Behind the Prop

Epizode

• 
  E202 - Ask the DPE - Part I 07.09.2026 40min

  In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby interviews DPE Wally Mulhern in Ask the DPE Part I. They cover what makes an applicant look ready before walking in the door, including flight time reasonableness on the 8710, IACRA applications, solo versus PIC time, and required cross country, night, and instrument time. Wally shares signs that someone was sent too early, such as last-minute urgency and poor planning. They discuss communication preferences like email or text with full details including FTN, paperwork mistakes like missing logged ground school and class totals, dress and appearance expectations, pet peeves including answering the question directly, whether DPEs try to intimidate applicants, the meaning of questions like are you sure about that, open book orals, looking things up, maneuver tolerances per the ACS preamble, asking for breaks, and whether the DPE hopes applicants pass.
• 
  E201 - The First Five Minutes 24.08.2026 46min

  In episode 201 of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn dive into the critical first five minutes of flight, covering the high-workload period from engine start through initial climb. They share practical advice on managing radios, passengers, checklists, taxi and IFR clearances, sterile cockpit procedures, run-up flows, and go/no-go decisions to help pilots avoid getting behind the aircraft. The discussion emphasizes repeatable personal flows, checklist discipline, and proactive decision-making for safer operations in both training and personal flying.
• 
  E200 - The Flight Before the Flight 10.08.2026 35min

  In Episode 200 titled 'The Flight Before the Flight,' hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn explore thorough pre-flight preparation beyond traditional navigation planning. They break down the night-before sequence including weather outlook briefings, aircraft documentation and qualifications, fuel planning, and personal fitness assessments, followed by morning-of checks using current conditions and personal minimums. The discussion emphasizes building habits with tools like the PAVE checklist to support better go/no-go decisions and safer real-world flying.
• 
  E199 - The Dirty Dozen 27.07.2026 35min

  In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn dive into the Dirty Dozen, a set of twelve human factor traps that can affect pilots and mechanics alike. Originally released by the FAA around 2011 or 2012 as a poster for mechanics, these traps apply equally to pilots and can lead to serious situations if not recognized. The discussion covers everyday traps like complacency and distraction that bite on routine flights, as well as decision-making and awareness issues. Bobby and Wally share personal anecdotes, including stories about fuel checks during checkrides, the dangers of expectation bias, and real-world incidents like the Eastern Airlines Flight 401 crash caused by a distraction over a light bulb. They emphasize how these factors, including fatigue, pressure, lack of communication, and normalization of deviation, can cascade into problems for even experienced aviators. To combat these traps, the hosts offer practical defenses such as setting personal minimums, chair flying, using checklists effectively, and maintaining situational awareness. They stress the importance of being prepared, honest with oneself, and continuously learning to avoid the Swiss cheese model of accidents. Listeners are encouraged to review the Dirty Dozen poster linked in the show notes.
• 
  E198b - Oshkosh Dispatch 20.07.2026 8min

  This episode kicks off the Oshkosh Dispatch series as Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn preview EAA AirVenture. They reminisce about last year's event including blimp formations and the massive scale of the airshow while discussing aviation lingo like calling it Osh. Wally shares his travel plans flying the Saratoga from Houston to Madison Wisconsin with fuel stops and packed lunches after missing car rentals in Fond du Lac. Bobby mentions his daughter working with 4Flights and their upcoming announcements at the event. The hosts emphasize the importance of reading NOTAMs following ATC instructions and working within the system for safe travels. They also tease upcoming one minute Oshkosh Shorts videos with quick pilot tips available on social media throughout the week. Listeners are encouraged to follow all channels for video content even if they cannot attend in person. The episode highlights the excitement of the world's largest aviation gathering and offers practical advice for pilots heading north.
• 
  E198 - True, False, or It Depends 13.07.2026 41min

  Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn return to the mics after a break to tackle aviation myths in this episode of Behind the Prop. They dive into common misconceptions heard in flight training, around the hangar, and during checkrides, using a true false or it depends format to separate fact from fiction. Topics range from accelerated programs and school environments to DPE interactions and real-world decision making. The hosts explore whether accelerated training is always faster, how weather impacts learning, and the fine line between confidence and overconfidence on checkrides. They discuss crosswind components, alternate airports, and why some statements like there is always another airport can be misleading. Personal stories from both hosts add depth to the conversation about what really makes a successful pilot. The episode wraps with a lightning round covering myths like twin engines being safer, taking the written exam first, chair flying, simulators, parachutes, controller attitudes toward students, and where learning actually happens. Bobby and Wally emphasize seeking wisdom over opinions and invite listeners to keep questioning and learning in aviation.
• 
  E197 - From Early Lessons to Cross-Country Weather: A Pilot's Journey 29.06.2026 42min

  Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn explore the pilot's journey from student training through the first 100 hours and into cross-country weather decisions. They discuss red flags like poor preparation and overconfidence, share personal weather stories, and offer practical advice on real-world go/no-go choices for icing and convective activity.
• 
  E196 - The Soft Skills That Actually Make Great Flight Instructors 15.06.2026 51min

  In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn dive deep into the essential soft skills that set exceptional flight instructors apart from the rest. They explore why teaching ability often outweighs raw flying proficiency when it comes to developing great CFIs, emphasizing the need to hire teachers rather than just pilots. The discussion highlights how emotional intelligence plays a critical role in the cockpit, helping instructors connect with students of all ages and backgrounds while adapting to individual learning styles. Bobby and Wally share insights on managing student progress, fostering accountability, and maintaining clear communication under pressure. They stress the value of effective debriefs and how these moments build trust and accelerate learning. Real stories from their experiences illustrate the shift from demonstrating skills to creating environments where students can learn through guided practice and even mistakes. The conversation also covers professionalism and leadership, reminding instructors that they serve as role models who shape the next generation of pilots. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies to improve their teaching approach, from using lesson plans and objectives to balancing knowledge with empathy. Whether you're a new CFI or a seasoned instructor, this episode offers valuable takeaways for elevating flight training.
• 
  E195 - Could You Handle an Emergency Tonight? 01.06.2026 38min

  Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn tackle the critical question of whether pilots are truly ready for an emergency tonight, emphasizing that you fall to the level of your training rather than rising to the occasion. They break down memory items, scenario-based drills, a real-world gear-up landing case study, and night-specific risk reduction strategies like flying higher and following freeways. Listeners walk away with practical ways to build reflexive habits and stay prepared for the unexpected.
• 
  E194 - The Hidden Costs of Rushing Flight Training 18.05.2026 33min

  In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn explore the pitfalls of rushing flight training, drawing from real experiences at United Flight Systems. They discuss how unprepared students waste money on ineffective lessons, the marketing hype around accelerated programs, and why most people benefit from a slower, more consistent pace. Bobby shares a story of a student who returned after maturing, emphasizing the need for motivation and study habits to make training efficient and cost-effective. Wally and Bobby delve into practical advice, such as chair flying and balancing life commitments, to avoid hidden costs like failed check rides and burnout. They caution against external pressures and misguided advice, stressing that true preparation leads to better outcomes. This episode serves as a valuable guide for aspiring pilots, highlighting that patience and smart planning can save time and money in the long run, making the journey to becoming a pilot more enjoyable and successful.
• 
  E193 - When FINE isn't FINE 04.05.2026 40min

  In this episode of Behind The Prop, hosts Bobby and Wally explore the perils of underestimating weather conditions in aviation, drawing from personal experiences and historical accidents like Delta Flight 191. They emphasize the importance of thorough weather planning, tools like the Windy app, and sticking to personal minimums to avoid costly mistakes and ensure safer flights.
• 
  E192 - From Setbacks to Skills- Mastering Mindset and Mental Math in the Cockpit 20.04.2026 47min

  Bobby and Wally break down how pilots can turn setbacks into growth by mastering mindset, self-talk, and decision-making. From checkride mistakes to real cockpit scenarios, they explore resilience and the FAA’s hazardous attitudes that can derail pilots. The episode finishes with practical mental math hacks for fuel, airspeed, density altitude, and crosswind calculations—giving pilots tools they can use immediately in the cockpit.
• 
  E191 - Brandin Cooks, Pilot & NFL Wide Receiver 06.04.2026 48min

  In this episode of Behind the Prop, we sit down with NFL wide receiver and pilot Brandin Cooks for a conversation that bridges two worlds rarely connected—professional football and aviation. Brandin shares his journey from becoming a first-round NFL draft pick and one of the league’s most consistent receivers to discovering a passion for flying. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a serious pursuit, earning his private pilot license, instrument rating, and logging hours in his Cirrus SR22. We dive deep into the mindset required to perform at an elite level—whether it’s learning a new offensive system or managing the complexities of instrument flying. Brandin opens up about how aviation has become a mental reset from the demands of the NFL and how the discipline of flying has sharpened his decision-making both in the air and on the field. The conversation also explores the personal side of aviation—flying his family, meaningful trips, and his desire to increase access to aviation for underrepresented communities. This episode is a powerful reminder that mastery, humility, and a student mindset are universal—no matter the arena.
• 
  E190 - Recovering After an FAA Checkride Disapproval 23.03.2026 47min

