Midlife Pilot Podcast: Recent Episodes

Midlife Pilot Podcast

What is it like to become a pilot in your 40's or 50's? What unique challenges are there for people in middle age, with no career aspirations for aviation? YouTuber Chris Moran aka The Midlife Pilot and filmmaker/artist Brian Siskind share the thrills and challenges of becoming and growing as a midlife private pilot.

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It's Information Whiskey time - the crew's monthly no-format format where they "chew the fat" and see what happens. Brian accidentally became a Cherokee salesman at an air show ("I turn around, there's basically a queue forming"), Ben's on a night-flying mission to 1,500 hours, and Ted's been landing on Oregon beaches and flying 4,000 feet in ground effect. The guys also get serious about planning the Spring 2026 fly-in.

In this episode:

  • Brian's weekend: Muscle Shoals barbecue diplomacy ("if you come back with barbecue sandwiches and hot dogs...that goes a long way"), becoming an unwitting static display, and escaping a TFR with one minute to spare
  • The accidental GA ambassador: helping kids sit in the plane until "I realized this is not good"
  • Ben's race to 100 hours of night time: "Turn on your lights. If you don't like it, turn your lights back off"
  • Ted gives midlife eagle flights, lands at Boeing Field, and masters the art of the 4,000-foot ground effect taxi
  • Ryan K's thoughtful case for returning to Tango 82 for the spring fly-in

Flying wisdom:

  • "Night IFR is one of the best arguments for a parachute system"
  • "Learning to fly: horizon is steady, but your confidence isn't"
  • On night engine failures: "Choose a place to land, turn on your lights. If you don't like it, turn your lights back off"

Important announcement: If you have fly-in location suggestions, send them NOW. Brian's sounding the alarm.

Mentioned on the Show:

  • Bunyan's Barbecue - Muscle Shoals, AL (MSL)
  • Luke's Landing: Flying to the Best Hot Dog - Luke's video about Bunyan's
  • 2I0 Madisonville Airport - Wings Over Western Kentucky location
  • Wings Over Western Kentucky Air Show
  • Music City STOL - Oct 10-11, XNX Gallatin, TN
  • T82 - Gillespie County Airport - Fredericksburg, TX
  • Hangar Hotel at T82 - Previous fly-in location
  • Kentucky Lake/Lake Cumberland Regional Airport - Potential fly-in location
  • 2I3 Rough River Airport - Kentucky fly-in option
  • Blue Grass Airport (LEX) - Lexington, Kentucky option
  • Cali Beach (S16) - Oregon coast beach landing strip
  • CheckMate Aviation - Barry's checklist company (1 year anniversary!)
  • MyAeroGlass - Tim/Banjo Pilot's METAR displays
  • Gilbert Aviation - Erica Gilbert's IFR training
  • FAA Color Vision Testing Flowchart - Recent changes discussed
  • Freedom Aviation Network - Anti-human trafficking efforts

Support the Show:

  • Join the Patreon community for Discord access, exclusive content, and check ride debriefs: Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast
  • Visit MidlifePilotPodcast.com for merch, feedback, and discount codes
  • URGENT: Send fly-in location suggestions to midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
  • Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • Subscribe and catch us live most Monday nights at 8 PM ET: youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast

10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts

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Listener Chris C sparked this week's conversation with a thoughtful question about infrequent flying: "I have to think there's a whole class of pilots out there like me who just don't get up in the air very often... how I'll probably be camping on Mount Stupid for years at my current rate of flying." The crew dives deep into proficiency, imposter syndrome, and why flying once a month doesn't make you any less of a pilot.

In this episode:

  • Chris C's honest take on being an infrequent flyer and what it means for skills, risk assessment, and confidence
  • Brian's insight: "You're not somebody that's rusty. You're somebody that is consciously, willfully not flying a lot, but flying a little"
  • Why "there are millions of people in this country that don't have a pilot license at all—so you're flying more than them"
  • Ben confesses to his wrong-runway landing in Florida: "I turned all the blood left my face"
  • Strut collapses, coyote wrangling, and why the instrument written is "just a hazing"

Bonus wisdom: "VFR flying is like break dancing. IFR flying is like cotillion."

Also: Don't write "oops, landed wrong runway" in your logbook.

Thanks to Chris C for the episode inspiration and for reminding us that thoughtful, safety-conscious flying matters way more than your Hobbs meter.

Mentioned on the Show:

  • List of Class B airports - Wikipedia
  • List of Class C airports with traffic volume - Wikipedia
  • Sheppard Air - Written test prep
  • Triple Tree Fly-In - Sep 22-28, SC00 Spartanburg, SC
  • Music City STOL - Oct 10-11, XNX Gallatin, TN
  • Swift National Fly-In - Oct 1-5, MMI Athens, TN
  • CheckMate Aviation - Barry's aviation business The in person (online) guided IFR course Brian is taking is from our friend of the show CFII Erica Gilbert, and you can sign up here: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr

Support the Show:

  • Join the Patreon community for Discord access, exclusive content, and check ride debriefs: Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast
  • Visit MidlifePilotPodcast.com for merch, feedback, and all things Midlife Pilot Podcast
  • Leave us a 5-star review
  • Subscribe and catch us live most Monday nights at 8 PM ET on YouTube: youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast

10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts

www.freedomaviationnetwork.org

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The crew tackles the midlife aviation dilemma: wanting that next rating but lacking time for full commitment. The hosts share Brian's "Trip Fall Succeed method" - making progress through small steps instead of diving headfirst into training.

Ben returns from Europe unable to eat American pasta again and explains how multi-engine training feels like "standing in front of a cliff" until it becomes "a little bit of a slope." His dedication includes yoga training just to reach emergency gear handles: "I'm surprised I haven't thrown my back out yet."

Brian shares his instrument training breakthrough on flying holds: "just draw the heading inbound to the fix and make the least insane turn" - apparently the secret nobody teaches. Ted discovers rental planes lack coffee makers while relearning carburetor heat exists.

The key message: you don't need full commitment to make progress. "Point yourself in that direction and start chipping away" through reading, finding safety pilots, or just "planting seedlings of learning" in your brain during downtime.

As friend of the show ATP CFII Nathan Ballard proves: "It took me 27 years to go from commercial to CFI. We are all on our own pace."

Plus the debut of Midlife Pilot Confessional featuring anonymous "avionics errors."

"Steam gauges because sometimes your best friend is a needle with a twitch."

Mentioned on the show:

  • Moontown Airport Alabama: https://www.moontownairport.com/

  • CFII Ben Lehman, Drift Aviation: https://www.driftaviation.com/

  • Sandwich Illinois private airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/IS65

  • The Dunning-Kreuger effect: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

  • Ted's Alvord Desert video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKIK0CiVnrM

  • CNI Cherokee County, Canton Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CNI

  • Triple Tree fly-in, Sep 22-28, SC00 Spartanburg, SC: https://tta.aero/ttfi/

  • Music City STOL, Oct 10-11, XNX Gallatin Tenn: https://nationalstol.com/musiccity/

  • Swift fly-in, Oct 1-5, MMI Athens Tenn: https://swiftmuseumfoundation.org/2025-swift-national-fly-in-october-1st-5th-preregistration-form/

  • Atlanta Mayors' 5k on an ATL runway: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/GA/CollegePark/Mayors5Konthe5thRunway

  • Atlanta airport cemetery (on the runway): https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/flat-rock-and-hart-cemeteries

  • Erica's IFR ground school class: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr

  • dwhonan's aviation photography: https://www.instagram.com/dwhonan/

Join the Midlife Pilot Podcast community, get merch, and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

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1DullGeek takes the hot seat to defend his controversial lean-of-peak flying technique that left Brian "smiling and nodding while trying to keep up." Using full throttle and mixture control for power management breaks more than just Lord Alpha Juliet's brain - it challenges decades of conventional wisdom.

The crew dives deep into the psychology of finding and keeping good A&Ps, from owner-assisted annuals to the art of setting ground rules before work begins. Ted shares desert camping adventures complete with ground effect experimentation, Brian celebrates his first successful tailwheel flight review, and everyone agrees that partnerships come with built-in mechanics (the real MVP move).

Mentioned on the show:

  • EP100 in West Virginia with OG Chris: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/remembering-episode-100-a-very-special-non-event

  • Mike Busch, Time and Materials: https://www.savvyaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Savvy_2023-12_time-and-materials.pdf

  • Ask the A&Ps: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/podcasts/podcasts/ask-the-a-and-ps

  • Savvy Aviation: https://www.savvyaviation.com/

Support the Show: Join the best midlife pilot community and support the podcast on Patreon, browse our aviation merch collection, send us your feedback, and connect with fellow pilots at https://midlifepilotpodcast.com. We're grateful for your support in making this the positive aviation community we all love to be part of.

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Episode 145 brings you "information whiskey" - the crew's loose, conversational format where they step back from their "really tightly wound formatted structure" to catch up on life, flying, and everything in between.

Ben confesses to being a "plane jinx" after his multi-engine training gets derailed by yet another 100-hour inspection, while Brian plans an epic desert trip from Nashville to New Orleans to Marfa because "if I don't have something on the horizon to look forward to, I'm just a shell of a human being." Ted shares his Palouse flying video and recalls his motorcycling adventures from "above the Arctic circle" to "below the equator."

The highlight of the episode is Brian's glowing review of Wendell Geek's masterful Fisk arrival video, calling it "the first thing I've seen where it actually made me want to fly Fisk" and praising its non-linear storytelling approach. Mark reveals he accidentally rendered over his original footage and had to rebuild the entire video from scratch.

The conversation meanders through STOL competitions ("if I had your plane, I would be doing that"), insurance implications of MOSAIC rules, and the crew's ongoing battle with aging aircraft and cars. Ben gets his thrills with a massive forward slip through Atlanta's Delta airspace, while Brian contemplates whether anyone wants to rebuild a 4AGE motor in a 1985 Toyota MR2.

As Ted notes about midlife priorities: "We chose this not because it was easy, but because we thought it was easy" - the same mindset that drives both flying and life decisions at this stage.

Ben's wisdom: "Cleared for the approach means it's time to make math panic look graceful."

Mentioned on the show:

  • Music City STOL: https://nationalstol.com/musiccity/
  • XNX - Music City Executive Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KXNX
  • Piperzilla: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1418719012179295
  • Ted's "Palouse Is My Happy Place" vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhD9hx-XvII
  • Tailwheel CFI Ben: https://www.instagram.com/flyyywithben/
  • RYY - Cobb County: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KRYY
  • MGE - Dobbins ARB: https://www.airnav.com/airport/kmge
  • Mark/1dullgeek's Oshkosh arrival vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIWmgdiTDj8
  • Ted's Oshkosh arrival vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91smAolmRpI
  • Checkride debriefs and Killing Zone Konversationz: https://www.patreon.com/collection/1238009
  • Midlife Pilot Podcast: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/
  • YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MidlifePilotPodcast
  • Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast
  • Freedom Aviation Network: https://freedomaviation.network/

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1DullGeek drops the bombshell that building beats bureaucracy, while keeping his aircraft shortlist more classified than Area 51 (spoiler: Ted's in on the secret). Brian discovers that flying tailwheel means surrendering all control to achieve actual control, and that Cherokee muscle memory doesn't translate to delicate Cessna 140s. Ben's multi-engine journey continues with nose-diving revelations and the humbling realization that "dead foot, dead engine" logic fails spectacularly under pressure.

The crew dives deep into Mosaic's game-changing LSRI certification that's about to turn every EAA chapter into inspection central, while insurance companies lurk in the shadows as aviation's true overlords. Plus, why builder-assist programs range from "comprehensive education" to "glorified observation," and Ted casually flexes 45 nautical miles per gallon because apparently his egg runs on good intentions and Pacific Northwest vibes.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Tailwheel CFI Ben Lehman, Drift Aviation: https://www.driftaviation.com/
  • XNX, Music City Executive Airport: https://www.musiccityexecutiveairport.com/
  • skywatch.ai, renters insurance on a daily basis: https://www.skywatch.ai/aircraft-renters-insurance
  • Transair Flight 810, getting the failed engine wrong and landing in the ocean near Hawaii: https://apnews.com/article/plane-ditches-ocean-hawaii-7ec8d9d33b42ec6b7cefe0ea94aa74b7
  • Ted's video, sunset burger flight up the columbia river gorge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8o4es8puSA
  • Mark's video, Climbing Thru a Thin Broken Layer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxxULQhMZ5E
  • Canard Boulevard: Mosaic: The Huge Gift from the FAA for Experimental Owners That Nobody Is Talking About: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS9GY_9-t6c
  • Moonies, aka Unification Church: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_Church
  • Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Dog:_The_Way_of_the_Samurai
  • Ang Patriot: https://veloceplanes.com/ang/
  • Porto Risen: https://www.flyrisen.com/
  • TL Sparker: https://tlsportaircraft.com/sparker/
  • Sling TSi: https://slingaircraft.com/aircraft/sling-tsi/
  • Erin & Paul's airplane build: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB6X4IZVEXo
  • Aviation101 Sling build: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8_QRqLhUq0&list=PLZUuXpwtz5yDL3fELSX72zGl6IaTL7usE

Support the Show:Join the best midlife pilot community and support the podcast on Patreon, browse our aviation merch collection, send us your feedback, and connect with fellow pilots at ⁠https://midlifepilotpodcast.com⁠. We're grateful for your support in making this the positive aviation community we all love to be part of.

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What happens when four pilots discuss IFR ground school and nobody really knows what they're talking about? Episode 143 delivers a chaotic journey through aviation acronyms that'll make you question everything.

Ben admits he's "a little nervous" before diving into MOCAs vs ROCAs. Brian, suffering through IFR ground school, says his brain "goes cross-eyed" with acronyms like "M-A-A-M-C-A-M-D-A-M-E-A." Ted drops wisdom about aviation's three knowledge levels: "pass the test, throw away that knowledge."

The conversation careens from NDB approaches to Shepherd Air debates, with Wendell Geek explaining the gap between training IFR and actual IFR: "you spend most of your time trying to avoid that."

Brian perfectly captures the episode: "This is gonna be the worst episode that we've ever done, because we have nobody that knows what they're talking about." He later calls it "a false glide slope" metaphorically.

Join the gang for aviation education that's equal parts informative and terrifying, where approach plates are more confusing than figuring out who actually knows what they're talking about.

Ben's wisdom: "It's not real IFR until the sweat soaks your checklist."

"This has not been sponsored by the FAA."

Mentioned on the show:

  • Erica/Aerosafe IFR course: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr
  • MOCA, OROCA: https://www.flight-insight.com/post/mea-moca-oroca-ifr-altitudes-explained
  • Foreflight expected routes: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/360054089634-What-are-Expected-Routes-in-ForeFlight
  • Sheppard Air- test prep software: https://www.sheppardair.com/
  • Garmin G5: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/570665/
  • Garmin GI275: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/719027/
  • CCO - Newnan-Coweta County Airport: https://www.coweta.ga.us/departments-services/departments-a-e/airport
  • Midlife Pilot Podcast: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/
  • YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MidlifePilotPodcast
  • Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast
  • Discord Community (join via website)
  • Freedom Aviation Network: https://freedomaviationnetwork.org

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Welcome back to the aviation playground where three guys who "have a podcast and don't know what we're talking about" dive deeper into MOSAIC regulations! After Ted's fan-favorite first episode on the topic, the gang returns to explore what these new rules actually mean for us midlifers - from couch potatoes thinking about learning to fly, to seasoned pilots with 5,000 hours looking to "slow down a little bit."

Brian channels his inner skeptic wondering if this will be another case of "big promise, reality chips away at the dream," while Ben ponders the demand vs. supply problem that might keep us all flying antiques forever. Meanwhile, Ted continues to be our "sport pilot extraordinaire" and resident MOSAIC expert, explaining everything from the magic wand theory of medical downgrades to why there are only 75 recreational pilots in America.

Plus: Ted makes his debut on VASAviation (and it's not for getting a number to copy!), Brian contemplates bachelorette tunnels vs. airspace tunnels, and we discover that declaring yourself a sport pilot is easier than Michael Scott declaring bankruptcy.

Show Notes & Links:

Mentioned on the show:

  • Ted on VASAviation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-prIctcva4
  • The Alameda-Weehawken Burrito Tunnel: https://idlewords.com/2007/04/the_alameda_weehawken_burrito_tunnel.htm
  • Video discussing the tunnel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGGa9drcClI
  • Ford's "Model T Moment": https://www.jalopnik.com/1936674/ford-next-model-t-mid-size-ev-truck/
  • Spirit SE-1 airplane: https://spiriteng.com/se-1-aircraft/
  • The Office, "I Declare Bankruptcy": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-m3RtoguAQ#t=65s
  • FAA's Mental Health rule recommendations: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/april/03/faa-publishes-mental-health-recommendations

  • FAA's "arbitary and capricious" antidepresasnt court case: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/03/court-rules-faa-antidepressant-denial-arbitrary

  • Community Updates:

  • William S. - Solo at 16, back flying after 37 years with BFR

  • Patreon survey insights on returning pilots
  • Discussion on 25-year gap pilots returning to aviation

Key MOSAIC Takeaways:

  • Private pilots can exercise sport pilot privileges by simply letting medical/BasicMed expire
  • Sport pilots can now fly larger, more capable aircraft
  • Experimental manufacturers can now build completed aircraft, not just kits
  • Potential for more affordable avionics and equipment options
  • Training schools may benefit from electric aircraft and more durable LSAs
  • Sport Pilot limitations: No night flying, no IFR, two seats maximum in use

Connect With Us:

  • Live Show: Monday nights, 8 PM Eastern on YouTube
  • Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
  • Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast
  • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast

Disclaimer: We openly admit we "have a podcast and don't know what we're talking about," so always consult proper sources for regulatory guidance!

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When Tim "Banjo Pilot" Lien's CFI's wife called his sectional chart maps "ugly," he didn't get mad - he got creative. The result? MyAeroGlass - stunning aviation art that actually makes spouses happy (imagine that!). It also is tech-enabled to show us the current weather, because we love VFR green.

Tim joins the crew to explore why midlife pilots are secretly makers and artists. From banjo picking to CNC machining, we dive into the creative minds of aviators who "glom onto things and take them way too far." Plus, discover how aviation's discipline actually enhances creativity, and why every pilot is creative whether they realize it or not.

