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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.