Behind the Prop

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.