As the crew discovers: "We chose this not because it was easy, but because we thought it was easy" - the same mindset that drives both flying and creating.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Erica Gilbert's IFR course: https://gilbertaviation.com/
  • Ted's youtube video, "serene mountain flying": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fabgHCyHI8
  • 1dullgeek's youtube video, "Hand Flying in IMC": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBTlpl8keho
  • MyAeroGlass: https://www.myaeroglass.com/
  • Ben's youtube video, "Pushing the envelope": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9cvl1LJV1Y
  • The Flow state: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)
  • Kenny G on SocialFlight, "The Jazz of Seaplane Flying with Kenny G": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzJ4g1hVftw

Community shoutouts: New Patreon supporters Anthony C, Jeff S, Justin G

Midlife Pilot Podcast:

  • Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/
  • Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast
  • Watch Live on YouTube - Mondays 8PM Eastern
  • Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
  • Discord Community (via Patreon)

Tonight's wisdom: "Flying IFR - where you trade scenery for stress."

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Welcome to another Information Whiskey post-maintenance flight where apparently we need more whiskey. Ben's out here doing multi-engine training in a Beechcraft Duchess and discovering that single-engine work is basically "leg day" for pilots.

Meanwhile, Brian's back in the air after a month-long hiatus (because life gets in the way when you're a midlife pilot) and Ted's just casually racked up 58 hours flying from Wisconsin to Oregon... by way of Indiana. Because that's totally how geography works.

Ben's living his best pleasantly primitive life at flight school, complete with actual answering machines (beep!), carbon copy receipts, and instructors who write everything out by hand.

Brian shares his mid-flight training technique: practicing wing-raising with rudder while just "bopping around doing kind of nothing" at 3000 feet, while Ted's been in a quasi-serious relationship with "the egg" for the last 90 days.

Community celebrations include our new Hershey Bar level Patreon members Greg T, William S, Joel R, Echo Kilo, Zach R, Matthew P, and Aaron G (thank you!), plus Scott and Mountain Rat Mat crushing their long solo cross-countries.

MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• Northwest Aeronaut aka "Oregon CFI Sam", Dutch rolls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxUwSb40LD4

• Spirit aircraft's SE-1: https://flyer.co.uk/spirit-launches-se-1-at-oshkosh-after-ten-years-of-secrecy/

• Spirit aircraft website: https://spiriteng.com/se-1-aircraft/

• My Cousin Vinny: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Cousin_Vinny

• Mike Busch, Ask the A&Ps, on post-maintenance flights: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-one-way-to-flat-spot-a-tire/id1527442466?i=1000717363376

• Ben's Beechcraft Duchess Multi-Engine Training

• Ted's Epic Oshkosh Return Journey (with Chicago skyline detour)

• Brian's Mid-Flight Rudder Training Techniques

• Community Wins and New Patreon Family

MIDLIFE PILOT PODCAST:

• Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com

• Patreon Community: https://patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

• Watch Live on YouTube - Mondays 8PM Eastern: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilot

• Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com

• Merch Store: https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com

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The aviation world just got flipped upside down! At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, the FAA dropped the MOSAIC bomb—the biggest shake-up to general aviation since 2004. Sport pilots can now fly aircraft with stall speeds up to 59 knots, and now have access to four-seat aircraft. But this isn't just about sport pilots—MOSAIC fundamentally reshapes the landscape for ALL pilots.

Our friend Ted, who sits on the ASTM committee and apparently has nothing better to do than read 700-page regulatory documents while camping in 100-degree heat, spent a week at Oshkosh decoding this mess so the rest of us could keep flying instead of drowning in federal paperwork. Fresh from his "undisclosed location in the canned pumpkin capital," Ted breaks down everything you need to know about the most significant expansion of pilot privileges in decades.

What You'll Learn:

  • Why sport pilots can now fly Ben's Cessna 182 "Beast" (and thousands of other aircraft)
  • How the 1,320-pound weight limit disappeared and what replaced it
  • The maintenance revolution that lets experimental aircraft owners perform their own inspections with just 16 hours of training
  • What this means for flight training costs and aircraft availability
  • How manufacturers like Van's and Sling are ready to start building completed aircraft instead of just kits
  • The hilarious story of how the official FAA announcement got the details completely wrong

Disclaimer: We're pilots and podcasters, not FAA officials or aviation lawyers. Always consult official sources and qualified professionals for regulatory guidance.

Show Notes & Links:

Airports & Aircraft Mentioned:

Blue Ridge Airport (MTV): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Airport

Beechcraft Duchess BE76: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_Duchess

DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeKalb%E2%80%93Peachtree_Airport

Piper Comanche: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_PA-24_Comanche

Official MOSAIC Resources:

MOSAIC Final Rule (FAA): https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2023-1377-1381

FAA Official Announcement: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-announces-improvements-recreational-aviation

EAA MOSAIC Information: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/advocacy/top-issues/mosaic-aircraft-certificate

EAA "MOSAIC Is Done!" Article: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/2025-07-22-mosaic-is-done

Industry Analysis & News:

General Aviation News MOSAIC Coverage: https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/07/23/long-awaited-mosaic-final-rule-released/

AOPA Light Sport Rules Expansion: https://aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/22/light-sport-rules-expand-dramatically

Kitplanes MOSAIC for Homebuilts: https://www.kitplanes.com/mosaic-is-here-what-it-means-for-homebuilts/

Flying Magazine MOSAIC Coverage: https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-finalizes-major-overhaul-of-light-sport-aircraft-rules/

Flight Insight Training Impact Analysis: https://www.flight-insight.com/post/faa-releases-final-mosaic-rule

Piper Flyer MOSAIC Forum Discussion: https://piperflyer.com/forum/unicom/1219-breaking-news-mosaic-final-rule-and-your-piper.html

Training & Maintenance:

Rainbow Aviation LSRM Courses: https://rainbowaviation.com/15-day-light-sport-repairman-maintenance-course/

Rainbow Aviation LSA Repairman Info: https://rainbowaviation.com/the-lsa-repairman-maintenance-or-inspection-rating/

Infinity Aero Club LSRM Training: https://infinityaeroclub.org/light-sport-repairman-maintenance-lsrm/

Kitplanes Light Sport Repairman Guide: https://www.kitplanes.com/light-sport-repairman-maintenance/

Connect With Us:

Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com

Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com

Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

YouTube Live Mondays 8 PM Eastern: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast

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The crew tackles listener Zach R's dilemma about "feeding our souls and starving our wallets" when it comes to aviation passion. Ted broadcasts live from under his airplane wing at Oshkosh (complete with random interruptions from Captain Jeff and the APG crew), while Ben, Brian, and special guest Nathan Ballard brainstorm creative ways to make flying more affordable and fulfilling.

From discovering that online aviation communities are full of CFIs that are "perfectly willing to be its best friend for the low, low rate of 60 to $70 an hour" to discussing whether being an "airport bum" is actually sound career advice, this episode is packed with practical tips for the budget-conscious pilot.

The gang explores everything from airport socializing and grass strip adventures to the reality that a Piper Dakota is "a lot of plane" for soul-searching flights. Plus, Nathan shares insights from his transition to professional flying, Ted dodges media interviews while podcasting, and Brian mourns his recently deceased MR2 (RIP).

Show Links:

Nathan Ballard YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying

Midlife Pilot Podcast:

  • Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com
  • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast
  • Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
  • Merch: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merch

Organizations & Resources:

  • NAFI (National Association of Flight Instructors): https://nafinet.org
  • EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association): https://www.eaa.org
  • Civil Air Patrol: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com
  • AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association): https://www.aopa.org
  • Freedom Aviation Network: https://freedomaviationnetwork.org

Flight Planning & Apps:

  • ForeFlight: https://foreflight.com
  • Garmin Pilot: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/115856

Aircraft Manufacturers:

  • Flight Design (CTLS): https://flightdesignusa.com
  • Piper Aircraft (Dakota): https://www.piper.com

Events:

  • EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: https://www.eaa.org/airventure

Airports Mentioned:

  • Peachtree DeKalb (PDK): https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/airports
  • John Tune Airport (JWN): https://www.flynashville.com/john-c-tune-airport

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After a year-long aviation hiatus, the legend himself returns! Chris Moran, the original midlife pilot who started it all, is back in the cockpit and spilling the raw truth about what happens when life pulls you away from flying. In this emotional reunion episode, Chris delivers the reality check every pilot needs to hear: "I want this to be a joy bringer to my life, not a stress bringer" - and why taking breaks doesn't make you less of an aviator. But that's not all! Brian goes full caveman on two broken car AC systems, proving that sometimes the best maintenance philosophy is "maybe if you just whack it with a hammer a few times, maybe it'll revive itself." Ben reveals why dawn patrol flights are aviation's best-kept secret after his Savannah adventure, while Ted breaks down the engineering marvel that keeps "the egg" cool in scorching heat.

Chris also teases his upcoming instrument rating series and shares hard-won wisdom about creating content without burning out. Whether you're struggling with aviation guilt, wondering if it's normal to step away, or just want to hear grown men solve problems with percussive maintenance, this episode delivers the perfect blend of inspiration, practical advice, and pure entertainment. As the live chat perfectly summed up: "never let it be said that violence can't solve problems!"

Mentioned on the show:

  • Erica Gilbert talking about heat: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wSfaeJ229m2KmIkA4CaK3

  • Ted's new video, "feral cat flying and finding community": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq3qlPkBBQY

  • Johnny Cash, "my song is sung": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGa3zFRqDn4#t=2m50s

  • Converting R12 to R134a: https://www.techtownforum.com/knowledge-base/article/equipment-appliances/hvac/r12-to-r134a-conversion-chart-formula/

  • Happy Days - The Fonz hitting the jukebox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP1cZ3rbkRg#t=15s

  • HEF - Manassas Airport, Va: https://www.airnav.com/airport/HEF

  • Fairmont Flying Club: https://fairmontflyingclub.com/

  • 4G7 - Fairmont Airport, W. Va: https://www.airnav.com/airport/4G7

  • Friendly Skies Film youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendlySkiesFilm/videos

  • Open Source GA youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OpenSourceGA/videos

  • BDR - Bridgeport/Sikorsky, Conn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/BDR

  • Ted Stryker sweating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs3zHbQDVlA#t=2m

  • THV - York, Penn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/THV

  • Kool Scoop window vent: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/koolscoop.php

Links:

  • Midlife Pilot Podcast: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com
  • Merch & More: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merch
  • Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast
  • OG Chris Moran's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@midlifepilot

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In this Information Whiskey session, Ben achieves peak midlife status by straining his back loading golf clubs into his airplane, proving that "we are the joke." Meanwhile, Brian gets voice recognized at an FBO after some night flying adventure, and Ted successfully converts his partner from "scrambling for handholds" to enjoying turbulence on flights to Seattle. The crew dives into listener feedback from Chris J's comprehensive aircraft toolkit wisdom, Johnny L's inspiring F-16 crew chief to student pilot journey in Finland, and advice for midlife aviation career changes. Plus, community celebrations including Wendy's IFR checkride victory, Barry's San Francisco adventure sans Golden Gate Bridge, and a heartfelt message for Texas flood victims. Whether you're 45 and contemplating CFI life or just trying to figure out how so many excruciating aviation tasks always take exactly one hour, this episode covers the full spectrum of midlife flying challenges and triumphs.

Links Mentioned on the Show:

  • George Carlin on Golf
  • SSI - St. Simons Island Airport
  • EVV - Evansville Indiana Airport
  • Spiders on LSD Study
  • Dwight, Michael, Sorry I Annoyed You With My Friendship
  • Luke Air Force Base
  • Osan Air Base, Korea
  • Carl Valeri - Expert Aviator
  • Stuck Mic Avcast
  • CAF Music City's T-6
  • Operation Airdrop for Texas Flood Relief

Midlife Pilot Podcast:

  • Website
  • Patreon Community
  • Watch Live on YouTube - Mondays 8PM Eastern
  • Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
  • Discord Community

Special Mention:

  • Oshkosh Discussion with ATC Controller - July 9th, 9PM for Patreon members

Additional Resources:

  • FAA Career Information
  • AOPA Career Center
  • Aviation Career Resources

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Time for a heat dome intervention. Weather expert and certified mensch/CFII/CSIP Erica Gilbert returns to explain why we're all flying around in "the most expensive tin can you could sit in" and why Brian's brilliant idea of turning a boneyard 152 into a backyard sauna might actually be profitable. Learn why high temperatures make us all like moms telling kids to "get off of me," discover why Erica confidently wears long sleeves in 100-degree heat, and how even Ted's fancy liquid-cooled engine can't escape the tyranny of thermodynamics. Plus, why Ben's mighty beast has to humble itself to a mere 750 fpm climb, and Nathan's astute observation that density altitude performance issues are basically the aviation equivalent of being in midlife.

Mentioned on the Show:

  • Erica Gilbert's 4-Week Aviation Weather Course
  • SISKIND - Flying With Ghosts - Fairchild PT-19 Flight - Miss Cornelia
  • Heat Exhaustion - Mayo Clinic
  • Heatstroke - Mayo Clinic
  • OSHA - Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat Environments
  • Delta Airlines Inspects 100 Aircraft for Hail Damage
  • ATC Zero - IFR Magazine

Erica Gilbert / Gilbert Aviation:

  • Gilbert Aviation - Instagram
  • Gilbert Aviation - TikTok
  • AeroSafe Newsletter Signup
  • AeroSafe on YouTube

Midlife Pilot Podcast:

  • Website
  • Patreon Community
  • Watch Live on YouTube - Mondays 8PM Eastern
  • Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
  • Discord Community

Additional Resources:

  • FAA Density Altitude Information
  • AOPA Heat Stress and Flying
  • Aviation Weather Center

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The crew welcomes Dev Cannon, who exemplifies the CAF mission by going from aviation newcomer to Music City Wing Commander in just a few years, leading 70 volunteers in preserving warbird history. Dev explains how the CAF's 19,000 international members keep aviation heritage alive through everything from flyovers at memorial services to introducing kids to aviation, proving that "if you show up at an event and say, how can I participate? Like you're in." The organization welcomes everyone—pilots, mechanics, historians, and aviation enthusiasts—because as Dev notes, they "can use all the hands they can get." The episode highlights their PT-19 "Miss Cornelia," named after local aviation pioneer Cornelia Fort, and how these living history lessons help veterans and families share stories that might otherwise be lost. Ben discovers breakfast so good at Guntersville that he's "considering buying a junker and donating it to the airport," while celebrating his landing redemption with the signature "kid rock arrival." Ted's camping plans crater with three shredded tubes, Brian defends "Bachelorette Super Charlie" terminology, and everyone agrees that whether you want to maintain aircraft, research history, or just "ring wars" to draw crowds, the CAF provides meaningful ways to give back to aviation while connecting with our flying heritage.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Ted's video about tire travails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VsDs_ZVDEQ
  • 8A1 - Guntersville Alabama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guntersville_Municipal_Airport
  • Homecoming & Company, Guntersville Alabama: https://homecomingandco.com/
  • airportcrewcars- Alabama: https://airportcourtesycars.com/alabama/
  • Savannah Georgia airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannah/Hilton_Head_International_Airport
  • The Rehearsal, Vulture interview that discusses Killing Zone: https://archive.ph/Ft43G
  • M54 - Lebanon Airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon_Municipal_Airport_(Tennessee)
  • Commemorative Air Force Music City Wing: https://www.cafmusiccity.org/
  • Fairchild PT-19: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_PT-19
  • CAF Music City's PT-19: https://www.commemorativeairforce.org/aircraft/196
  • Who was Cornelia Fort? https://commemorativeairforce.org/news/cornelia-fort-a-legacy-of-courage-takes-flight
  • SNJ4 (Navy T-6): https://commemorativeairforce.org/aircraft/85
  • CAF Peachtree City: https://airbasegeorgia.org/

Support the Podcast:Join our amazing Patreon community for just $1/month and get access to exclusive content, check ride debriefs, and the best pilot community on the internet. Find our Patreon link at midlifepilotpodcast.com

Connect with us:

  • Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com
  • Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
  • Watch live: Mondays 8PM Eastern on YouTube
  • Discord: Join through our website www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

A portion of proceeds supports Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts.

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The guys tackle the inevitable reality of breaking down away from home - and yeah, "you did it to yourself by choosing to take on flying in midlife." They get real about emergency prep: "have a leatherman, have zip ties, have tape" and for the love of all that's holy, "cash is options, cash is flexibility." Brian drops wisdom about proactive maintenance ("we all do deferred maintenance") while Ted swears by Savvy Aviation as "AAA for aviation" after his windshield cracked mid-flight. Ben reminds everyone that mechanics are surprisingly helpful - "don't worry about it" seems to be their universal response to weekend pilot problems. The crew's advice boils down to: plan your route around services, know your call-out numbers, stay "calm and systematic" when things go sideways, and sometimes, if it's safe. just "put some duct tape on it" and "send it." Their six-point survival plan covers everything from building your network before you need it to knowing "when to walk away"—because "small town A&P's seem to be more available than you would expect."

Mentioned on the show:

  • Volvo 940: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_900_Series#Volvo_940
  • Blackstone Labs (oil analysis): https://www.blackstone-labs.com/
  • Evektor EV97: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evektor_SportStar
  • Example of a 'magnetic tablet cooler': https://amazon.com/dp/B0C7PC3155
  • Savvy Aviation: https://www.savvyaviation.com/plans/
  • AirNav (airport information): https://www.airnav.com/
  • Pain Field (PAE): https://www.airnav.com/airport/KPAE
  • RAM Mounts: https://www.rammount.com/
  • Leatherman multi-tools: https://www.leatherman.com/

Support the Podcast:Join our amazing Patreon community for just $1/month and get access to exclusive content, check ride debriefs, and the best pilot community on the internet: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

Connect with us:

  • Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com
  • Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
  • Watch live: Mondays 8PM Eastern on YouTube
  • Discord: Join through our website

A portion of proceeds supports Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts.

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Ben raves about Garmin Smart Charts as a potential ForeFlight killer, while the gang shares their biggest radio pet peeves - from the dreaded "with you" to "fish finder." Brian explains why his ignition wires "date back to when Jimi Hendrix was an unknown rising guitarist," and they dive into listener feedback about check ride prep (spoiler: don't get "tuned up" the day before). Plus, discussions of "meat missiles" falling from the sky at skydiving operations, whether Florida counts as the Southeast, and why we all struggle with remembering which runway we just landed on.

