Behind the Prop

If you're going to be ready for a checkride soon, check out our amazing local DPE's here: Wally Mulhearn - WallyMulhearnDPE.com Wanda Collins - WandaCollinsDPE.com Pat Brown - HoustonDPE.com  

When it comes to aircraft engines, we really all just have one goal.  Keep the fan turning!!  As pilots we're taught volumes about how to FLY the airplane... but how often do we pause to think about what's really going on with our ENGINE.  Whether you're a seasoned aircraft owner, or a newly minted private pilot, this week's episode of Behind the Prop provides a plethora of knowledge about your ai...

As a pilot you've probably flown hundreds, even thousands of hours in the air without an issue.  But when something goes wrong and the chips are down, will you be able to get your airplane on the ground safely?  We have so many resources at our disposal today, from our avionics to ATC... to even our cell phones.  This week we've got some good tips for you to be prepared so you're good and ready th...

You've probably talked to  guys & gals who fly props, jets, seaplanes, helicopters...  but have you ever heard from a blimp pilot!?  This week's very special and distinguished guest gives us an incredibly unique perspective on aviation.  Get ready for some flying stories like none you've heard before!

As student pilots we learn so much in training, but it all changes when we get our private pilot certificate.  Sure everything looks the same and the airplane handles exactly as it did when we were students.  But now it's on us to make the decisions.  We are the pilot in command now.  It's an awesome responsibility and we should never take it lightly.  This week on Behind The Prop-- decision makin...

"The Killing Zone" is an absolute must-read for all new pilots.  Grab the book right here --> The Killing Zone, Second Edition: How & Why Pilots Die: Craig, Paul: 9780071798402: Amazon.com: Books

Send us your questions at Facebook.com/BehindTheProp -- We'd love to discuss  your topic on the next listener questions episode of Behind The Prop!

What's the first thing you look at when you see a new aircraft?  Definitely the paint.  Maybe the panel.  But buried under the cowling lies the airplane's most important system...  the engine!  This week Bobby & Wally delve into the basic components of the engine, as well as some basic things you can do to care for yours and keep it running smoothly.

If you haven't gotten the picture by now... fuel is pretty darn important!  Our mechanic guest Ray told us a few weeks ago if he could only check ONE system before takeoff, it would be the fuel.  Wally said the three most important things to check before every flight are: fuel, fuel, and fuel!  So we talking fuel again this week.  Then we transition into some details on aircraft renters insurance....

Wally has owned several airplanes over the years... and he currently owns two.  Bobby operate a flight school and currently owns 12 aircraft!  So when it comes to airplane ownership, you'll be hard pressed to find two more knowledgeable guys in the Houston area.  Is owning an aircraft a good idea for you, or would renting be a better option?  Listen to this week's episode of Behind The Prop to fin...

You can't fly every day to stay current and proficient.  But you can listen to your favorite aviation podcast and keep aviation on the brain!  This week we're talking about fuel and your airplane's fuel system.

It's one of the first things a student pilot will notice that very first time they take the controls and push the throttle forward on the runway.  For some reason the airplane wants to turn to the left.  Why is this happening and why is it important that we understand what's going on?  Dive into this week's mid-week bonus episode to find out!

Got a checkride coming up??  Kick back, relax, pop an ear bud in and listen to this week's episode of Behind the Prop.  The guys take you through the major things you need to be doing to prepare for your 'ride... and exactly what publications you need to be digging into to make sure your big day goes as smooth as possible.

Certified flight instructors are great pilots.  But they are not perfect people!  Like you, they are just human beings.  Make the most of your flight lessons (and your money!) by using these invaluable tips to hold your instructor accountable.

Set the technology aside this week.  Leave the iPads behind and power down the GPS... because we are focusing on good old stick and rudder skills in this week's episode.  Let's talk about the best part of aviation... hand flying the airplane!

How better to learn than by studying other people's mistakes?  Bobby and Wally lay out some common student pilot mistakes, how and why they happen, and most importantly how you can avoid them yourself!

There are many misconceptions about the differences between Part 61 & Part 141 flight schools.  Is one better?  Does one save you money over the other?  Who better to ask than a flight school owner and a DPE!  Bobby and Wally lay it all out and answer some great questions!

What do most pilots do wrong?  How often should you change the oil?  If you could only check ONE system during a preflight, what would you check?  Our fascinating guest, mechanic/pilot Ray Villalba of E&E Aviation answers all these questions and more on this week's episode of Behind The Prop!

Whether you're a student entering that exciting next phase of training, a new private pilot looking to head out and explore, or a seasoned pilot who has done it for years... the guys share some great tips that will help you become a better pilot on those long cross country trips!

You're cruising along enjoying your flight... when all of the sudden you notice the low voltage light on the panel is flashing.  You glance over to the amps gauge and sure enough, it's showing a discharge.  What do you do?  How much time do you have?  Is it even an emergency??  All that and more on this week's episode of Behind The Prop!

Wally has been a DPE for years, and it's safe to say he's seen almost everything!  This episode includes some great pointers for checkride preparation, as well as some things NOT to do.  If you come prepared you will reduce your stress and anxiety on the day of the checkride... and you will also increase your chance of success!

Learning radio communications is an essential part of learning to fly... but it can be really scary at first!  You're sharing the frequency with many experienced pilots and controllers, and here you are a brand new pilot.  How are you supposed to keep up??  Bobby and Wally bust out the A.I.M. and give us a great list of things to do... and things NOT to do on the radio while flying!

Women make up 50% of the population... but only account for about 6% of pilots in the United States.  Jessica is on a mission to raise that number!  To learn more about the Houston Chapter of Women in Aviation, visit WAIHouston.org.

Night time can be confusing for pilots, but hopefully we help each pilot with some regulations and a few tips.  This week Bobby and Wally break down what constitutes night time, when you can log night time in your logbook and when you can log your night landings.  They also give a number of tips to be safe while flying at night.  

Primary and Secondary Flight Controls.  Hopefully, you use all of them on every flight.  Hopefully, you check them before every flight.  Today, Bobby and Wally go into detail on what you should be checking, how they should be working, and a few best practices.  Let us know what you think and please share the show with a friend.  Thanks!