  This episode of Behind the Prop breaks down how pilots can recover from an FAA checkride disapproval. The hosts emphasize that disapprovals are common and don’t define a pilot’s future. They outline a clear path forward: understand the debrief, take ownership, and focus retraining on specific weaknesses. Confidence, proper preparation, and even taking time to reset before a retest are key. The core message is simple—one bad day doesn’t end your aviation journey. In many cases, it can make you a better, more disciplined pilot.
• 
  E189 - Tammy Barlette, Crosscheck Mental Performance Training 09.03.2026 42min

  “Most pilots don’t lack knowledge. They lack access to that knowledge under pressure.” In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn sit down with Tammy Barlette, a former U.S. Air Force A-10 pilot, Weapons School graduate, and mental performance coach who now helps pilots perform at their best under pressure. Tammy shares how mental performance training—commonly used by elite athletes—can dramatically improve aviation performance by helping pilots access the knowledge and skills they already possess. Many pilots struggle not because they lack knowledge, but because stress and anxiety prevent them from accessing that knowledge when it matters most. Drawing from her experience as a fighter pilot and instructor, Tammy explains why aviation attracts perfectionists and how that mindset can sometimes work against pilots in training. She emphasizes the importance of process-based goals, staying present in the moment, and using mistakes as learning tools rather than defining moments. The conversation dives into practical strategies pilots can apply immediately, including simple techniques for resetting focus during flight, building confidence through small wins, and reframing the internal dialogue that shapes performance. Whether you're a student pilot preparing for your first checkride or a seasoned aviator looking to sharpen your edge, Tammy’s insights offer powerful tools to help pilots think more clearly, perform more consistently, and build the mental resilience needed for aviation.
• 
  E188 - The Real Part 141- Busting Myths and Debunking Mysteries 23.02.2026 47min

  This episode of Behind the Prop breaks down the myths surrounding Part 61 vs. Part 141 flight training. Bobby, Wally, and Jay explain that neither path is inherently better, faster, or cheaper—it all depends on the student and the school. They clarify that structure doesn’t guarantee quality, stage checks are valuable (not harmful), and failures don’t impact long-term careers. The key takeaway: success in flight training comes from choosing a well-run school with strong instructors and support—not from the regulation you train under.
• 
  E187 - Paul Craig, Killing Zone 3rd Edition & Story Time 09.02.2026 49min

  This episode of Behind the Prop explores how safety culture and decision-making directly impact accident prevention in aviation. Bobby Doss, Wally Mulhern, and Paul Craig discuss why complacency, especially as experience grows, remains one of the most dangerous threats to pilots. They break down accident data showing that most accidents are survivable, reinforcing the need to prevent all accidents—not just fatal ones. The conversation also highlights the evolution of The Killing Zone and why practical understanding matters more than rote memorization in real-world flying. Ultimately, this episode reinforces that vigilance, humility, and applied knowledge are essential at every stage of a pilot’s career.
• 
  E186 - Are you ready for your SOLO? 26.01.2026 31min

  This episode of Behind the Prop dives into what truly makes a student ready to solo, focusing on judgment, consistency, and safety. Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern explain why knowing when to cancel a solo flight is just as important as knowing how to fly it. They discuss the role of firm personal minimums, thorough preflight inspections, and performance awareness in preventing avoidable mistakes. The conversation also highlights traffic awareness, clear communication, and calm emergency handling in busy training environments. This episode challenges instructors and students alike to move beyond checklists and build real decision-making skills for safe solo flying.
• 
  E185 - From Ground to Sky - The Equal Journey 12.01.2026 35min

  In this episode, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern break down how modern pilot training is shifting from traditional classroom-heavy ground school to an integrated, hands-on learning model. They explain how United Airlines blends online study with simulator and cockpit-based training to help pilots connect systems knowledge directly to real-world procedures. The discussion highlights why using ground school materials that align with a flight school’s curriculum is critical to faster learning and reduced confusion. Bobby and Wally also address the gap between passing written exams and being truly flight-ready, emphasizing that knowledge must be continuously refreshed and applied in context. The episode closes with insights on teaching modern avionics correctly, using technology as a safety tool, and closing training gaps that hold pilots back on checkrides and in real-world flying.
• 
  E184 - Pilot Resolutions for the New Year 29.12.2025 29min

  In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern look back on 2025 to extract real-world flying lessons that shape smarter, safer pilots. They discuss how automation complacency, fuel planning decisions, and long weather-impacted flights reveal the importance of manual proficiency and disciplined decision-making. The conversation challenges pilots to reassess personal minimums, recognize fatigue, and honestly evaluate proficiency—especially in IMC and unfamiliar environments. Bobby and Wally also highlight how tools like the FAA WINGS program and strategic use of instructors can support continuous learning while reducing regulatory burden. The episode closes with a call for pilots at every stage to document lessons learned, set meaningful goals, and commit to long-term growth and safety in the year ahead.