Mentioned on the show:

  • "Polish doctor" with a CTLS, video 1, pilot hypoxic at 25k feet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xym_ADvX_2o:

  • "Polish doctor" video 2, SP-SMED gets banned from airspace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lToh07ov5hQ

  • Checkmate Aviation, passenger briefing: https://www.checkmateaviation.com/products/checkmate-crew-and-passenger-briefing-card

  • Is pitot heat required to fly IFR? https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/100892/is-pitot-heat-required-for-ifr

  • Happy Fun Ball disclaimers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmqeZl8OI2M

  • Angel Flight Southeast: https://angelflightse.org/

  • Garmin Pilot Smart Charts: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/aviation/garminpilot/smartcharts/

  • Aviation101 promoting Smart Charts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKoEfHCn9ZA

  • PilotEdge: https://www.pilotedge.net/

  • VATSIM: https://vatsim.net/

  • LiveATC: https://www.liveatc.net/

  • Bill Dance (fishing): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Dance_(television_host)

  • CMD - Cullman, Alabama: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CMD

  • Dublin, Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin,_Georgia

  • Dublin's Redneck Games: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redneck_Games

  • Vidalia Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vidalia,_Georgia

  • Woodstock movie (1970): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodstock_(film)

Support Midlife Pilot Podcast on Patreon, get merch, join our Discord community, and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

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The crew tackles long cross-country cockpit organization after Ted's epic 5,400-mile journey reveals that going "pants-free" provides a "4% gain" in performance (wheel pants, people!). From the critical importance of blue shop towels to strategic snack placement and lumbar support, Ben, Brian, and Ted share hard-earned tips for setting up your cockpit for extended flights. Ben also achieves peak self-awareness by making "the quantum leap of berating myself behind my own back" on frequency, proving that even our radio calls need better cockpit organization.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Midlife Pilot Podcast: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com
  • Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast
  • Watch live on YouTube: Mondays 8 PM Eastern - https://youtube.com/@MidlifePilotPodcast
  • Manzanita Oregon: https://visittheoregoncoast.com/cities/manzanita/
  • PlanePlaces' second T82 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVlRgni9ynw
  • Wilhelm scream: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_scream
  • OWB - Owensboro Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/OWB
  • Garmin 430, yellow "NO GPS" warning: https://vansairforce.net/threads/garmin-430-message-no-gps.49119/
  • Twin Oaks airpark, Oregon: https://www.flytwinoaks.com/
  • Chris Moran, Midlife Pilot, "I'm Back" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIDq2sCmxsU
  • EP100, live in West Virginia with OG Chris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc5acX35DKE
  • George Costanza's wallet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TYuGe7JaX4
  • Checkmate Aviation (Barry's custom checklists): https://checkmateav.com
  • Flying Eyes Eyewear (discount code: SISKIND): https://flyingeyes.com
  • Ted's 3D printed holder/flying eyes organizer: https://www.printables.com/model/1316551-flying-eyes-airplane-organizer
  • Blackstone Labs (oil analysis): https://www.blackstone-labs.com/
  • Bordo sandwiches, Marfa, Texas: https://www.instagram.com/bordo.tx/
  • West Virginia pepperoni rolls: https://wvtourism.com/state-food-pepperoni-roll/
  • Freedom Aviation Network (anti-human trafficking): https://freedomaviation.network

Airports Mentioned:

  • John Tune Airport (JWN) - Nashville, TN
  • Owensboro-Daviess County Airport (OWB) - Owensboro, KY
  • Independence State Airport (S36) - Independence, OR
  • Twin Oaks Airpark (7S3) - Hillsboro, OR
  • Fairmont Regional Airport (4G7) - Fairmont, WV
  • T82 (Gillespie County Airport) - Fredericksburg, TX

Equipment Mentioned:

  • Garmin 530 GPS
  • GoPro cameras
  • Flight Design CTLS aircraft
  • Cessna 180/182 aircraft
  • Cherokee 180 aircraft

10% of our monthly Patreon pledge total goes directly to support the Freedom Aviation Network

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In the compelling conclusion to their check ride series, the Midlife Pilot crew explores instrument rating experiences drawn from their Patreon community. From developing the perfect instrument scan to battling temperamental autopilots and partial-panel approaches, this episode reveals the unique challenges—and profound rewards—of becoming an instrument-rated pilot. Ben, Brian, and Ted unpack essential advice on training aircraft, instructor selection, and those magical moments of breaking through cloud layers at minimums. With candid discussions about instrument currency and the perishable nature of these skills, this episode serves as both inspiration and practical roadmap for pilots at any stage of their IFR journey. As one debrief contributor put it, "I think every private pilot should get their instrument rating. I'm a much better pilot than I was before."

Join our Patreon for access to all the debriefs, Discord, and much more: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastMentioned on the show:

  • RYY - McCollum Field: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RYY

  • London Kentucky tornado: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado_outbreak_sequence_of_May_15%E2%80%9316,_2025

  • Opposing Bases: https://opposingbases.com/

  • Flight Insight: https://www.youtube.com/@flightinsight9111

  • Nokia Snake game: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_(1998_video_game)

  • Konami Code: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konami_Code

  • Victor airways: https://www.boldmethod.com/blog/lists/2024/10/7-things-pilots-should-know-about-victor-airways/

  • Flying DME arcs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-caYr6Lr9U

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In this first installment of their two-part check ride series, the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew mines gold from their community's private pilot exam experiences through intimate Patreon debriefs. Ben, Brian, and Ted tackle everything from the anxiety-inducing oral exam (which Ben likens to "walking into the delivery room") to those heart-stopping landing attempts on check ride day. The hosts share candid stories of forgotten keys, unexpected teaching moments, and the surprising feeling when a DPE says "you ought to know you passed." Whether you're contemplating your first lesson or preparing for your own check ride, this episode offers both practical wisdom and the reassurance that even type-A personalities sometimes "completely forget how to land" - and still earn their wings.

Join our Patreon for access to all the debriefs, Discord, and much more: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastMentioned on the show:

  • Ted's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flysport_tedder

  • GGG - Longview, Texas: https://www.airnav.com/airport/GGG

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Join the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew as they return from their epic Texas fly-in adventure with tales of triumph, near-misses, and one unfortunate set of wheel pants. Ted recounts his 28.3-hour post-fly-in journey that somehow went east instead of west ("Look, you can only chase tailwinds for so long"), while Brian shares his VFR limits revelation ("I have now taken VFR flying as far as one can take it"). Ben confesses to "two bounces and a skip" on one of his worst landings in recent memory, and the guys discuss the wisdom of testing boundaries safely: "Go up and have a look, but be fully prepared to land again." Featuring an impossibly flowery listener message that has Brian nearly falling out of his chair, frequent tangents, and what the hosts themselves describe as "an episode that is apparently all appetizers."

  • 80V - Airmail Airport, Medicine Bow Wyoming: https://www.airmailaviator.com/
  • 4R9 - Dauphin Island, Alabama: https://www.airnav.com/airport/4R9
  • Cap'n Todd flying to the Texas Send: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLQ14WrGWXc
  • Fedex fast talking commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeK5ZjtpO-M
  • Micro Machines fast talking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLP6oT3uqV8
  • Avemco- increasing taxi crash rate outside of the Killing Zone: https://www.avemco.com/news-events/pirep-blog/taxiing-one-of-the-first-skills-you-learned
  • SRB - Upper Cumberland Airport, Sparta Tenn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/SRB
  • Plan continuation bias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunk_cost#Plan_continuation_bias
  • Ted's Rockies turbulence video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GC-5BnhILU
  • Erica Gilbert, May 21, "When Mistakes Happen: The Flight Instructor's Response" https://my.nafimentor.org/events-calendar/mentorlive/mentor-live-92/704
  • Vans RV15 development video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtsJVNx72a4

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The Midlife Pilot Podcast hosts the Big Texas Send fly in at T82 in Fredericksburg, TX and lands with a thud (but "didn't dent the runway") at the gorgeous TAC Aero hangar. Ben, Brian, and Ted swap harrowing journey tales involving everything from Brian's "measured scud running" to Ted mysteriously ascending to 15,000 feet in a light sport ("Try a German-engineered plane built in Ukraine!"). While celebrating their adrenaline-junkie passenger Hope flying with Ted and losing a bird-strike battle with Ted's wheel pants ("Suicidal Sparrow would be a good band name"), the crew raises their glasses to those who made the toughest decision of all—not flying. As Brian says about the fly-in pressure, "We never actually have to fly anywhere, ever...except for this Sunday because we don't have hotels anymore." Between "advanced VFR flying" (which apparently means "leave the day before") and zip-tie engineering miracles, episode 127 captures why aviation friendships are "like meeting family for the first time, except you like them."

Locations Mentioned:

  • TAC Aero - Tail wheel training academy at T82 in Fredericksburg, TX ("This is heaven, this is Tail Wheel Academy")
  • Hangar Hotel - Aviation-themed hotel at T82
  • Fredericksburg Brewery - Meetup location for the group
  • Cooper's Barbecue - Lunch spot in Llano
  • Lockhart BBQ - Another BBQ destination visited by attendees

Aviation Resources:

  • Checkmate Aviation - Custom checklists offered by Barry (including the upside-down emergency checklist)
  • Freedom Aviation Network - Anti-human trafficking organization supported by the podcast

Thanks To:

  • Chris and the TAC Aero team
  • Hope from the Hangar Hotel (the adrenaline junkie who survived Ted's wheel pants departure)
  • Erica Gilbert for her weather briefings
  • Richard (Yankee 88) for his safe no-go decision ("congratulations on not flying here")
  • Mike (Alpha Golf) for his safe no-go decision
  • Louis for his safe aircraft choice (opting for A/C over his shiny new Carbon Cub)

Get Connected:

  • Midlife Pilot Podcast Patreon - Join for $1/month or $12/year ("Friends with Benefits program")
  • Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
  • Website: midlifepilotpodcast.com
  • Live on YouTube Mondays at 8PM Eastern (or "sometimes in Texas at weird times")

Words of Wisdom: "Real pilots use the rudder. Tail wheel pilots worship it."

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The Midlife Pilot crew prepares for their "Big Texas Send" fly-in at T82 while navigating spring weather challenges. Brian celebrates returning to flying after a 42-day maintenance hiatus, sharing stories of tower tours and smoke-signaling air tractors. Ted plans his epic 1800-mile cross-country journey in his LSA, which Brian dubs "Oregon Trail without dysentery," while guest weather expert and CFII Erica Gilbert offers forecasting wisdom. The show celebrates both those making the journey and those making smart no-go decisions. As all the best GA adventures play out, "This is not going as planned, and it's awesome."

Mentioned on the show:

  • CMD - Cullman Airport, Alabama: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KCMD

  • Trent Palmer's smoke system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ4ZDpx2ysM

  • Manifest, 2018 TV series: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifest_(TV_series)

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When your CFI asks for your name and you respond with "standby" – you're experiencing what pilots call a helmet fire. In this episode, Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into the phenomenon of task saturation that affects pilots at every level, from Ben's instrument approach adventures where he made what sounded like "Charlie Brown's teacher" over the radio, to Ted's coastal flight where turning back was the smartest option.

The crew shares practical strategies for extinguishing these cognitive infernos: slowing down both mentally and physically, asking for delay vectors, and constantly thinking ahead by asking "what are the next two things?" They discuss how flying with other pilots can increase pressure, why preparation is critical, and how everyone from students to seasoned pilots can recover when they fall behind the airplane.

Plus, updates on the upcoming T82 fly-in (80 attendees, 39 aircraft!), community milestone celebrations, and a reminder that, as Wendell Geek says, "helmet fires are like exercise – they suck in the moment, but in the long run they make you stronger."Mentioned on the show:

  • VLD - Valdosta Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valdosta_Regional_Airport

  • The Underbelly Project: https://viralart.vandalog.com/read/chapter/the-underbelly-project/

  • The Towering Inferno: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Towering_Inferno

  • M02 - Dickson County Airport, Tenn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M02

  • the Dixie Dregs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie_Dregs

  • L.P. Hartley, The Go-Between, "The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there": https://rylandscollections.com/2015/09/19/the-past-is-a-foreign-country-l-p-hartleys-the-go-between/

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Join the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew as they tackle the surprisingly complex world of airport parking that flight schools never teach you. Between Brian's maintenance woes with Lucy, Ted's triumphant return of "the egg" from annual, and preparations for their upcoming Texas fly-in, the hosts share hilarious stories about confusing marshaling signals ("like dance move diagrams"), territorial tie-down spots, and why you should always keep "brakes off." As Ben perfectly summarizes: "The moment I get cocky and say I can fit in that spot... it's just a matter of time before I mess up." From diaper oil-change hacks to avoiding insurance adjusters' scrutiny, this episode proves that even the most mundane aspects of aviation can leave you both wiser and broke for a lifetime.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Using a diaper for oil changes: https://vansairforce.net/threads/tip-changing-oil-with-a-diaper.123286/

  • DNL - Daniel Field, Augusta, Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Field

  • 4S2 - Ken Jernstedt Airfield, Hood River, Oregon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Jernstedt_Airfield

  • 1L8 - Gen. Dick Stout Field, Hurricane, Utah: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Municipal_Airport

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In this episode, Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into the challenges of finding and maintaining hangar space, or not having one. From ratchet straps (BAD) and tornado warnings (ALSO BAD) to the joys of electricity and the sorrows of cold starts, the guys discuss how far they'd travel for a good hangar and why sometimes your plane becomes 'an outdoor pet.' Plus, updates on Ben's annual maintenance adventures and a reminder about the upcoming Big Texas Send meetup at T82.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Big Texas Send: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/rsvpt82

  • VPC - Cartersville Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/VPC

  • Tyler S's personal minimums tool: https://personal-minimums.web.app/

  • Example of Tyler's minimums: https://personal-minimums.web.app/profile/8DgOuxvxgxdfiZRpW2W8BMGUJO32

  • SISKIND - Life is what happens to you... (the plane that flipped): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EejbxBWsfo

  • Gust front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outflow_boundary

  • Wind gradient: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_gradient

  • Ted's ShockStrap tiedowns: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/shock13-20708.php

  • Switcheon remote power switch: https://switcheon.com/product/switcheon_remote_power_switch/

  • Zen and the art of Knolling: https://makezine.com/article/workshop/zen-and-the-art-of-knolling/

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Join us for special guest Erica Gilbert, a CFII and TBM pilot who brings her expertise on cross-country planning and adult learning to the show. While Ben mourns his grounded "Beast" waiting on engine work, and Mark celebrates his impressive 693-nautical-mile nonstop flight in his upgraded Cherokee 235, Erica shares her refreshing approach to flight planning: "I plan my stops around food." The discussion reveals how midlife pilots bring unique strengths to aviation training—they're more motivated, committed, and arrive prepared despite memory challenges that come with age.

Erica breaks down her framework for learning complex aircraft systems into four simple parts (function, components, limitations/failures, and operation), offers weather briefing insights, and introduces her new IFR course designed to bridge the gap between online learning and practical application. The episode delivers aviation wisdom for pilots of all levels while tackling the question of how to maintain confidence as a newly certificated pilot.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Diamond DA40NG: https://www.diamondaircraft.com/en/private-owners/aircraft/da40/overview/

  • Erica's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe/videos

  • One of Erica's weather vids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BFXShZFVGs

  • LEX Lexington Ky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LEX

  • LOZ London Ky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LOZ

  • Capitol Drive airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/02C

  • UES Waukesha County Airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/WAU

  • ERAU paper- Student Engagement in Aviation Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): https://commons.erau.edu/publication/2285/

  • Beech Baron 55: https://www.aviationconsumer.com/used-aircraft-guide/beech-baron-55-2/

  • Erica's IFR ground school begins Apr 15: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr

  • Mark practicing PPL maneuvers after having his PPL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsb6YPyWCQk

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Join Ben, Brian, and Ted for hangar talk about the joys (and pains) of annual inspections in this episode of the Midlife Pilot Podcast. The guys commiserate over their planes being simultaneously grounded, with Ben's Beast down to five cylinders and showing remarkable "patience" (or is it numbness?). Brian dishes on his new book of aviation essays "Make Small Corrections," while Ted smugly reminds everyone his oil-free belly never needs scrubbing. The fellas debate what aircraft they'd come back as in the next life, swap formation flying stories, and remind everyone about the upcoming Texas meetup. Pull up a chair in the hangar and settle in for another episode that'll make you feel right at home in the best pilot community around.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Ernest Goes To Jail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Goes_to_Jail

  • The Green Mile: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Green_Mile_(film)

  • Nashville prison: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_State_Prison

  • Paul Craig episode 120: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP120---Descending-from-Mount-Stupid-with-Paul-Craig-e30b2sb

  • Cessna 195: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_195

  • Stinson v77: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_Reliant

  • Lockheed AC130: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_AC-130

  • Continental IO520: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_IO-520

  • Georgia Tech Wreck Racing: https://wreckracing.gatech.edu/

  • RMG Rome airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RMG

  • Sam's Burger and Deli: https://www.samsburgerdeli.com/

  • XNX Music City Executive: https://www.airnav.com/airport/XNX

  • "Cessna 140 Ben": https://flywithben.com/

  • Centerline Aviation: https://centerlineair.com/

  • Cessna 337 Skymaster: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_Skymaster

  • TomAir's Cessna 337: https://www.youtube.com/@tomairtv

  • The Green Machine: https://www.retroist.com/p/the-green-machine

  • Brian's book, "Make Small Corrections": https://amazon.com/dp/B0DZWQKGJX

  • Original Kindle with a keyboard: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Amazon_Kindle_(original_version)

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For this very special episode we welcome Paul Craig, author of "The Killing Zone," "Be a Better Pilot," and numerous other aviation books including his memoir "Flight Times: Stories from the Second Best Instructor." In this episode, we explore how aviation has evolved since Paul's last book edition, from the rise of electronic flight bags to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving being statistically the most dangerous flying day. As Paul notes about his writing approach, "I just sit down at the computer and have a conversation with the keyboard. It's just you and me talking on a Saturday afternoon at the hangar."

