn from mistakesGround school vs. hands-on learning: classroom whiteboard or straight to the airplane?🚀 Whether you're a student pilot navigating training decisions, a CFI refining your teaching approach, or a general aviation pilot interested in safety and technique, this debate episode challenges the status quo with practical insights about flight training methods, risk management, and what really makes better pilots. 🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.