Helicopter Online Ground School Podcast

Episode 436: Check-Ride Essentials: Don’t Walk In Without These

Check-Ride Essentials: Don’t Walk In Without TheseWhen it comes to check-rides, even the strongest applicants can stumble if they’re missing the required items. No matter how sharp your flying skills or how deep your knowledge, the check-ride won’t start without the proper documents.In today’s episode of 30 Check-Rides, 30 Lessons: Final Approach Course Real-World Wins & Fails, we share Robert Gardner’s story — and how one missing item nearly derailed his CFI check-ride before it even began.Robert’s StoryRobert came to H.O.G.S. from New Mexico for his initial CFI check-ride. From the start, it was clear he had prepared thoroughly. He had done the studying, mastered the material, and flew the helicopter well.When our schedule opened, I told him, “Get in your car and start driving.” He did just that — packed his car, drove to Indiana, and trained with us until he was ready.But on check-ride day, something happened that could have stopped everything.The Logbook ScareWe flew the helicopter to the examiner’s office. Robert drove separately, planning to leave straight from Fort Wayne back to New Mexico once the check-ride was done.When we arrived, the examiner said the words no applicant wants to hear: “Your applicant can’t find his logbook.”Robert searched his car. He called the hotel he had just checked out of. Nothing. At that moment, it felt like the ride was over before it had even begun.Finally, while flipping through his study materials inside, Robert opened a book — and there was the logbook, tucked between the pages. The check-ride went forward, and Robert passed. But the scare taught us a timeless lesson.The Lesson Every Pilot Must LearnFrom day one, examiners make it clear: no logbook, no check-ride.Years ago, this same examiner gave me advice I still repeat today: 👉 “Always go through the checklist in the ACS (formerly the PTS) and verify every single required item is present.”We see it all the time. Pilots show up from around the country with only 50–70% of what’s required. Luckily, at H.O.G.S. we stock extra supplies to cover most gaps — but your logbook? That’s on you.Preparation is More Than FlyingRobert was as prepared as any applicant. He knew the material, he flew well, and he passed. But the lesson is clear: check-ride prep is more than studying maneuvers. It’s making sure every single required item is in your bag before you walk in the door.How H.O.G.S. Helps You PrepareAt H.O.G.S. (Helicopter Online Ground School), our system is designed to ensure you’re ready — not just with knowledge, but with the details that matter on check-ride day.That’s why our Final Approach Course walks you through every requirement in the ACS, checks every box, and eliminates surprises.And beyond that: Take a 24-hour free test flight to explore the system risk-free. Every membership comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get 24/7 support at AskHogs.com — even from Kenny’s AI clone inside the courses.

Episode 435: Do You Need a Written Test for CFI Add-On? Yes.

When pilots work toward their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Add-On, there’s one requirement that often comes as a surprise: the written test.It’s not unusual for pilots to assume that once they’ve already completed written tests for their previous ratings, the CFI Add-On will be just about teaching and flying. But the FAA requires a separate written knowledge test specifically for the CFI Add-On.Why This Surprises PilotsWe’ve seen it time and again — pilots show up ready for their check-ride, only to discover they’re missing the written test endorsement. That mistake can delay your check-ride, cost you more money, and stretch out your training.It’s a small detail, but an important one.What You Need to Know Yes, there is a written knowledge test required for the CFI Add-On. You must complete it before your check-ride. The test covers teaching fundamentals, regulations, and practical knowledge you’ll need as an instructor. Just like your previous ratings, preparation is key. How H.O.G.S. Helps You PrepareAt Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.), we’ve guided countless pilots through their ratings — including the CFI Add-On. Members get access to: Comprehensive video training covering Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI Coaching through the tricky parts that often hold pilots back AskHogs.com, where you can get answers 24/7 — even from Kenny’s AI clone built right into the courses 👉 Take a 24-hour free test flight inside our system and see how it works. Every membership comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.The Bottom LineDon’t get caught off guard. Yes — you will need to pass a written test for your Helicopter CFI Add-On. With the right preparation, it’s just another step on your path to becoming a confident, check-ride ready instructor.

Episode 434: “Stuck at 170 Hours: The Flight School Trap”

Episode 2 — Stuck at 170 Hours: The Flight School TrapIn this episode of 30 Check-Rides, 30 Lessons: Final Approach Course Real-World Wins & Fails, Kenny Keller shares Cameron’s story.Cameron traveled from Florida with 160 hours logged — but still hadn’t earned his Private Pilot certificate. The problem wasn’t his motivation or his instructors. It was the same issue faced by countless students: Too many students, not enough helicopters Maintenance delays keeping aircraft grounded Endless waiting for the schedule Repeating flights and stage checks just to stay current At H.O.G.S. (Helicopter Online Ground School), the Final Approach Course is designed to solve this exact problem. With limited student slots, dedicated instructors, and one-on-one ground and flight training, students finally finish their training in as little as five days.👉 Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/8vA2JmxbkRI 👉 Try the 24-hour free test flight: https://www.HelicopterGround.com 👉 Get 24/7 support at AskHogs.com: https://www.AskHogs.com 📲 Or call/text (574) 767-1797 to book your Final Approach Course.💡 Don’t get stuck in the cycle. Learn from Cameron’s story and discover how H.O.G.S. helps pilots reach check-ride success.

Episode 433: 30 Check-Rides, 30 Lessons: Final Approach Course Real-World Wins & Fails

Today’s a big one — the first video in our new 30 Check-Rides, 30 Lessons series is live, and I wanted you to be the first to see it.In this first episode, I introduce the series and share Todd Ketterman’s journey — how he leveraged H.O.G.S. videos before ever stepping foot in a helicopter to make his training smoother, faster, and more certain.Here’s what you’ll discover: How Todd went from struggling in Florida flight training to becoming our first Final Approach Course student. Why using the full video library before arrival is such a consistent pattern among our most successful pilots. The backbone of H.O.G.S. that powers this entire series — the training system, the coaching, and the support (like AskHogs.com and my AI “clone”). Why you’ll want to follow this 30-day seriesOver the next 30 days, you’ll get real stories straight from our Final Approach Course check-rides over the past 30 months. For each one, you’ll learn what went right, what went wrong, and what you can do differently to ace your check-ride.If you’re training now or planning to, the lessons you’ll hear aren’t just theory — they’re drawn from real pilots doing real check-rides under real pressure.Make the most of H.O.G.S.Before you dive into the series: Use AskHogs.com for 24/7 support. You’ll see our AI “clone” pop up in all the courses — one of our members messaged me just yesterday to say how much it’s helped him clarify tricky concepts as he watches. Don’t forget — every membership comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try the system seriously, risk-free. New here? Take a 24-hour free test flight inside H.O.G.S. so you can see how everything works firsthand. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the first video. And stick around — the next 29 are coming with stories, lessons, and insights you won’t want to miss.

Episode 432: Robinson R-44 Start Up & Shut Down

Send in your FAC Qualifications here: https://www.helicopterground.com/test-fac-2025Get your H.O.G.S. Affiliate: https://www.HogsPaysMe.comHelicopter Online Ground School: https://www.helicopterground.comH.O.G.S. Blog  https://www.helicopterground.com/blogPrivate Pilot: https://www.helicopterground.com/store/tExAoUCLInstrument Pilot: https://www.helicopterground.com/store/kGZZ4FX7Commercial Pilot: https://www.helicopterground.com/store/U98maPV3Certified Flight Instructor: https://www.helicopterground.com/store/uVjhoEhXProfessional Pilot Online Course: https://www.helicopterground.com/store/Cbq7qJr3