Paul shares stories from his memoir, including the time his instructor Bill Kirshner yelled "CLEAR PROP!" after 23 spins while still inside the aircraft, and when his student's first solo flight had Air Force One on approach behind him.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Ted's new video, "I don't feel heard": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3D4bXBSMiw

  • Invisible Hulk piano intro, 1978: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9MysTXM_P4

  • CHA - Chattanooga Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CHA

  • EP40 - introducing Ben and Ted: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP40---The-Podcast-Handoff---a-very-special-crossover-episode-e29965s

  • Cornelia Fort Airfield: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelia_Fort_Airpark

  • Cornelia Fort herself: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelia_Fort

  • Patsy Clilne was headed to Cornelia Fort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963_Camden_PA-24_crash

  • Paul Craig, "Be A Better Pilot": https://amazon.com/dp/0830620478/

  • Paul Craig, "Killing Zone, Second Edition": https://amazon.com/dp/0071798404/

The Killing Zone, Second Edition: How & Why Pilots Die

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Join Ben, Ted, and special guest Mark (aka 1DullGeek) as they talk Flysto, the flight-tracking app that brutally reveals they're better and worse pilots than they thought. Geek out over landing scores, wind data, and traffic playback that "takes the emotional component out of the debrief" – perfect for analyzing that crosswind landing you swore was perfect (spoiler: it wasn't).

Come for the flight data analysis, stay for Ben's parting wisdom: "Light travels faster than sound, which is why some people appear bright until they speak."

(Special thanks to Mark for filling in for Brian last minute)Mentioned on the show:

  • Mark aka 1dullgeek: https://www.youtube.com/@1dullgeek/videos

  • AID - Anderson Indiana: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AID

  • 02C - Capitol Drive Airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/02C

  • Seth Lake DPE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SethLakeDPE

  • Seth Lake's ACE guide: https://vslaviation.myshopify.com/products/vsl-ace-guide

  • Video showing the ACE guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZM-s2EBK7w

  • Aviation NewsTalk 365 with Patrick L. of Flysto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CiwzM7kWE

  • Flysto- AOPA, Dave Hirschman: https://aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/september/pilot/first-look-more-than-a-tattletale

  • Flysto on EuroGA: https://www.euroga.org/forums/flying/14846-geeking-out-on-post-flight-data-with-flysto-net?page=1

  • Bruce Williams showing the flysto overlay on a instrument approach to EAT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CiwzM7kWE

  • Flysto's "supported avionics": https://www.flysto.net/avionics

  • VUJ - Stanly County, NC: https://www.airnav.com/airport/VUJ

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"Freedom to go broke." The guys dive deep into the bittersweet reality of aircraft ownership—from the freedom it provides to the unique challenges it presents. Brian compares airplane ownership to marriage, Ted discusses his aversion to suction cups, and Ben reveals he's "fully funded on my pro rata share" of an eventual engine overhaul. They discuss the importance of finding a trusted mechanic, the joy of spontaneous lunch flights, and why "squawk and walk" is something renters do, not owners. As Brian puts it, "I'm a visitor in this socioeconomic space," but the rewards are worth the challenges.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Ghost Dog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Dog:_The_Way_of_the_Samurai

  • Jim Jarmusch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Jarmusch

  • Open Source GA- "squawk and walk": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4smAzSqNG4o#t=2m40s

  • Coleal interpretation- AOPA: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/august/pilot/savvy-maintenance-legal-interpretations

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"If you're tired of doing your yoga classes every morning, just buy a low wing." In this episode, the crew kicks off a playful aviation civil war, pitting high-wing and low-wing aircraft against each other. Ben, Brian, and Ted debate the merits of each design, from the hanging sensation of high wings to the "sportiness" of low wings. Plus, updates on the Big Texas Send meetup, memories of a fallen aviation friend, and Ted's philosophical reflection on how "there's a countable number of summers" to fly.

Mentioned on the show:

  • TAC Aero- Fredericksburg: https://www.tacaero.com/

  • UOS- Franklin County/Suwanee TN: https://www.airnav.com/airport/UOS

  • University of the South: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewanee:_The_University_of_the_South

  • M02- Dickson Municipal: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M02

  • Aviation101- High wing vs low wing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WlVCz8E84w

  • Ted's new video, "busy ground: dueling aircraft": https://youtube.com/watch?v=sN3BBw3RZDw

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Ben shares his unconventional left base entry at Daniel Field, admitting "Rusty is not the right word. Lazy, I think is the right word." This sparks a spirited debate as Brian responds " I'm coming in hot in the other direction here!" Meanwhile, Ted confesses "I just forget how to land" and explains why being "the only VFR pilot out" is "usually not a good sign."

The crew discusses proper pattern procedures versus local customs, with Ben defending his approach because "it didn't feel right to me" while Brian insists on "flying the prescribed entries for patterns, period, end of story." Plus, Ted explains his infamous "icing on the vegetables" analogy!

Mentioned on the show:

  • Rod Machado - Why Maneuvering Speed Changes With Weight:https://youtu.be/BAy4w3SYCTo?si=74vAku1_jSPM9Ib9

  • Rod Machado- How Is Maneuvering Speed Determined? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_KdHEzIJkk

  • Brian's new video- Dead Pilots = More Views: Aviation YouTube's Race to the Bottom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed-hjosBQhQ

* Ted's new video- day at the museum: flying into and out of boeing field: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt9PPalGIyI

  • Ted's new video- mercurial conditions, mistakes, odd comms: pattern work at UAO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueu9yVHA7QY

  • SureFly Magneto: https://www.surefly.net/

  • EP44- Happy Hour! Guest Brian Turner (episode with "icing on the vegetables"): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP44---Happy-Hour--Guest-Bryan-Turner-aka-Just-Plane-Silly-e2ae412

  • EP116- The art of tailwheel flying with CFI Ben Lehman (aka "140 Ben"): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP70---The-art-of-tailwheel-flying-with-CFI-Ben-Lehman-e2i7k72/a-ab5fk1c

  • DNL- Augusta, Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DNL

  • BIG TEXAS SEND shirt: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merch/p/official-big-texas-send-2025-fly-in-shirt

  • Jason Miller - The Finer Points - NO TEARDROP IN NON TOWERED PATTERN ENTRIES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi9jdxzLur4

  • AC 90-66C - Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations PDF: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_90-66C.pdf

  • Visual Approach procedures in ForeFlight: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/360057742073-How-is-the-Procedure-Advisor-used#h_01J9W8HH0RR7QZX8B7WVGXPBFQ

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From dodging Atlanta traffic to landing sweet courtesy car upgrades (hello, BHM Millionair FBO's Mercedes), Ben breaks down how flying personal aircraft can transform business travel. While Ted needs "a grandmother in every town" thanks to sport pilot restrictions, and Brian ponders partnership puzzles, Ben proves that sometimes the best business tool is a Cessna. "I would pay $200 to be in a time machine any day of the week," he notes, though maybe skip the time machine demos with clients - one passenger's "dashboard painting" experience suggests some business meetings are better kept on terra firma. Join the crew for a hilarious yet practical look at mixing business with GA, where the real luxury isn't the courtesy car, it's skipping I-285 traffic.

Mentioned on the show:

  • EP24 - Everything About Flying Clubs with Drew Myers from AOPA: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP24---Everything-About-Flying-Clubs-with-Drew-Myers-from-AOPA-e1ou9h1/a-a8laq3o

  • Brian's new video, "Flying Sideways: When Aviation Truth Meets Internet Expertise | A Visit to the Swift Museum": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73LnW1e0UbQ

  • Lake Lanier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lanier

  • Ft. Moore (previously Fort Benning): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Moore

  • BHM Million Air: https://www.millionair.com/locations/bhm/

  • Wendover Productions: The Economics of Private Jets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYPrH4xANpU

  • The Economics of Everyday Things- Private Jets: https://freakonomics.com/podcast/private-jets/

Support the show on Patreon: www.midlifepilotpocast.com

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In this episode, a perfectionist's quest for the perfect checklist leads to an unexpected business acquisition. Barry explains how his journey from "maybe I should get my pilot certificate" turned into owning Checkmate Aviation after his DIY checklist started peeling apart.

Between Ben's tales of impressing passengers with instrument approaches and Brian's near-purchase of a globe-trotting Swift, the crew dives into the art of flows versus checklists, and joke about creating a "midlife version" with extra-large text.

Barry M, who owns Checkmate Aviation, talked about checklists and flows: https://checkmateaviation.com/

Mentioned on the show:

  • Erica Gilbert - Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe/videos

  • TMA - Tifton GA: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TMA

  • MMI - Athens TN: https://www.airnav.com/airport/MMI

  • Swift museum: https://swiftmuseumfoundation.org/

  • ICARUS view-limiting device: https://www.icarusdevices.com/

  • Arthur Schopenhauer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer

  • Checkmate Aviation: https://checkmateaviation.com/

  • TTD - Troutdale Oregon: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TTD

  • Checklist Manifesto: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Checklist_Manifesto

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Come for the "sleep-deprived Ballyhoo," stay for the "bowling ball collectors who fly Cherokee 235s." In this episode, the crew reveals their "Ultimate Official Airplane of..." Guide where your aircraft choice might expose you as someone who "lectures about stick and rudder at parties" or "plans flights around Whole Foods locations." Plus, tales of an overenthusiastic ATC requesting a "60-mile left downwind," and why raising a puppy is just like raising a child, except "you only have to feed the dog twice a day." Featuring special guest appearances by a green-primered 737 and Ted's dirty belly (on his plane, that is).Mentioned on the show:

  • Nathan Ballard's first "learning from the military" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_5m69KCKs

  • Ted's new video, "return from friday harbor with my favorite passenger", with the dirty belly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBmh8KX22A#t=3m55s

  • "Official airplane of" list on the MPP blog: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/the-ultimate-official-airplane-of-guide

  • MPP Aviation Apps Guide: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/comprehensive-ish-aviation-apps-guide

  • Bunyan's in Muscle Shoals: https://www.bunyansbarbeque.com/

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When a master CFII/ATP trades right rudder lessons for a seat in an Air Force T-38 Talon, you know it's going to be good. Nathan Ballard expected a polite tour of Sheppard Air Force Base but instead found himself pulling 6Gs during actual bomb runs at 375 knots. While he's up there burning through 4,000 pounds of fuel faster than Ted burns in a year flying his "egg," the Air Force instructor is casually critiquing bombing accuracy like he's discussing the weather. "I thought this was going to be a press visit, but they said 'we're not going to just burn up gas to let you take a look - you're integrating into a real training mission,'" Nathan recalls, shortly before learning what it feels like when your vision decides to peace out at 6Gs. Between learning to eject from a supersonic jet and watching a civilian plane mosey through their military airspace like it's a Sunday drive, this master instructor brought back some serious pro tips from the world's best aviators. Pure midlife pilot gold.Mentioned on the show:

  • Nathan Ballard's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying

  • Nathan's first military flying video: "What happens when a SMALL PLANE flies through MILITARY AIRSPACE?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_5m69KCKs

  • WDR - Barrow County Airport, Winder Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/WDR

  • Sheppard Air Force Base: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheppard_Air_Force_Base

  • Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program: https://www.sheppard.af.mil/Library/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/367537/euro-nato-joint-jet-pilot-training-program-enjjpt/

  • T-38 Talon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_T-38_Talon

  • AOPA Air Safety Institute: Accident Case Study: Final Approach: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/accident-case-studies/final-approach

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"Well honey, the engine's about to stop running..." is NOT a conversation you want to have at 5,000 feet. In this episode full of real-talk about fuel management, our midlife pilots share their close calls and lessons learned. From Ben's accidental "skywriting" performance (thanks to one loose screw) to his sweaty-palms moments watching those notoriously unreliable Cessna fuel gauges, the crew digs into why "it's always fuel" became their go-to accident theory. As the old aviation wisdom goes: there's only one time you can have too much fuel - when you're on fire!

Mentioned on the show:

  • Brian's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/

  • M20 Leitchfield Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M20

  • Stinson Voyager: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_Voyager

  • Minimum fuel, emergency fuel, reserve fuel (PDF): https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-11/INFO_08004.pdf

  • Twin Hornet heater: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/aircraftheaters_08-12217.php

  • MentorLive with Nathan Ballard, Jan 22: https://www.nafinet.org/mentorlive

Become a Patreon supporter of the show!

www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

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Join us for a special Appy Hour episode! We talk aviation apps and tools we love, and some we even know how to use. From the "suspiciously good and free" flight analysis tools that'll keep you up until 4 AM, to website tools that look straight out of the "Angel Fire website" era (rotating fire GIFs not included), we're diving into the digital tools that keep us flying.

Learn why calling that old-school weather briefing number might connect you with someone doing their best late-night talk show host impression, and why Ben calls ATC radio "soothing" when there's nothing else to listen to. Whether you're tracking your landings, checking weather, or just trying to figure out if it's okay to brush snow off someone else's plane (spoiler: maybe don't), we've got you covered in this episode. Plus, hear why our Big Texas Send Fly In event in May 2025 is already making us ask "What have we done?" Your weekly dose of aviation inspiration, now with 100% more app recommendations.

Mentioned on the show:
AQO Llano Texas for BBQ: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AQO
 Seinfeld: Kramer Turns His Apartment Into A TV Set | The Merv Griffin Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pys47zaxZ90
View the complete list and links to all the apps mentioned and more at: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/comprehensive-ish-aviation-apps-guide

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Join the crew as they announce their epic 2025 fly-in at the retro-cool Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas! Between planning cross-country routes and debating who gets "shotgun" in Erica's TBM, the hosts share hilarious stories and valuable pilot wisdom. Featuring gems like "I can't tell if I'm being insulted or not" and "What if we just keep flying around until Oshkosh?" Plus, 1DullGeek bravely shares his tale of wing-meets-pole. From ceramic-coated planes to accidental aircraft relocations, Episode 109 serves up aviation camaraderie with a side of Texas-sized ambition. See you in May! RSVP!

Mentioned on the show:

  • Join us at the 2025 Big Texas Send! Hangar Hotel, T82 Fredericksburg TX, May 2-4. Info, RSVP form, and directions for the hotel room block: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/rsvpt82

  • CPP Green County GA: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CPP

  • Ted's new video, "friday harbor with my favorite passenger": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFMPlhNvS5M

  • EP46, Flying With Your Spouse: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP46---Flying-With-Your-Spouse-e2b1cpn

  • Erica, Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe

  • Hangar Hotel video from Just Plane Silly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58d85X1R5G4

  • Hangar Hotel, FunPlacesToFly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nryylfueJJE

  • Tac Aero video from Charlie Gasmire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyVoRExoBUI

Get all the fly in info, support the podcast on Patreon and join the community:

https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/

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Ever pushed the wrong button while talking to ATC? Landed on the wrong runway but nailed the landing? Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they confess their most memorable aviation oopsies and why they still stare at the ceiling some nights thinking about them. From "Roger, I have the weather" moments to getting an earful from ground control, discover why midlife pilots might take their mistakes a bit too seriously. As one host admits, they only mess up when doing things – which is apparently quite often! Tune in for an honest, humorous look at how even the most cringe-worthy moments can become valuable learning experiences... if you can ever stop replaying them in your head.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Brian's new video, "Loss of Power IS Power": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF9tF7rY8ZE

  • EP84, RH of Opposing Bases, "reading the room": https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP84---Midlife-radio-tips-with-RH---reading-the-room-e2m4ite/a-abehav7

  • CFIIMunden's reaction video to Brian's "The Art of NOT Flying" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olq89uQsP68

  • EVB New Smyrna Beach airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Smyrna_Beach_Municipal_Airport

  • LOU Bowman Field airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowman_Field_(Kentucky)

  • Ted, "behind the power curve on a go-around": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8lVTNWf6gI

  • Brian's "forgot what airport I just left" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm-dsPSgk5g#t=73m40s

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Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into why perfection might actually be holding you back in the cockpit! Between Brian's obsession with landing "THE MIDDLE of the centerline stripe" and Ben's tales of learning to embrace "sexy indifference" in the pattern, these midlife pilots share why being "just adequate" isn't always a bad thing. Plus, find out why "low VFR" apparently means there's "icing on the vegetables" and why sometimes you just need to "turn off that dang autopilot" and embrace the wobble! 🛩️

Mentioned on the show:

  • Brian's Flying Eyes discount code is "SISKIND": https://flyingeyesoptics.com/?ref=TIWCnBYqpOn8uA

  • Barnstormers Grill: https://exploregeorgia.org/griffin/arts-culture/museums/barnstormers-grill

  • Bunyan's Hot Dogs, Muscle Shoals on Luke's Landing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYPGV1egrdk

  • EP14 with Kerry Mcauley, "What They Don't Teach You In Flight School": https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP14---What-They-Dont-Teach-You-In-Flight-School-e1ifqqs/a-a7tvbcp

  • Smartless podcast, "sexy indifference": https://www.smartless.com/

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When your ETA increases by 30 minutes while on final approach, you know you're in for a story. In Episode 106, Ben's "one-day-feels-like-multi-day" adventure sets the stage for a lively discussion about planning extended flying trips. Between battling 60-knot headwinds, debating the merits of various approaches, and discovering why a credit card might be your most important safety equipment (unless you have a parachute), the hosts share practical wisdom wrapped in aviation humor. From Brian's "chase the tailwinds" philosophy to Ted's daylight-deprived Portland perspective, learn the art of multi-day trip planning – and why someone might drive three hours just to retrieve a tail tie-down strap.

  • LZU Gwinnett, Lawrenceville Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LZU

  • OLV Olive Branch, Miss: https://www.airnav.com/airport/kolv

  • Windy weather app: https://www.windy.com/

  • Windy's meteogram: https://community.windy.com/topic/14827/how-to-read-meteogram

  • Erica Gilbert's Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe

Support the show, get merch, and send us your feedback!

www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

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Join the crew as they plan their spring fly-in while debating the merits of ignorance-is-bliss flying versus obsessing over engine monitors. Ted confesses to having saggy flaps (on his plane, of course), Brian explains why Super 8 footage isn't just an Instagram filter, and Ben discovers that dad hats might be the aerodynamic solution for the follicly challenged pilot. The gang explores potential meetup locations while dreaming of their own private air park, complete with BBQ pits and hangout huts. Plus, find out how one listener became an "astronaut" thanks to a NASA letter in the mail, and why logging zero hours might be worth celebrating after all.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Brian's "Dad's flight bag" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7ma6pvmwxM

  • Ted's new pattern work and geese video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyjwzXh4q6I

  • T82 Fredericksburg: https://www.airnav.com/airport/T82

  • Hangar Hotel at T82: https://www.hangarhotel.com/

  • 09J Jekyll Island: https://www.airnav.com/airport/09J

  • I73 Moraine, Dayton Ohio: https://www.airnav.com/airport/I73

  • GPT Gulfport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/GPT

  • Rough River Kentucky: https://parks.ky.gov/parks/find-a-park/rough-river-dam-state-resort-park-7800#lodging

  • Brian's new video, "How to Read the ATC Room": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq8xywGS4HE

  • Brian's new video, "The Art of NOT Flying": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGb9WqflFWs

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The crew dives into the delicate art of vetting your cockpit companions - from evaluating potential co-pilots to dodging those who claim '8000 simulator hours.' Listen in as Ben recounts literally flying with 'a stranger from the internet' (it turned out fine!). Between tales of night landing adventures, atmospheric rivers, and accidental wrong-runway taxi slip ups, the gang shares practical wisdom on building safe flying partnerships while keeping their usual mix of aviation insights and midlife humor. Plus, learn why a 'plane full of pilots' might be more dangerous than you think - and why Ben still won't let Brian fly from the front seat!

