The Daily Preflight

Think a road is your safest bet after an engine failure? Think again. In this episode of the Daily PreFlight, Jeff Gerencser breaks down one of the most dangerous misconceptions being taught on the flight line today: the "road obsession." From 3,000 feet, that asphalt looks like a dream runway. Up close? It’s an obstacle course of power lines, mailboxes, moving traffic, and zero margin for error....

Are you still training your students for the PTS? You’re behind the power curve. Jeff breaks down the new Flight Instructor ACS (FAA-S-ACS-25) with a focus on the technical Appendices that most instructors ignore. If you want to understand exactly how a DPE builds a Plan of Action and how to navigate the "ongoing oral," this is for you. In this episode: Appendix 1: How the DPE samples Knowled...

The era of the "forever" flight instructor certificate is here. With the release of AC 61.65J, the FAA has officially removed expiration dates for CFIs—but the hunt for the prestigious Gold Seal is more intense than ever. In this episode, Jeff Gerencser, owner of Ace Pilot Academy, pulls back the curtain on the "Gold Seal Trap." While the FAA intended the Gold Seal to mark "exemplary instructional...

"Good morning everyone, I'm Jeff Gerencser, and thanks for listening to the Daily Preflight." In aviation, the radio isn't just a tool for coordination—it's a direct reflection of your professionalism. In this episode, we’re diving deep into Radio Discipline and why sticking to the standards matters more than ever in the busy practice areas of Arizona. Whether you're a student pilot prep...

"If you think Vmc is just a red line on the airspeed indicator, you’re already behind the airplane. Join Jeff and Eva as they tear down the 7 most common—and dangerous—mistakes pilots make during Vmc demonstrations. From the 'drag race' to the floor to the critical correction about that 5-degree bank (spoiler: it’s for directional control,  not  Zero Side Slip), they’re breaking down the...

"With the major airlines hiring at breakneck speeds in 2026, many pilots are asking:  'Can I just skate by with the bare minimum of multi-engine time?'  In this episode, Jeff Gerencser breaks down the 'Gold Rush' mentality vs. the reality of airline initial training. We dive into why 'checking the box' on your 1,500 hours isn't enough to survive a Type Rating, the real cost of being unde...

"The Vmc demonstration is the ultimate 'moment of truth' in a twin, but too many pilots treat it like a drag race or a muscle match. In this deep dive, Jeff Gerencser breaks down the seven critical errors—from 'Lazy Feet' and 'Altitude Fixation' to the technical difference between directional control and zero sideslip. Whether you're flying the PA-30 Twin Comanche or prepping for your MEI, this is...

Are you still flying by the "old ways"? The FAA recently updated the Airplane Flying Handbook from 8083-3B to 8083-3C, and it’s more than just a clerical change. In this episode, Jeff breaks down the critical technical shift in the zero-sideslip technique—moving from "stepping on the ball" to the precise 2-3° bank and half-ball displacement that maximizes engine-out performance. Don't let outdated...

Are you still flying by the "old ways"? The FAA recently updated the Airplane Flying Handbook from 8083-3B to 8083-3C, and it’s more than just a clerical change. In this episode, Jeff breaks down the critical technical shift in the zero-sideslip technique—moving from "stepping on the ball" to the precise 2-3° bank and half-ball displacement that maximizes engine-out performance. Don't let outdated...

In this episode of  The Daily PreFlight , we’re diving deep into one of the most technical and frequently misunderstood systems in multi-engine aviation: the propeller governor. When an engine fails, the speed at which you understand your propeller's "inner logic" can make or break your performance. We move beyond simple definitions to explain the high-stakes tug-of-war happening inside...

In this episode, we’re diving into the biggest shift in aviation training for 2026: the move from "logging hours" to Competency-Based Training (CBT). As the FAA pushes for evaluation based on measurable mastery rather than just raw logbook totals, how does your training need to change? We break down: The 2026 CBT Shift: Why repeatable performance and decision-making are the new gold stan...

Zero sideslip is a performance technique, not a comfort technique. In most light twins, including the PA-30 Twin Comanche training context, a small bank into the operating engine—typically 2 to 3 degrees —reduces the rudder required to maintain coordination. Less rudder generally means less drag and better single-engine performance. The common “5 degrees” callout is frequently misused as a target;...

"Ever feel like you’re just shouting into a void in the Phoenix practice areas? In this Deep Dive Friday, Jeff Gerencser breaks down a revealing ASU study on 'Closed-Loop Communication Deviations' and why standard radio calls are failing in high-stress environments. Learn the science behind why we get 'stepped on,' how to manage a crowded frequency like a pro, and the simple 'Hearback' trick that...

"Multi-engine time is the ultimate career bottleneck, but it doesn’t have to be a slow-motion drain on your bank account. In this episode, Jeff Gerencser breaks down the pro-pilot roadmap to racking up multi-engine hours fast. From the efficiency of the PA-30 Twin Comanche and the 'golden ticket' of the MEI rating to leveraging safety pilot logging under 14 CFR 61.51, learn how to build a high-qua...

The engine goes quiet, the glide is set, and the nearest runway is five miles too far. Suddenly, that stretch of local highway starts looking like a lifeline—but is it a sanctuary or a trap? In this episode, Jeff breaks down the high-stakes Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) behind choosing a roadway over a field. We’re talking about the hidden killers like power lines, the "traffic factor," and t...

When the fire bell rings at 5,000 feet, your IQ drops by about 50 points instantly. In this episode, Jeff dives into the nightmare scenario every pilot trains for but hopes never to see: an engine fire. We’re moving past the "textbook" answers and getting into the grit of why rigid adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is the only thing that keeps you alive when the cockpit starts fill...

Is your iPad doing the flying, or are you? In this episode, we’re calling out the "Digital Crutch" and explaining why staring at a G1000 doesn't automatically make you a professional. We dive into the magic of the traditional "Six Pack" scan and why mastering the basics is the only way to build true stick-and-rudder soul. Whether you’re hand-flying a 1970s trainer or prepping for a multi-engine ca...

Proper way to communicate the busy practice area frequencies, as well as good resources to use to continue to learn and grow in your aviation career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is about the dreaded turnback, a maneuver that is attempted after having an engine failure soon after departure, and my take on this topic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Little tips to help you create good habits while taxing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode provides information about operating in the Stanfield Stack, as well as some tips for operating in, or around the VOR at Stanfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is about a recent checkride I performed in which the applicant was well prepared and with a successful outcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode covers the visual ques used to help you maintain a constant glide path in order to have a stabilized approach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is about steps to take in order for the checkride day to go off without a hitch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Training, Training, Training. Make sure you are practicing for what ever comes your way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.