Mentioned on the show:

  • Josh and Chelsea talking about vetting pilots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SkqxChkYW0

  • Brian's new video, "Dialog with the Sky: My Journey to 600 Hours": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHGva4LIn3A

  • TTD Troutdale Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TTD

  • LBE Arnold Palmer Regional Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LBE

  • EP23: Pilots Flying with Pilots (the good and the bad) https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l31UC5GSLuAjlxs4zRMA0

  • Nathan Ballard, how to survive a pilot locked up on the controls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv0NNjQOCkI

  • Ted flying with his partner: https://youtube.com/watch?v=DZbYM25PYsc

  • CheckMate Aviation checklists: https://www.checkmateaviation.com/

  • Blancolirio, Catalina crash with many pilots:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPsnL-S58EU

  • Pilot Debrief, father/daughter, both pilots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTSUtpXRMT0

Support the show on Patreon and join the community: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

Get merch and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

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Need more time to fly but life keeps getting in the way? The Midlife Pilot crew tackles aviation's eternal struggle - finding time to get airborne while juggling work, family, and that ever-growing honey-do list. From strategic calendar blocking to creative "errands" (like Ben's suspiciously convenient forgotten jacket that required a flight to retrieve), discover how these pilots squeeze more cockpit time into packed schedules. Whether you're a student trying to stay consistent with training or a licensed pilot keeping current, this episode offers practical tips, humorous workarounds, and reassurance that you're not alone in the quest to find that elusive balance between life on the ground and time in the sky.mentioned on the show:

  • RMG Rome Georgia: http://www.airnav.com/airport/RMG

  • Sam's Burger Deli, Rome Georgia: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1021640145/sams-burger-deli/

  • EP48 - Nashville ATC! Controllers, pilots, realtors Scott and Shelley Weckler: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wAvZ85qtTEh5CDcDObrr4

  • EGKR Redhill Aerodrome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redhill_Aerodrome

Support the show on Patreon and join the community: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastGet merch and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

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Can aviation ever truly be budget-friendly?

Ben, Brian, and Ted tackle the art of fiscally responsible flying in this lively episode. From owner-assisted annuals to strategic fuel planning, discover practical ways to keep your aviation passion aloft without completely emptying your wallet. Plus, hear special insights from "Cheapskate" Nate on smart budgeting, and learn why slower flying might actually be the way to go. Warning: No actual guarantee of cheap flying provided, but plenty of wallet-wise wisdom shared! Featuring night IMC adventures, tales of impressive landings (now with notarized proof), and the eternal debate over whether paying less for fuel is actually saving you money.Mentioned on the show:

  • DNL Daniel Field Airport, Augusta Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DNL

  • RyanK's I Learned About Flying From That, ep81, on being in IMC with a failing vacuum pump: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mGlSB4dmGlHfFzsDdsiiu

  • 21Five Podcast, ep 143, Light Sport training for pilot track pilots, "what ever happened to the skycatcher? I wonder why it didn't catch on." https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lFXM8DaRwpNC529IDX9TJ?si=mw9FY-o6Q7mgEWXuJkP4hQ

  • PlanePlaces's video showing carb ice happening in cruise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm6IWqkAqjg

  • Brian's ep100 video: "Headset Problems and Hot Dogs": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV10VDMaIh0

  • Ted's ep100 video: "the journey is half the adventure": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfPdlg_mkr8

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Ben, Brian, and Ted share stories and adventures from their recent non-event gathering in West Virginia, including Ben's memorable "seven-mile base" skywriting approach with a fuel leak, Brian's encounters at unique mountain airports, and various flying experiences in challenging terrain. The hosts discuss their stops at small airports like Logan County (6L4) where they discovered classic cars and met fascinating local aviation enthusiasts. Ted provides audio clips of memorable radio exchanges from the trip.

Hear your listener feedback about getting back into flying after breaks, chair flying techniques used by the Blue Angels, and the growing international reach of their aviation community. The hosts also tease plans for a future spring meetup while reflecting on how their impromptu airport visits often lead to the most memorable experiences in aviation.Mentioned on the show:

  • pepperoni rolls from Country Club Bakery: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepperoni_roll

  • Woody's Hot Dogs: https://wvhotdogblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/fairmont-hdj-review-woodys.html

  • Bunyan's BBQ, Muscle Shoals: https://www.bunyansbarbeque.com/

  • 4G7, Fairmont WV, great airport (with difficulty) to learn at: https://www.airnav.com/airport/4G7

  • SJS, Big Sandy, Prestonburg, Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/SJS

  • 6L4, Logan County Airport, WV: https://www.airnav.com/airport/6L4

  • C130 assault landing strips near 6L4: https://bit.ly/3Cf6CX5

  • Luke's Landing, epic segment on on hot dogs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYPGV1egrdk

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Broadcasting from a cold hangar at Fairmont Airport, the gang unites in-person for their 100th episode spectacular non-event!

Join the original "Chairman Emeritus" Chris Moran (who now prefers conducting symphonies to podcasts), Brian (who claims learning to land with only lap belts builds character), Ben (inventor of the "emergency fuel-venting seven-mile left base"), Ted (representing the "other" coast that apparently exists), and Mark "One Dull/Wendell" Geek (master of conflating tail numbers into entirely new aircraft types) for a night of hangar-based chaos. Even Luke "It's Just One Landing" makes a special appearance to document the questionable decision-making.

Featuring questionable radio calls that would make any controller weep, special notes from CFI Nate Ballard, Badger, and RH - and Luke's casual observation from the backseat about "skywriting" fuel. Plus, hear an epic phonetic alphabet rant about "Tree-Fower-Fife," and Chris's totally spontaneous (wink) sales pitch for his Cherokee 235.

Come for the celebration, stay for the camaraderie. As they say in West Virginia: if you can learn to land here, you can land anywhere!

Warning: May contain excessive references to pepperoni rolls, PBR, and Ben's limpy microphone stand

Mentioned on the show:

  • Luke's Landing, great aviation videos, watch "best hot dog": https://www.youtube.com/@lukeslanding2230

  • West Virginia's Babydog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babydog

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As they approach their 100th episode, the crew digs through their logbooks to share stories from their 100th flight hour and 100th landing. From Ben's adorably redundant "power-on stalls and recovery" logbook entry (yes, he survived to tell the tale) to a theatrical listener letter from Lord Alpha Juliet, the crew reminisces about their aviation milestones. Joined by special guest Mark (Wendell Geek), they swap stories and preview their upcoming 100th episode - broadcasting live from Fairmont Airport with promises of pepperoni rolls, PBR, and the whole crew together for the first time.

  • DKX Knoxville Downtown Island Airport, Tenn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DKX

  • HKY Hickory Airport, NC: https://www.airnav.com/airport/HKY

  • PYP Centre Airport, Ala: https://www.airnav.com/airport/PYP

  • HAI Three Rivers Airport, Mich: https://www.airnav.com/airport/HAI

  • CSG Columbus Airport, Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CSG

  • 1A7 Jackson County Airport, Tenn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/1A7

  • SAV Savannah/Hilton Head Airport, Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/SAV

  • LZU Gwinnett County Airport, Lawrenceville, Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LZU

  • 7S3 Twin Oaks Airport, Ore: https://www.airnav.com/airport/7S3

  • DME arc to ILS approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJtaURhaTIM

  • BWG Bowling Green: https://www.airnav.com/airport/BWG

  • Anyway, here's Wonderwall: https://www.voicemag.uk/blog/10355/anyway-heres-wonderwall

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From landing woes to pre-checkride jitters, Episode 98 of the Midlife Pilot Podcast dives into those dreaded training plateaus that make every pilot wonder if they've forgotten how to fly. The crew shares their personal stories of getting stuck (Brian's memorable "ugly landing" phase included), while offering hope and humor for pushing through the frustration. Featuring sage advice like "embrace the plateau" and "sometimes you just need a nap," plus a healthy dose of pilot camaraderie. The gang also gets pumped about their upcoming 100th episode shindig in West Virginia - complete with bourbon and pizza rolls, because nothing says milestone celebration quite like comfort food and good friends!

Mentioned on the show:

  • Kid Rock's middle finger jet: https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11000114

  • Reba McEntire's helipad: https://archive.is/3Tm7c

  • Smiley face forest: https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2020/12/who-planted-a-giant-smiley-face-of-trees.html

  • Double bubble gum: https://www.tootsie.com/candy/dubble-bubble/dubble-bubble-twist-gum

  • Defragging hard drives: https://eclecticlight.co/2024/10/05/a-brief-history-of-defragging/

  • Facebook: Student Pilots over 50: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4762601340449954/

  • EP52 - Checkride Binders: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP52---Checkride-binders--Fritos-on-fire--and-Nashville-Meetup-announcement-e2ct34k

  • "Sleep and the Time Course of Motor School Learning": https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC202318

  • "Organizational Capacity and Progress Plateaus in the Flight Training Environment": https://commons.erau.edu/jaaer/vol19/iss2/5/

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Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they explore the wild world of pilot superstitions. Brian admits to thanking his plane after flights, while Ben confesses to repositioning his dashboard hula girl based on landing quality. Ted reveals his habit of wearing outlandish socks during training flights. The chat chimes in with their own quirks, like bringing stuffed animal co-pilots. Brian recounts his thrilling experience at a STOL competition, and hundreds of spectators judging his landing. The guys debate whether announcing checkride dates jinxes the outcome, and Ben explains his obsessive attachment to his beat-up kneeboard. Plus, hear about new podcast merch and their upcoming 100th episode celebration at Fairmont airport.

The 100th episode is coming up! Oct 28, at 4G7 Fairmont West Virginia. Not an official meetup, RSVP is required (on discord or midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com) if you're planning to attend.

mentioned on the show:

  • Music City STOL: https://nationalstol.com/musiccity/

  • XNX Music City Executive: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_City_Executive_Airport

  • 5-hour Music City STOL competition video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtKlqQsl54o

  • Master CFI Nathan "Mallard"'s bird video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrN15HLL0AQ

  • UAO Aurora: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_State_Airport

  • Origins of knocking on wood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocking_on_wood

  • Folklore of mirrors as windows to the soul: https://leanbhpearson.com/2023/02/02/mirror-folklore/

  • Master CFI Nathan Ballard hosting NAFI mentorLIVE: https://www.mentorlive.site/program/85.html

  • Jason Miller, The Finer Points Podcast, When It All Goes Down: crashing a plane, Garmin Inreach: https://www.learnthefinerpoints.com/podcast

  • Aviation Newstalk 352, interviewing Hurricane Helene volunteer helicopter pilot: https://aviationnewstalk.com/podcast/352-r44-helicopter-pilot-stories-delivering-supplies-after-hurricane-helene/

  • Opposing Bases 353, Hurricane Reponse: All Hands on Deck: https://opposingbases.libsyn.com/ob353-hurricane-response-all-hands-on-deck

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Buckle up for a hilarious journey through aviation's most annoying quirks! In this episode, we're dishing out our top flying pet peeves, from unnecessary "with you" radio calls to those infuriating C-17 patterns flown by Cessnas. Listen in as Brian confesses his frustration with people who can't handle airplane doors gently, and stick around for Ben's passionate rant about ancient aviation tech.

Our hearts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Helene. Podcast episodes that discuss the response:

  • Opposing Bases 352: https://opposingbases.libsyn.com/ob352-general-aviations-natural-disaster-response

  • Aviation NewsTalk 351: https://aviationnewstalk.com/podcast/351-pilots-to-the-rescue-your-stories-of-hurricane-helene-relief-missions/

Mentioned on the show:

  • 100th episode is coming up! Oct 28, 4G7 Fairmont West Virginia. Not an official meetup, RSVP on Discord is required if you're planning to attend.

  • West Virginia pepperoni rolls: https://wvtourism.com/state-food-pepperoni-roll/

  • Sally Struthers ("for only 70 cents per day"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePENcrE_xcQ#t=80s

  • Lees-McRae College: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lees%E2%80%93McRae_College

  • EP84 - Midlife radio tips with RH - reading the room: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP84---Midlife-radio-tips-with-RH---reading-the-room-e2m4ite

  • @CorporatePilotLife, showing good CRM: https://www.youtube.com/@CorporatePilotLife/videos

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In this episode, our hosts stumble through tales of spontaneous flights and radio call blunders, while a listener steals the show with a perfect flight following call. We explore the art of forgetting your own location, nailing instrument approaches, and more. Join us for a mix of triumphs, facepalms, and the occasional moment of midlife pilot brilliance.

Mentioned on the show:

  • 100th episode is coming up! Oct 28, 4G7 Fairmont West Virginia. Not an official meetup, RSVP is required if you're planning to attend.

  • VGs on a Piper: https://piperowner.org/are-vortex-generators-worth-it-the-consensus-seems-to-be-yes/

  • EP84 - Midlife radio tips with RH - reading the room: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP84---Midlife-radio-tips-with-RH---reading-the-room-e2m4ite

  • History of Marfa Texas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marfa,_Texas#History

  • GVT Majors Airport - Greenville Texas: https://www.airnav.com/airport/GVT

  • N7777F, Malibu Mirage JetProp: https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/view/1076678

  • JetProp conversion: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2015/august/pilot/t_ql

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Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they explore unique flying adventure ideas that go beyond the typical "$100 hamburger" flight. From discovering hidden gems like Alabama's Ave Maria Grotto to planning hobby-based trips (like flying for 25 cent blackberries), the guys share inspiration for memorable flights.

Amidst the hangar talk, you'll hear tales of airport fence jumping, "information whiskey" style tangents, and Ted's inability to pronounce "fly fly fly fishing." Brian also resurrects his dream to visit Tangier Island before it's underwater.

  • 100th episode is coming up! Oct 28, 4G7 Fairmont West Virginia. Not an official meetup, RSVP is required if you're planning to attend.
  • Lukes Landing: https://www.youtube.com/@lukeslanding2230
  • SRB, Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, Cookeville, Tenn: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Cumberland_Regional_Airport
  • Apalachicola, Florida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apalachicola,_Florida
  • Ben's big fish: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAOag8Su0pS/
  • 48A, Cochran Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/48A
  • Every Which Way But Loose: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Every_Which_Way_but_Loose
  • Flagler Beach, Florida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagler_Beach,_Florida
  • Florida altitude assignments: https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/threads/florida-north-south-hemisphere-altitude-rules.146600/
  • GAD, Gadsden Airport, Alabama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Alabama_Regional_Airport
  • CMD, Cullman, Alabama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folsom_Field_(Alabama)
  • Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Maria_Grotto
  • MQW, Telfair-Wheeler, Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telfair%E2%80%93Wheeler_Airport
  • Little Ocmulgee State Park, near MQW: https://www.littleocmulgeelodge.com/
  • Toccoa Airport, Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toccoa_Airport
  • ORS, Orcas Island, Washington: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcas_Island_Airport
  • CKF, Cordele Airport, Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisp_County%E2%80%93Cordele_Airport
  • BIJ, Early County Airport, Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KBIJ
  • Providence Canyon near BIJ: https://gastateparks.org/ProvidenceCanyon
  • Tangier Island, Virginia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangier_Island_Airport
  • Losing Tangier Island: https://www.vpm.org/news/2024-06-17/tangier-island-erosion-sea-level-rise
  • UIL, Quillayute, Washington: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quillayute_Airport
  • Tethered aerostat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethered_Aerostat_Radar_System
  • 2I3, Rough River State Park Airport: https://parks.ky.gov/explore/rough-river-dam-state-resort-park-7800
  • Flying Magazine article on NEW, the New Orleans airport with the beautiful art deco restoration: https://www.flyingmag.com/new-orleans-is-a-ga-friendly-fly-in-locale/
  • Another article on it: https://www.nola.com/300/the-turbulent-history-of-lakefront-airport/article_ea9051ff-1498-5500-a37a-aa39045a4f92.html
  • Opposing Bases on EP19 of the Midlife Pilot Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP19---ATC-Talk-with-RH-and-AG-from-Opposing-Bases-Podcast-e1lhog0
  • Nathan Ballard: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying/videos

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Join us as we share stories from our recent flying adventures, including trips to Marfa, Texas and Washington State. We'll talk about handling crosswind landings, managing density altitude, and yes, even being the butt of a few jokes. We'll explore how we balance checklists and flows during flights, discussing when we rely on each method. Plus, we'll emphasize the importance of maintaining intentionality and discipline in the cockpit to ensure safety and avoid complacency. Tune in for some pilot talk with Ben, Brian, and Ted.

  • 100th episode is coming up! Oct 28, 4G7 Fairmont West Virginia. Not an official meetup, RSVP is required if you're planning to attend.

  • MRF Marfa Texas: https://www.airnav.com/airport/MRF

  • Brian's first Marfa trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVrQ0tzicC8

  • PBF Pine Bluff: https://www.airnav.com/airport/PBF

  • TKI McKinney Texas: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TKI

  • SJT San Angelo Texas: https://www.airnav.com/airport/SJT

  • Bordo- best sandwiches in Marfa: https://www.bordomarfa.com/

  • Big Bend National Park: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

  • Greenville Texas, Majors Army Airfield: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majors_Airport

  • Grand Coulee Dam airport: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/aviation/airports-list/grand-coulee-dam

  • Fly Washington Passport Program: https://www.flywashington.org/about.html

  • Avoiding gear-up landings: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/students/flighttestprep/skills/avoiding-gear-up-mishaps

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Ben and Ted talk about making mistakes and learning from them. They emphasize the importance of short memories and moving on from mistakes to avoid making things worse. They also highlight the importance of learning from the mistakes and using them to improve flying skills.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Sandel HSI: https://www.bennettavionics.com/sn-3308-electronic-hsi-ehsi/

  • Ted - my most important flight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZbYM25PYsc

  • EP46 - Flying With Your Spouse: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP46---Flying-With-Your-Spouse-e2b1cpn

  • LewDix - CFI Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9odHdSdQ5oo

  • The famous Vegas Bravo Buster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUSUXnr4dSo

  • Brian Siskind - nobody cares: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da4I2Y9v1Sk

  • Facebook - Student Pilots over 50: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4762601340449954

  • Keeping the Faith: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeping_the_Faith

  • Origins of "embrace the suck": https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2022/07/19/the-origin-of-the-militarys-iconic-mantra-embrace-the-suck/

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In Episode 91 of the Midlife Pilot Podcast, Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into a treasure trove of wisdom from listener Braeden D. Join us as we navigate through 10 essential tips for new pilots.

We unpack:

  1. The money pit: Saving for flight training (spoiler: it's more than you think)
  2. Brain training: Why rote memorization won't fly
  3. CFI shopping: Finding an instructor who's more than a time-builder
  4. Imposter syndrome: Feeling small next to a Global 6000 (we've all been there)
  5. ATC etiquette: They're not the enemy, promise!
  6. Post-PPL adventures: Why "fly, fly, fly" is the best advice
  7. Learning from the veterans: Because some pilots have more than just gray hair
  8. The instrument training rollercoaster: Prepare for mind games
  9. Back to basics: Why steep turns are still your friends
  10. Personal minimums: The art of honest self-assessment

We even touch on the joys of power-off 180s into unfamiliar airports (because why not add a little spice to your cross-country?)

Plus, exciting news about our upcoming 100th episode extravaganza. The 100th episode will be recorded live! Near 4G7, West Virginia, on October 28 2024.Will there be pepperoni rolls? Bourbon? Keg stands? Tune in to find out! (Spoiler: We'll probably be in bed by 11.)

Don't forget to check out midlifepilotpodcast.com for all our links, including our Patreon and merch store. Your support keeps us airborne and makes episodes like this possible! Brian's first Marfa Texas trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVrQ0tzicC8 Flying in Big Bend Texas: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/march/pilot/destinations-big-bend-texas Greenville airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenville%E2%80%93Spartanburg_International_Airport Habersham airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habersham_County_Airport John Tune became towered in 2021: https://flynashville.com/news/air-traffic-control-tower-opens-at-john-c-tune-airport Opposing Bases: https://www.opposingbases.com/ EP89 - Aviation Mentors: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/episode/e2ndab5 1dullgeek, still doing checkride prep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsb6YPyWCQk EP57 - Personal minimums: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP57---Personal-minimums--Spruce-Goose--and-Ben-does-Portlandia-e2e6urf Pepperoni rolls: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepperoni_roll

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The guys swap tales of dodging clouds, diverting around storms, and wrestling with an ancient audio panel that picked the worst possible time to conk out (IFR over Atlanta - yikes!) Ben, Brian and Ted dish on what it's like to fly with a pilot you haven't shared a cockpit with before. Is your flying buddy all good? - or a hazardous attitude waiting to happen?

Tune in for some hangar flying gold, including tips for handling your first big weather diversion and the scoop on Ben's long-overdue avionics upgrade. And stick around for a teaser about the big 100th episode extravaganza!

Links to things mentioned on the show:

  • EP80 - Checkride Fails - A Good Thing? https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP80---Checkride-Fails---a-good-thing-e2l2igq GA2 - Peach State Aerodrome (grass): https://www.airnav.com/airport/GA2 Plane Places & Adventures- landing at Peach State Aerodrome (Ben's plane at end): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9EmsLeWhDg Windy app: https://windy.app/ Master CFI Nathan Ballard's youtube channel:* https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying/videos---

Show Outline

  1. Introduction

  2. Episode 90 of the Midlife Pilot Podcast

  3. Hosts: Ben, Brian, and Ted

  4. Recent Flying Experiences

  5. Brian: Navigating challenging weather conditions with a passenger

  6. Ted: Diverting due to thunderstorms near Seattle

  7. Ben: Dealing with audio panel failure over Atlanta's airspace

  8. Discussion Topics

  9. Handling communication failures in different flight conditions

  10. Weather assessment and decision-making

  11. Using tools like Windy for weather forecasting

  12. Community Engagement

  13. Patreon membership and benefits

  14. Discord community and inside programming

  15. Upcoming check ride debrief session

  16. Avionics Upgrade Discussion

  17. Ben's plans for updating his aircraft's audio panel

  18. Potential benefits of modern avionics

  19. Quick Topic: Deciding to Fly with Someone

  20. Assessing personalities and hazardous attitudes

  21. Considering comfort levels and introversion

  22. Wrap-up

  23. Upcoming Episode 91: Top 10 tips for student pilots

  24. Teaser for Episode 100

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Why is having aviation mentors so important? We tell tales of mentors saving the day, how to be mentored, and the importance of never missing an opportunity to shut up.

Listeners Bruce and Neil give feedback about last week's discussion of flying in heat.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Cape Girardeau airport, Missouri: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CGI

  • Seguin Texas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seguin,_Texas

  • Robinson R22: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robinson_R22

  • Becki and Chris flying their R44 across the USA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f05KoULTdfY

  • Facebook: Student Pilots Over 50: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4762601340449954

  • Cairo Missouri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo,_Missouri

  • Cairo Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo,_Georgia

  • National car rental Emerald Club FBO program: https://legacy.nationalcar.com/en_US/car-rental/business-programs/general-aviation.html

  • TVI airport, both runways closed: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TVI

  • Tifton Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tifton,_Georgia

  • Ocracoke trip, Ben got the nickname 'Sage': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP9b2EbNko4

  • Master ('Sensei') CFI Nathan Ballard: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying

  • Stick and Rudder book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/stick-and-rudder-an-explanation-of-the-art-of-flying-wolfgang-langewiesche/8077844

  • 1dullgeek, #dammit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXIOV4Wv_uM

  • Lloyd Dobler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEgu7jdc_fs#t=28s

  • Easy Flight, Flight Instructor vs Coach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLNZj-4YRBw

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How does flying in the heat affect you? Do you know when to say when? We talk about the trials of flying in summer heat, things we think about to keep safe, Ben's ride in an L39, and more!

Mentioned on the show:

  • Larry Lee flying his L39 (this is who flew Ben): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46BWO26mNpE

  • FlightChops, flying aerobatics with his daughter for the first time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OApcRojO0Oc

  • Brian Shul's SR71 speed check story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AyHH9G9et0

  • Brian Siskind, NOBODY CARES, gravel parking lot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAjPnyxtrSM

  • Sling USA's TSi air conditioning system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRsb1-o4wGA#t=5m48s

  • Evan Brunye's Sling TSi air conditioning system: https://www.kitplanes.com/air-conditioning-now-available-for-sling-tsi/

  • Adam R's J3 Cub videos in Florida: https://www.youtube.com/@AdamRichArt/videos

  • IcyBreeze air conditioning cooler: https://www.icybreeze.com/

  • Nathan Ballard is now a Master CFI! https://nafi.memberclicks.net/assets/Master/BALLARD%20MCFI%20PR.pdf

  • Nathan Ballard- protecting your health, including sunscreen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvnamts-aC0

  • Safer Flying with Nathan Ballard patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nathanballardsaferflying/about

  • Erica/Aerosafe's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AeroSafe

  • Flight Insight "Can you take off from Death Valley?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X2RD14HRa0

  • Boldmethod "Does Departing In The Morning With Lower Density Altitude Really Help?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N49MmxX4ibA

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Friend of the show AJ joins the podcast to recap a masterful flight that Ben and 1dullgeek took with careful routing through thunderstorms. AJ's work with controllers was instructive for Ben. AJ also joined the Chock Club with Ben.

Mentioned on the show:

  • BUKHD3 arrival: https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2407/00469BUKHD.PDF

  • Eagleville Soaring club: https://eaglevillesoaring.org/

  • Mishpachah: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mishpachah

  • T82 - Fredericksburg Texas: https://www.airnav.com/airport/T82

  • 20V - Kremmling Colorado: https://www.airnav.com/airport/20V

  • Nathan Ballard CFIIIII patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nathanballardsaferflying/about

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We are joined by Mark, aka 1DullGeek, to debrief the alternator loss on an instrument approach while returning from Osh Kosh. We discuss how the near-emergency was handled, how flying with a second pilot worked, and how Instrument training can only prepare you for so much.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Flying Midwest Podcast - Information Foxtrot with Ben and Ted plus OB's AG and RH: https://lnns.co/Eno4ag0P8fG

  • Opposing Bases - live at Airventure: https://opposingbases.libsyn.com/ob342-live-from-eaa-airventure-oshkosh-2024

  • Ask the A&Ps: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/podcasts/podcasts/ask-the-a-and-ps

  • IFR with only an ipad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMxsdEeEzFM

  • OWB Owensboro Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/OWB

  • Spotted Cow beer: https://newglarusbrewing.com/pages/year-round-beers

  • PTAC (PDF): https://www.aopa.org/-/media/Files/AOPA/Home/Training-and-Safety/Air-Safety/ASI-BeyondPro-IFR_StableApproach_SampleProfile.pdf

  • Seth Lake - DPE: https://vsl.aero/dpe.html

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Which hazardous attitudes do we find ourselves falling into sometimes? Are some of the classic 5 hazardous attitudes more or less common in midlife pilots? We talk them all through from our point of view.Mentioned on the show:- Aeronautical Decision Making AC with the Hazardous Attitudes, AC 60-22: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_60-22.pdf- BWG - Bowling Green Airport: http://www.bgwcairport.com/- The Vegas Bravo Buster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUSUXnr4dSo- TYR - Tyler Texas airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Pounds_Regional_Airport- Nathan Ballard's "Five Fresh Hazardous Attitudes": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PedG_EJRXCA

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RH of Opposing Bases joins Ben, Brian, and Ted to offer some midlife radio tips. What's the perfect flight following call? Does it matter? Should you call "in the blind"? What does a controller hear when they're listening to multiple frequencies?

OB will be at Airventure in Oshkosh, recording a show Saturday, July 27 2024 at 10am.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Opposing Bases: https://www.opposingbases.com/

  • Learn by listening to LiveATC (especially deltas or smaller charlies with good radio coverage): https://www.liveatc.net/

  • Luke's Landing (was flying with Brian): https://www.youtube.com/@lukeslanding2230

  • Wiehl commercial checkride debrief for Patreon supporters: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-member-108148160

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Ben, Brian, and Ted compare perspectives from what it's like to have 100 hours vs. the point of view from 500 hours - and the pursuit of mastery.

  • People Places & Adventures with Dee and Vee: https://www.youtube.com/@planeplaces/videos

  • RHP - Andrews North Carolina: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RHP

  • SSI - St Simons Island: https://www.airnav.com/airport/SSI

  • Tail of the Dragon: https://tailofthedragon.com/how-to-ride/

  • Chris C, Rebuilding Confidence and Proficiency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a9eZQsle8Y

  • Brian's first solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7ma6pvmwxM

  • MPP EP14, What They Don't Teach You In Flight School (with Kerry Mccauley)

  • Aviation Newstalk 336, Seattle Cirrus parachute pull: https://aviationnewstalk.com/podcast/336-cirrus-sr22t-caps-parachute-pull-over-seattle-with-jim-simon-ga-news/

  • Pilots to Pilots 309, Josh Flowers of Aviation 101: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e309-josh-flowers-aviation101/id1208147571?i=1000659632737

  • Canard Boulevard, wearing shoulder harnesses properly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg5RkHJRqmQ

  • Nathan Ballard, how to survive a crash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G2xUfKl0lY

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Ben, Ted, and Brian catch up, then Ben talks with Chris C about his flight simulator use. The community shares opinions and suggestions, then Ted shares a clip from Chris C's recent video talking about having "jitters" after not flying for a while.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Chris C, Flying Past 50, Rebuilding Confidence and Proficiency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a9eZQsle8Y

  • Flight sim discord thread: https://discord.com/channels/1016100180325564418/1257478939371114616

  • Flight sim saves 5.5 hours of training: https://generalaviationnews.com/2024/05/29/study-confirms-flight-simulation-benefits-pilot-training/

  • Full report: https://flightsimassociation.com/report

  • FlightChops, multi-engine IFR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSjDEQ5E6xQ

  • Freedom Aviation Network: https://www.freedomaviationnetwork.org/

  • MPP EP37 - Looking for a flying purpose? Join the Freedom Aviation Network: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP37---Looking-for-a-flying-purpose--Join-the-Freedom-Aviation-Network-e25oshp

  • ABY, Albany Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/ABY

  • Eagles of America FBO, Albany Georgia: https://www.eaglesfbo.com/

  • FlyVolar's scale P38 replica: https://www.flyvolar.com/ttp38

  • Meigs Field in MSFS: https://fsnews.eu/simcident-report-massacre-at-meigs-field-the-ill-fated-fight-to-save-flight-sims-most-famous-airport/#:~:text=The%20airport%20served%20as%20Microsoft,Field%20and%20the%20downtown%20area.&text=Meigs%20made%20perfect%20sense%20as%20a%20default%20starting%20location.

  • MS Flight Simulator v1.0, which ran on the Osborne computer: https://www.mobygames.com/game/4003/microsoft-flight-simulator-v10/screenshots/pc-booter/779935/

  • Erica Gilbert, Aerosafe, recurrent training in the TBM: https://www.patreon.com/posts/tbm-recurrent-106988865

  • Riddle paper, "Transfer of Training from Flight Training Devices to Flight for Ab-Initio Pilots": https://commons.erau.edu/publication/149/

  • "flight sims save 5.5 hours in training" survey: https://generalaviationnews.com/2024/05/29/study-confirms-flight-simulation-benefits-pilot-training/

  • full report of the survey: https://flightsimassociation.com/report

Flight sim add on links:

  • https://navigraph.com/

  • https://www.simbrief.com/home/

  • https://hifisimtech.com/asfs/

  • https://www.sayintentions.ai/

  • https://www.spadnext.com/home.html

  • https://gameglass.gg/

  • https://www.siminnovations.com/

  • https://www.pilotedge.net/

  • https://www.trackir.com/

  • https://gaming.tobii.com/product/eye-tracker-5/

  • https://smoothtrack.app/

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Join Ben, Brian, and Ted discussing a potpourri of topics, including Ted's trip that was 4x as fast as driving, Josh's Cirrus emergency, 1dullgeek's rant on hangars, and Brian landing Lucy on grass.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Buzzfeed: How Nashville Became One Big Bachelorette Party: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/how-nashville-became-one-big-bachelorette-party

  • Patreon Member Bonus, KZK #1: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-member-1-106886247

  • Washington Pilots Association: https://www.wpaflys.org/

  • Friday Harbor Airport: https://www.portfridayharbor.org/airport/

  • GA provisions in the FAA reauthorization: https://download.aopa.org/advocacy/2024/FAA_Reauthorization_2024_GA_Title_Summary.pdf

  • Mailbox lasagna: https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-06-23-mailbox-lasagna-tennessee-weatherman-suggests-bizarre-recipe-amid-heatwave/

  • THA Tullahoma: https://www.airnav.com/airport/THA

  • SYI Shelbyville: https://www.airnav.com/airport/SYI

  • GA2 Peach State Aerodrome: https://www.airnav.com/airport/GA2

  • Jason Miller, The Finer Points, swinging from vine to vine like a monkey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMvTEdbnFnM#t=12m25s

  • Shelley + Scott Weckler, Property Pilots: https://www.instagram.com/propertypilots/

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We are joined by CFII and friend Nathan Ballard to talk about checkride failures. Several cases are discussed and the learnings from them.

  • Nathan's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying/videos

  • Brian Siskind's new (two hour) video, "the LONGEST most UNWATCHABLE flying video in HISTORY and also mountain flying" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSy16zVeWU0

  • Luke's Landing: https://www.youtube.com/@lukeslanding2230/videos

  • 24A Jackson County: https://www.airnav.com/airport/24A

  • Instructor video on 24A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVJlEBUbgBQ

  • "so you're telling me there's a chance": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFTRwD85AQ4#t=22s

  • The spoon theory of energy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_theory

  • Four stages of competence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_competence

  • Tammy Barlette's mental performance course: https://tammybarlette.com/mental-performance-course

  • Nathan Ballard, "What to do after a failed checkride": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JbjRC29JQ

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Airplane partnerships are often the best way for us midlifers to enjoy flying, and while there is good, there is sometimes the bad, or even the ugly. Several unique examples are given, plus a anonymous horror story from a listener.

Mentioned on the show:

  • OG Chris Moran on the news: https://www.wdtv.com/2024/03/21/first-4-forum-chris-moran/

  • Brian's "Gravel Parking Lot" video was actually the 2022 Fly-In: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAjPnyxtrSM

  • EP77 - Before hour zero, starting training: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP77---Before-hour-zero---Beginning-in-aviation-before-you-can-even-begin-e2k8ac8

  • Marsh Harbour Airport, The Bahamas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsh_Harbour_Airport

  • HIO Hillsboro Oregon ILS 13, the wrong way that had helicopter traffic while Ted was in The Egg: https://skyvector.com/files/tpp/2405/pdf/05063IL13R.PDF

  • Astoria Oregon ILS 26, the wrong way from VFR traffic on 08: https://skyvector.com/files/tpp/2405/pdf/00024I26.PDF

  • AOPA: Pilot's Guide To Co-Ownership: https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft-and-ownership/buying-an-aircraft/pilots-guide-to-co-ownership

  • EP24 - Everything About Flying Clubs: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP24---Everything-About-Flying-Clubs-with-Drew-Myers-from-AOPA-e1ou9h1

  • The destroyed plane that led to Brian getting into an airplane partnership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lWFPPI-BZs

  • Complete Walkaround, great intro videos that have airplane costs: https://www.youtube.com/@CompleteWalkaround/videos

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Ben is away for this week, so Brian and Ted are joined by OG host and OG Midlife Pilot Chris Moran! They catch up with Chris, talking about how it's okay to not fly, how proficiency is affected with time, flying clubs, airport authorities, anxiety, carb heat, Super Deltas, cargo cults, West Wing, and more.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Ted's Copalis beach landing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MgeG_ZtRbw

  • Fairmont flying club: https://fairmontflyingclub.com/

  • Fairmont Airport Authority: https://fairmontwv.gov/332/Fairmont-Airport-Authority

  • Aerosafe's new Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AeroSafe

  • Cargo cults: https://www.anthroencyclopedia.com/entry/cargo-cults

  • Cargo cult- John Frum: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/in-john-they-trust-109294882/

  • Lost (tv show): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_(2004_TV_series)

  • West Wing (tv show): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_West_Wing

  • WAY, Waynesburg airport, Pennsylvania: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KWAY

  • CKB, Clarksburg airrort (now a superdelta): https://www.airnav.com/airport/KCKB

  • Clarksburg delta expansion NPRM: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-28237/p-21

  • Chris's video, "stop being a baby!": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fML3CfyO18

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Ben, Brian, and Ted are joined by prospective pilot Laura to talk about things to think about before starting flight training. Even before starting, what's the mindset? What can you be doing even when you can't take your first lesson yet?

Mentioned on the show:

  • Ted's "subcultures" video: https://youtu.be/979RVlzZ_3s

  • The 99s: https://www.ninety-nines.org/

  • Airplane Academy's "become a pilot before it's too late" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8t061-H8c8

  • AOPA's medical resources: https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources

  • FlightInsight: https://www.youtube.com/@flightinsight9111/videos

  • Brian's channel (see early training videos): https://www.youtube.com/@BrianSiskind/videos

  • OG Chris Moran's "Road to Private Pilot" series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlec1CefLyaQIc-0D_sWcgRCOH39Du6gz

  • Erica Gilbert- Why I Fly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpSiDBETg8Y&t=3s

  • EP71 with Erica Gilbert: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP71---Flying-with-kids--with-Erica-Gilbert-and-her-offspring-e2igulp

  • EP42 - How To Get Started With Flying: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP42---How-To-Get-Started-In-Flying---Midlife-Pilot-101-e29saea

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Join Ben, Brian, and Ted while they discuss what to do when you have a few hours to fly. Other topics include hyperbole, flying in Sweden, (engine) infant mortality, and a musical Bag o' Words.

  • Nashville Ninety-Nines: https://nashville99s.org/

  • XNX Music City Executive: https://www.musiccityexecutiveairport.com/

  • Mt. St. Helens eruption: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_eruption_of_Mount_St._Helens

  • Skovde airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sk%C3%B6vde_Airport

  • Skovde airport view over the fence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1XuYjflQ9w

  • Foamed runway, Dash-8? emergency landing at Skovde: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gH8bxElF5k

  • Siskind's Georgia video, AIR THERAPY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKyiiy34qpA

  • AOPA mobile app, virtual passport program: https://www.aopa.org/travel/aopa-app

  • Google My Maps (often hard to find!): https://www.google.com/maps/d/?hl=en

  • Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diners,_Drive-Ins_and_Dives

  • Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhuvan_International_Airport

  • Fogo Aerodrome, Newfoundland and Labrador: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fogo_Aerodrome

  • EP18, Top Five Bucket List Destinations: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP18---Top-Five-Bucket-List-Destinations-e1kvesk

  • EP41 - Ways to Keep Flying Fun - Prevent Pilot Burnout: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP41---Ways-to-Keep-Flying-Fun---Prevent-Pilot-Burnout-e29i24h

  • Oregon CFI Sam, "When Student Pilots start making radio calls": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss_mJ8wIx7M

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Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they talk about the pitfalls of comparison and envy in training, airplanes, and in flight. It might be the missing hazardous attitude.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Brian's "Comparison is a Thief" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4UoyWk6_Mk

  • PDK Good Neighbor Day Air Show: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/airport/good-neighbor-day-air-show

  • Angel Flight (at PDK DeKalb Peachtree): https://www.angelflightsoars.org/

  • EP70 - The art of tailwheel flying: with CFI Ben Lehman: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP70---The-art-of-tailwheel-flying-with-CFI-Ben-Lehman-e2i7k72

  • flywithben, Ben Lehman's tailwheel info: https://flywithben.com/

  • The airport at Pine Bluff Arkansas, Grider Field: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grider_Field

  • Bearhawk Aircraft: https://www.bearhawkaircraft.com/

  • MQW: Telfair-Wheeler County Airport, McRae Gorgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KMQW

  • Garmin GNS 430: The Aviation Consumer, May 2024, has a detailed four-page article about repairing and replacing the 430.

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Ben and Ted host while Brian is attending to house issues, but the pod must go on! The two discuss external pressures, from low-visibility rain during training to choosing to not fly to the Bahamas. Community feedback rounds out the topic.

Ben is doing tailwheel training soon. Ted also shares a combination Bag o' Words and mistake while flying, and rants about his annual.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Ben's video on expanding your minimums: https://youtu.be/H9cvl1LJV1Y

  • Ted's "lawn tour": https://youtu.be/mgBPkH610pI

  • Barnstormers/Peach State Aerodrome: https://www.peachstateaero.com/

  • Mike Busch's first "owner in command" video: https://youtu.be/GJbX32iW36Y

  • Busch's second "owner in command" video, aka "six mistakes": https://www.youtu.be/Vu9n_x_a8KE

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We recap the Nashville Fly In, talk about the importance of the aviation community, newts, chinchillas, and many more insights from our gathering of podcast friends.Mentioned on the show: Blairsville, Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DZJ Published Vertical Guidance approaches: https://www.ifr-magazine.com/system/gps-alphabet-soup/ OG Midlife Pilot Chris Moran's student pilot landings video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPCna9-gtPA Limited edition "Newts and Chinchillas" shirt: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merch/p/newts-and-chinchillas-nashville-fly-in-shirt

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We preview the Nashville Fly-In, which is later this week - and are joined by BNA Nashville ATC controller Scott Wexler, who talks flight following, crossing the BNA arrivals and departures corridor, and makes a special offer of help for a possible Saturday adventure.

The hosts talk through plans and weather possibilities.

Show mentions:

  • Previous episode (EP48) with Scott and Shelley Weckler: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP48---Nashville-ATC--Controllers--pilots--realtors-Scott-and-Shelley-Weckler-e2bkvbr

  • Shelley and Scott Weckler's propertypilots real estate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propertypilots/

  • Flying Magazine article about the Wecklers: https://www.flyingmag.com/home-shopping-by-air/

  • Whifferdill Estates: http://www.whifferdill.com/

  • Mike Patey, "we applaud those who choose not to do what we just did": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrVv6-goMVQ#t=50m20s

  • Mike Patey, "that wind was beyond me": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1nXjPhGrwY#t=25m

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We are joined by Erica Gilbert (Gilbert Aviation, Aerosafe), and her 9 year old son to talk about the things you need to think about when flying with children, the joy of making special memories with them while they are young.

Patreon members also chime in with their tips, tricks, and questions.

  • Gilbert Aviation: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/

  • Aerosafe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe/videos

  • FAA's SAFETY passenger briefing (PDF): https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/library/documents/2015/May/102764/05-18-15%20Passenger%20Safety%20Briefing%20JulAug2014.pdf

  • Eustachian tubes and valsalva maneuver: https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/aeromedical-factors/in-flight-ear-block-sinuses-eustachain-tube/

  • Earplanes: https://www.earplanes.com/

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We are joined by "Tailwheel Ben" Lehman, a CFI in Nashville who instructs in his Cessna 140A. Ben gives us great insights on learning the art of tailwheel flying, the ground loop monster, and much more! Brian learned tailwheel with Ben, so you can hear how Brian really did straight from the source.

  • Ben Lehman, Nashville tailwheel CFI: https://flywithben.com/

  • Ben's 1950 Cessna 140A: https://flywithben.com/journal/my-1950-cessna-140a

  • Ben's "flying tailwheel" starting resources (books, articles, videos): https://flywithben.com/journal/flying-tailwheel

  • Ben is speaking on May 7 at EAA 1343 at XKX: https://www.facebook.com/UAKXNX/

  • Notable ground loop at Oshkosh in 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ9CnrH_cfE#t=40s

  • Martin Pauly's tailwheel and crosswind series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3q2Swzi2q8

  • Aviation101's tailwheel training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C-kQ3pU2Zg

  • The Cessna 120-140 Assocation: https://cessna120140.com/

  • Our merch store is back! https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merch

  • Learn about the Nashville Fly-In, April 26-28 2024: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

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We take a break from topics and planning to catch up, chat with the livestream audience, listen to a checkride debrief clip, and hear from 1dullgeek for a fantastic rant on Zulu time.

The NASHVILLE FLY-IN is coming up at the end of the month, learn more, RSVP, and get one of the remaining hotel rooms: https://www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

Discussed on the show:

  • Natty Light: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_Light

  • Union City TN FBO: https://www.estewartregionalairport.us/

  • UCY: https://www.airnav.com/airport/UCY

  • M34 Kentucky Dam: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M34

  • PUJ Paulding: https://www.airnav.com/airport/PUJ

  • Pencil sharpener museum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencil_Sharpener_Museum

  • Habersham County airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AJR

  • NateB's CFI channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying/videos

  • NateB's eclipse video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGkpxjGjbCM

  • BFI Boeing Field: https://www.airnav.com/airport/BFI

  • VFR procedures at BFI: https://bruceair.wordpress.com/tag/vfr-procedures-at-boeing-field/

  • Bruce Williams' youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BruceAirFlying

  • ALBRS fix on RYY/Cobb County's ILS 27 approach: https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2403/06424IL27.PDF

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We talk though a great list of things our Patreon community would have done differently in their training and flying - and add a few of our own. Also we talk Nashville fly in details - be sure to fill out our pre-event survey! Ted also shares a Bag o' Words from a recent flight with a fellow Patron.

  • Midlife Pilot Podcast fly-in final survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TEqGe59ISGfRaqNuHlwyFE4zSV44P4bAOgZklxCUg90

  • Nashville Fly-In info page: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

  • Hilton Garden Inn, Midlife Pilot Podcast hotel block: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=BNAGIGI&arrivalDate=2024-04-26&departureDate=2024-04-28&groupCode=MPP&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink

  • The Cessna 195: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnUGsRAm1tE#t=2m30s

  • PDK: http://www.airnav.com/airport/PDK

  • BNA: https://www.airnav.com/airport/BNA

  • Rod Stewart's Maggie May: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI_awR4CKE

  • 1Dullgeek's Maggie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZMy5_SBI9I

  • Jimmy Buffett's I Have Found Me A Home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NZEBECx4Vw

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On this episode: Nathan Ballard's upcoming NAFI presentation, Ted's epic West Coast loop, and then discuss how to pace your aviation training. What's different about midlifers compared to young career-oriented pilots? What do the hosts and the community prioritize in their training and goals?

  • Sign up and watch CFII Nathan Ballard's NAFI MentorLIVE presentation, Wednesday March 20 2024, at 5pm west/8pm east: https://mentorlive.site/program/78.html (the presentation can be watched after the livestream but won't be eligible for WINGS credit)

  • Breaking Bad fan wiki entry about the plane crash in the show: https://breakingbad.fandom.com/wiki/Wayfarer_515

  • Lisa Nowak and astronaut diapers: https://www.biography.com/musicians/lisa-nowak-lucy-in-the-sky

  • Road Trip, song about the Lisa Nowak event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39st68H1reA

  • SISKIND, Prior To Departure, episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mifZP67uDPA

  • CFII Nathan Ballard's great video about reducing bird strikes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrN15HLL0AQ

Next week's podcast will be about things we should have done differently. Is there a decision or mistake you've made in training or in flying? Let us know!

  • Leave a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/message

  • Leave us a note: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/#contact

  • Drop us an email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com

The Midlife Pilot Podcast Nashville Fly In is next month: April 26-28, 2024. If you haven't RSVP'ed, we'll be sending more information soon! https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

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Night flying is surreal, beautiful, and presents its own challenges and dangers. We read your feedback on sport piloting episode, talk night flying, and we get a glorious rant from 1DullGeek on ACRONYMS.

  • Signature Aviation at Mobile Downtown: https://www.signatureaviation.com/locations/BFM

  • Tempest video game gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMto2HJJSSA#t=58s

  • Dauphin Island airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_Denton_Airport

  • Ted's "boring" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpTXj1UEBds

  • Bryan Turner's last flight with his dad (as a pilot): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA96swp7d2c

  • CFII Nathan Ballard's bird strike video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrN15HLL0AQ

  • Nighttime plane crash in Nashville: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2024/03/05/nashville-tennessee-plane-crash-pilot-plane-information/72849587007/

  • Aviation News Talk: black hole illusions: https://aviationnewstalk.com/podcast/314-falcon-jet-n283sa-black-hole-crash-in-georgia-with-rob-mark-ga-news/

  • Ben's recommended headlamp: https://amazon.com/dp/B09W9ZKG4W/

  • Do green lights ruin night vision? https://www.eskosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RED-OR-GREEN-FOR-NIGHT-VISION-LIGHTING.pdf

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Ted talks about all things sport pilot. What are the limitations? How can a private pilot understand it? The crew talks about LSA planes, MOSAIC, and if Ted would want to fly night or IFR. Ben is out of town, so Mark (aka 1dullgeek) is the third host!

Mentioned on the show:

  • MOSAIC NPRM: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/24/2023-14425/modernization-of-special-airworthiness-certification

  • EAA's summary of the MOSAIC changes: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/news/mosic-takes-significant-step-forward

  • Van's Aircraft comment on NPRM, discussing stall speed: https://www.vansaircraft.com/2024/01/vans-aircraft-comments-on-mosaic-nprm-faa-2023-1377/

  • AOPA FAQ on sport pilots: https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/advocacy-briefs/frequently-asked-questions-about-sport-pilot

  • EAA privileges and limitations of sport pilots: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aviation-interests/light-sport-aircraft/getting-started-in-lsa/become-a-sport-pilot-and-fly-light-sport-aircraft/sport-pilot-limitations-and-privileges

  • Cascadia 99s Companion Flying Seminar, March 9 2024: https://www.columbiacascade99s.org/events/7k9rgsqowcsh6p989v614i7d2yqbgs

  • CFI Nathan Ballard: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying

  • Ted's dream plane, the Risen: https://www.flyrisen.com/risen-915isv

Send us feedback, support the show on Patreon and more at https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/

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Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they talk knowledge gaps, being aware of them, and what to do about areas of weakness as a pilot. Feedback has us on a rant about IFR traffic expecting VFR traffic to be psychic, and sorting confusion around midfield crosswind entries in the pattern.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 8, "enter on a midfield crosswind at pattern altitude": https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/09_afh_ch8.pdf
  • CFII/weather genius Erica Gilbert: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe/videos
  • Learning ATC/NAS: Opposing Bases: https://www.opposingbases.com/
  • Learning ATC/NAS: FAA 7110: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc_html/
  • Learning engines/ownership: Mike Busch books: https://www.savvyaviation.com/resources/#books
  • Learning engines/ownership: Mike Busch webinars: https://www.youtube.com/@savvyaviation6675/videos
  • Learning engines/ownership: Ask the A&Ps podcast: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/podcasts/podcasts/ask-the-a-and-ps
  • CFII Nathan Ballard: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying/videos
  • Apalachicola navigation page, note obstructions listed on each runway: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AAF
  • Opposing Bases episode discussing night IFR at Apalachicola: https://opposingbases.libsyn.com/ob316-thirsty-chinooks-and-penguin-riots
  • BWG (Bowling Green): https://www.airnav.com/airport/BWG
  • Sample IFR plate at BWG: https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2402/00605r3.pdf#nameddest=(BWG)
  • Atlanta Speedway Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/HMP

Visit the podcast home page: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/

Get info and RSVP for the Nashville Fly-In, April 26-28 2024: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast

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After having to do a go around with episode 63 due to tech gremlins, we re-recorded the episode and are now back in the pattern!

We talk about the problem with the term "mission", our quests for the perfect plane for what we do, and some thoughts on how you can go about your quest for the right airplane.

1DullGeek chimes in with a glorious rant, and his tale of finding his Cherokee 235.

Mentioned on the show:

  • Frequency Change Aviation: https://frequencychangeaviation.com/

  • RIP Brian's training plane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lWFPPI-BZs

  • Regular Car Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/@RegularCars/videos

  • FloridaFlying talking about the RV12 landing gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhEXnedWGpE#t=6m50s

  • FlyMeToTheFun going to Bahamas/St. Bart's with their Cessna 150: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEBxOGD9nvg

  • MPP EP8- Flight Planning LIVE: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP8---Flight-Planning-LIVE-e1d8r8n

Don't forget about the MPP Nashville Fly-in, April 26-28 2024, info and RSVP: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com

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Ben, Brian, and Ted talk about combating complacency as a private pilot. They also celebrate podcast supporters who have passed checkrides recently!

The new midlife pilot podcast website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/

  • EP37 - Looking for a flying purpose? Join the Freedom Aviation Network: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP37---Looking-for-a-flying-purpose--Join-the-Freedom-Aviation-Network-e25oshp

  • Freedom Aviation Network: https://www.freedomaviationnetwork.org/

  • Opposing Bases 319: https://opposingbases.libsyn.com/ob319-kids-in-aviation-and-atc

  • "more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths that are caused by falls from ladders." https://www.lockjawladdergrip.com/blog/ladder-safety-usa-2021

  • blancolirio's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@blancolirio/videos

  • WSRV-FM, the 1765ft antenna near Road Atlanta: https://www.fccinfo.com/CMDProEngine.php?sCurrentService=FM&sAppIDNumber=16b3f182acb04a7c9d49c1b6063ebeb7

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Ben, Brian, and Ted talk about gaining confidence as a new pilot.

The team also reads feedback from Mike Alpha Golf about the importance of having friends in aviation- for one thing, they keep you safe. MAG mentions Mike Patey's seminar, and Ted talks about it in the show as well. That's "Stop Hurting my Pilot Friends" from Experimental Aircraft Channel with Bryan Wahlstrom (Experimental Aircraft Channel), Mike Patey, Juan Browne (Blancolirio), and Josh Flowers (Aviation 101). We strongly recommend watching it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrVv6-goMVQ

Also mentioned on the show, the infamous Vegas Bravo buster, N731NR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUSUXnr4dSo

Don’t forget to make or update your RSVP for the Nashville Fly-In, April 26-28: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

Support MPP on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast

  • Link Discord to Patreon (use a web browser, not the Patreon app!). https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212052266-Getting-Discord-access

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We are joined by CFII Erica Gilbert of AeroSafe - she makes weather more fun! Erica speaks to her work as a CFII, the art of weather briefings, expanding your minimums, and how she came to sharing her knowledge through frequent weather breakdowns on her awesome new YouTube channel.

Don’t forget to make or update your RSVP for the Nashville Fly-In, April 26-28: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

  • Erica’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe

  • Midlife Pilot Podcast’s new support home on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast

  • Link Discord to Patreon (use a web browser, not the Patreon app!). https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212052266-Getting-Discord-access

  • FlightInsight’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flightinsight9111

  • AOPA’s Personal Minimums Contract (Erica should be creating a better one soon!): https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/do-the-right-thing/personal-minimums

  • Discord radar-contact channel with Ted’s creeperbot: https://discord.com/channels/1016100180325564418/1083513512040595548

  • Normalization of deviance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normalization_of_deviance

  • NASA: The Cost of Silence: Normalization of Deviance: https://sma.nasa.gov/docs/default-source/safety-messages/safetymessage-normalizationofdeviance-2014-11-03b.pdf?sfvrsn=c5421ef8_4

  • Aviation Safety Magazine: Recovering From Unusual Attitudes: ​​https://www.aviationsafetymagazine.com/instrument_flying/recovering-from-unusual-attitudes/

  • Nathan Ballard on Midlife EP53: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP53---CFII-Nathan-Ballard---question-everything-e2d6q7r

  • Victor Vogel’s “flight reviews for the older pilot” NAFI topic: https://nafisummit2023.org/schedule/flight-reviews-for-the-older-pilot/

  • Flight Chops with a 90 year old pilot in the T6 Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtDcnC8qKEQ

  • Audio of Victor Vogel’s topic: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-x5fx6-131deb5

(long notes this week! -ted)

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After talking about filming flights on the last episode, Ben, Brian, and Ted talk about debriefing flights- using a gopro as a "black box", looking at tracks, or using pen and paper.

show mentions:

  • AAS, Taylor County Airport, Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AAS

  • Ted's flight to The Dalles with views that look greenscreened: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcY0cz5eRqM

  • Ted's debrief with Midlife CFII NateB: https://youtube.com/8UpDLiJmgXs

  • Brian's Flight Memory Logbook: https://www.newnostalgia.film/store/p/hardcover-bound-notebook

  • CloudAhoy, good debriefing tool: https://www.cloudahoy.com/

  • FlySto, another debriefing tool: https://www.flysto.net/

  • Johari Window for debriefing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window

  • Donald Rumsfeld's "Unknown unknowns": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_are_unknown_unknowns

  • AeroSafe, a great weather series from CFII Erica: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe

The rental houses aka Midlife Pilot Compound for the Nashville Fly-In, April 26-28 2024, is full, but it's still possible to attend the fly-in: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

Get your Midlife Pilot Podcast merch! https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com/

We have moved to Patreon!

For those who have been gracious enough to support us on Spotify, we have turned off listener support there, and canceled your monthly support pledges.

If you wish to continue supporting the podcast, or want to start, visit https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast

We understand there are also folks who would rather do a one-time drop - and we have a solution! You can do a one time drop at https://paypal.me/midlifepilotpodcast

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Many pilots are recording their flights now, whether to learning, or maybe just for content farming. Ben, Brian, and Ted talk pros and cons of filming your flights, and some ways to do it safer - if at all.Ben also talks about the Fly-In, which is in April. The "midlife compound" is in place and is filling up!

  • Chris and Brian discussed the technical details of recording on EP1 - Why and how we record our flying: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP1---Why-and-how-we-record-our-flying-e1940g9
  • Midlife Pilot Podcast Fly-In, Nashville, April 26-28 2024: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/
  • Midlife Pilot Podcast store: https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com/
  • Brian's Flight Memory Logbook: https://www.newnostalgia.film/store/p/hardcover-bound-notebook
  • Brian's "Nobody Cares" hat: https://www.newnostalgia.film/store/p/nobody-cares-pigment-dyed-cap

Chris discussed equipment in EP1 of the podcast, and Ted shared a "TLDR filming gear" list to boil it down to a starter kit in this episode:

  • gopro hero11 (the ‘12 doesn’t have GPS): https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/hero11-black/CHDHX-111-master.html
  • nflightcam audio adapter: https://www.nflightcam.com/collections/cables/products/nflightcam-audio-solution-for-gopro-hero5

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

⁠https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast⁠

We understand there are also folks who would rather do a one-time drop - and we have a solution! You can do a one time donation via PayPal at ⁠https://paypal.me/midlifepilotpodcast⁠

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Ted and Ben are in the same city and went on an adventure together, so they podcasted in the same room and talked with Brian about personal minimums: What are minimums? What is included? How to you expand them? Also, our thoughts on flying after dry spells of flying. AI takes over the intro.

  • The Spruce Goose: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hughes_H-4_Hercules
  • AOPA's personal minimums document: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/do-the-right-thing/personal-minimums
  • Nashville Fly-In: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

Get merch! https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com/

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast⁠⁠

We understand there are also folks who would rather do a one-time drop - and we have a solution! You can do a one time donation via PayPal at ⁠⁠https://paypal.me/midlifepilotpodcast⁠⁠

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Ben, Brian, and Ted share some listener feedback and talk about their experiences with crosswind landings. Brian reads from The Killing Zone, including a story from a pilot in the book. The crew finishes talking about the Nashville Fly-In, which is April 26-28 2024 at KJWN. Lodging (Midlife Central) is in the works.

  • The Killing Zone, 2nd edition, by Paul Craig: https://bookshop.org/book/9780071798402

  • Instagram, "get an instrument rated friend!" https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1kbKh0P481/

  • Galaga cheat code: https://jasoneckert.github.io/myblog/the-galaga-no-fire-cheat-mystery/

  • MPP EP46 - Flying With Your Spouse: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot/episodes/EP46---Flying-With-Your-Spouse-e2b1cpn

  • Nashville Fly-In: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

Get merch! https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com/

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast⁠⁠

We understand there are also folks who would rather do a one-time drop - and we have a solution! You can do a one time donation via PayPal at ⁠⁠https://paypal.me/midlifepilotpodcast⁠⁠

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Ben, Brian, and Ted host a hilariously chaotic end-of-year episode, with Ben surprising Brian and Ted with snippets from the show.

  • Brian's "almost Brasher" Charlie vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YJYFuvB_9U

  • Wilson Air Chattanooga: https://www.wilsonair.com/cha-chattanooga/

  • EP40, The Podcast Handoff: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot/episodes/EP40---The-Podcast-Handoff---a-very-special-crossover-episode-e29965s

  • Saavy Aviation, what Ted used for AOG: https://savvyaviation.com/

  • AOG, Aircraft on Ground: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_on_ground

  • Phantasm, 1979 horror film: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantasm_(film)

  • The most popular podcast episode, EP4, Demystifying the Private Pilot Checkride: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot/episodes/EP4---Demystifying-the-Private-Pilot-Checkride-e1ajpdf

  • AOPA's Cessna 170 sweepstakes plane: https://www.aopa.org/Membership/Sweeps

  • Brian's Marfa vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVrQ0tzicC8

  • Brian's 2023 in review vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EejbxBWsfo

  • Ted landing on the beach (S16 Copalis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO2szW-_SNQ

  • Map of airports that Ben, Brian, and Ted landed at in 2023: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/img/ep55-2023-airport-map.png

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Ben passed his commercial checkride, so Brian and Ted debrief (interrogate) him about the experience. The crew then talk about finding bad habits in yourself, and the value of communicating about risk to others. Finally the Nashville Meetup, aka White Claw Crawl, is discussed! See the link below for information and to signal your interest.

Ron Horton, DPE: http://planevisions.com/

Nathan Ballard, CFII, helped Ben prepare: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying

"Flight", the movie with Denzel Washington flying a barbiejet inverted: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_(2012_film)

AOPA's droolworthy Cessna 170B sweepstakes plane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwsfLYDvbNU

Stevie Triesenberg flying her amazing Cessna 140 across the US: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vwmp_Qk74s

Fly The Transition podcast was relaunched with Bryan Turner (Just Plane Silly) talking about his commercial license: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-code-to-clouds-navigating-the-skies-bryan/id1657873290?i=1000638885915

Brian Siskind's new video, "be wrong." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wml7sOZDa34

The April 2024 Nashville fly-in, aka Whiteclaw Crawl, April 26-28 2024: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/

We have moved to Patreon!

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CFI (and midlife pilot) Nathan Ballard joins the show to talk about instructing midlifers and answer some listener questions.

  • CFI Nathan Ballard's great YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying
  • AOPA, Logging Pilot-In-Command Time: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/learn-to-fly/old-pages/legacy-pages/aviation-subject-report-logging-pilot-in-command-pic-time
  • AOPA, Logbooks and Logging Time: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/learn-to-fly/old-pages/logging-cross-country-time/logbooks-and-logging-time
  • Fellow midlife pilot 1dullgeek showing how to self-fuel a plane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT1yFimIo4w#t=5m30s
  • AOPA, DIY Fueling: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2019/august/flight-training-magazine/technique-diy-fueling
  • RSVP for the April 2024 Nashville fly-in, aka Whiteclaw Crawl: https://midlifepilotnashville.mystrikingly.com/ We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

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Ben is away, so Brian and Ted wing it without him and discuss the contents of a checkride binder, announce the April 2024 Midlife Pilot Podcast meetup in Nashville, and cover a strange potpourri of aviation topics, including announcing the April 2024 Nashville meetup!

  • Show your interest for the April 26-28 2024 Nashville meetup! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PMcPHe3RZdoRkC94Ed569PkUI9eB711jFCxhQDagLko/
  • The Midlife Pilot Podcast checkride binder contents: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/checkride-binder/
  • MPP EP4, Demystifying the Private Pilot Checkride: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot/episodes/EP4---Demystifying-the-Private-Pilot-Checkride-e1ajpdf
  • Setting fire to Fritos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXrMJnqAJFM

buy merch! https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com/

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

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EP51 - Your First Solo

What's it like to solo? Ben, Brian and Ted discuss their flight training and their respective first solo flights. We respond to listener feedback from Dan B. who asked about dealing with the jitters and doubts that inevitably pop up in every pilots journey.

Brian's solo vid: https://youtu.be.com/A7ma6pvmwxM

Ted's solo vid: https://youtu.be/L5EPZzUshHw

OG Chris Moran's solo vid: https://www.youtu.be/0e5tfl_DpRc

OG Chris Moran choosing not to fly: https://www.youtu.be/zoFxLpcd7og

EP16, what are you most afraid of in flying? https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot/episodes/EP16---What-Are-You-Most-Afraid-of-in-Flying-e1joodd

The surprise and startle responses in flying: https://skybrary.aero/articles/surprise

buy merch! https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com/

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

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Ben has an obligation, so Brian and Ted are joined by Chris, the "OG Midlife Pilot"! What happens when you haven't flown in a long time? What got the hosts into Aviation YouTube? Finally, Ben rejoins the show, and we get to hear a stellar "Bag O Words" from Chris' training days archive.

Show mentions:

Ted's videos: https://youtube.com/@flysport_tedder

SoCal Flying Monkey: https://www.youtube.com/c/SoCalFlyingMonkey

Josh Flowers' most popular video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NmI7cbIXjI

Chris's most popular videos:

How I Use Trim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgkZoU_zP6c

Using Foreflight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFRoQrqvF30

Chris's favorite video, flying his daughter to the Outer Banks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGNbB1B_OeE

buy merch! https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com/

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast⁠⁠

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We have information whiskey ("booze news") and are ready to copy! Ben, Brian, and Ted catch up on flying adventures, talk about flight following from Delta towers, and read Keith C's story towards a second career.

check out the new merch! https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com/

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

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We got a number to copy! We talked with Scott and Shelley, both pilots, air traffic controllers, and realtors out of BNA Nashville. We got flight following, learned about the BNA "super charlie", flying over the top of towers, and working hours.FAA on the Nashville "Super charlie": https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/community_engagement/nash_bna

Scott and Shelley's social media: https://www.instagram.com/propertypilots/ https://www.facebook.com/properypilots/* https://linktr.ee/propertypilotsbuy merch! https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com/

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast⁠⁠

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What is the future of aviation YouTube? We talk to Josh Flowers of Aviation101 about how it has evolved, the types of stories he likes to make, and what he would do if he wasn't flying.Josh Flowers and Aviation 101:

  • @Aviation101 on YouTube
  • aviation101.com
  • highmaintenance_chels on Instagram

Other mentions:

  • Room 237 in The Shining is not where Ben is broadcasting from
  • Errol Morris, Donald Rumsfield, "there are unknown unknowns"
  • Paul Craig's The Killing Zone
  • Buy merch! store.midlifepilotpodcast.com We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast⁠⁠

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We received a listener email about the challenges of flying with your spouse, so we got all of our significant others on the show to answer themselves! Grab your person and have a listen as we talk turbulence, pinch hitter training, and more.

Mentions:

  • Kim of BaronPilot learning to fly
  • Ginny of SoCalFlyingMonkey, an anxious passenger, learning how to fly with an incapacitated pilot
  • Checkmate Aviation "Emergency Substitute Pilot" checklist
  • Pilot Workshops "A Simple Manual For Your Flying Companion"
  • AOPA Companion Copilot series
  • Michael Young waking up his spouse in zero G

Contact us! midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast⁠⁠

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Ben, Brian, and Ted cover a partial LOTOT video, a tip from ncflyer's checkride, and delve into all things STC, centered around the STOL conversions on Ben's Cessna 182, aka "beast".

Defining the term dooblidoo for youtube descriptions: knowyourmeme, english.stackexchange, urbandictionary

Mike Rugnetta, PBS Idea Channel, saying dooblidoo

CFI Sam (Northwest Aeronaut)'s lost of thrust on takeoff video

STCs:

  • General Aviation News on Cessna STCs
  • Ben's Airplains IO-540 260hp 182 STC
  • WingX STOL STC (bigger wingspan)
  • Sportsman STOL
  • Horton STOL
  • Cessna 150-150 (150hp in a 150)
  • Knots2U, lots of speed mods and other STCs
  • Katmai Kenai canard for the Cessna 182
  • Skywagon University showing float kit modifications
  • Wipaire float kits
  • Wipaire boss 182, IO 580

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast⁠⁠

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EP44 - Happy Hour!

Ben, Brian, and Ted kick back for a casual episode and welcome Bryan Turner (aka Brian with a Y, aka Just Plane Silly) for a freeform discussion about Radio Shack, Cirrus and serious, icing on the vegetables, and Bryan's favorite metal albums.

Podcast mentions:

Bryan Turner / Just Plane Silly: https://www.youtube.com/c/justplanesilly

Aviation 101 at West Bend Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Fl0Hxc6ks

Contact us! midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com

We have moved to Patreon!

Become a Patreon member for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, access to the vibrant Midlife Pilot Podcast Discord community, merch discounts, stickers, and much more!

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast⁠⁠

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Ben, Brian, and Ted talk about how to think about cross-country flying, especially for the new pilot.

In the climbout (training) segment, the crew discusses aircraft options for new student pilots: rent a plane, join a flying club, or even buying a plane. There are advantages to each!

Podcast mentions:

Alyssa's new avionics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp5ktbCDRSM

Ted's wishlist: land on the highway in Oregon and taxi to the gas station: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWjoPyPEdn4

Ted's beach landing: https://youtu.be/QO2szW-_SNQ

Mogas at airports: https://flyunleaded.com/

Ethanol-free gas: https://www.pure-gas.org/

Brian's Marfa, Texas trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVrQ0tzicC8

EP19 with Opposing Bases: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot/episodes/EP19---ATC-Talk-with-RH-and-AG-from-Opposing-Bases-Podcast-e1lhog0

EP36 with CFI/school owner Jeff Ramsey https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot/episodes/EP36---CFIFlight-School-owner-Jeff-Ramsey-on-how-to-choose-a-flight-instructor--and-more-e251sqc

Listener Created Bonus Episode - Flying One Plane VS Flying Many Planes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot/episodes/Listener-Created-Bonus-Episode---Flying-One-Plane-VS-Flying-Many-Planes-e1slduo

James Fallows, ‘Fate is the Hunter’: Respect to Richard McSpadden and Russ Francis.: https://open.substack.com/pub/fallows/p/fate-is-the-hunter-respect-to-richard

ASI: AOPA Mourns Death of Richard McSpadden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAjp0FHoLZU

Taking Off: Goodbye Richard McSpadden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UkZ2nU1Tew

Contact us! midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com

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How do you begin flying in midlife? Ben, Brian, and Ted spend an episode explaining how someone thinking about beginning training should get started, from before their first lesson to the first few dozen hours of training. This includes the time and money commitment, why it's important to get a medical before flying, what a discovery flight is like, using an online ground school, books, written test, and the joys and struggles of the first 10 hours of training. It's important to "own" your training experience, as the hosts and community mention.

Nate (Cheapskate Aviation) joins to talk about maximizing every flight hour by studying before every lesson and using a syllabus. Nate also shares his funny BAG O' WORDS clip.

Brian Siskind's "Moon Landing In Marfa" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVrQ0tzicC8
Nate's Cheapskate Aviation channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cheapskateaviation/videos

FAA references:
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/22692
14 CFR (the laws, this is worth purchasing as the FAR-AIM): https://asa2fly.com/far-aim-series/
Private Pilot ACS: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/testing/acs/private_airplane_acs_change_1.pdf

Swift Fly-in: https://swiftmuseumfoundation.org/
United Flying Octogenarians, aka UFOs: https://www.ufopilots.org/
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Ben, Brian, and Ted share recent adventures. Ben is in an involuntary flying drought, Brian had a great BFR with impossible turns and 360 spirals, and Ted is finally learning to land the Egg.

They then talk about Brian's trip to the art mecca of Marfa, Texas and his experience with the impacts of density altitude. A CFI's advice about following indicated airspeed is discussed.

The crew then talks about ways to keep flying fun. This includes Angel Flight, Pilots n Paws, doing long cross-countries, practicing maneuvers, and participating in a state aviation passport program. Brian reminds us that we never have to fly- it's okay to not fly or to set it aside.

The discussion takes a quick diversion to answer Jeremy's question: how do you stay entertained on long XCs? This varies by person and situation.

Finally, Josh McElhattan comes on to introduce the new BAG O' WORDS segment with his "Nobody Cares" radio call to the tower at John Tune airport. It's a good reminder that we all make mistakes, no matter the hours, and somehow controllers are mindreaders.

Listener checklist:

  • Subscribe to the Youtube channel to see the livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifePilotPodcast

  • Subscribe to the podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot

  • Support the podcast, starting at 99 cents per month: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilot

  • Say hello, get a Discord invite, or send your BAG O' WORDS: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com

Episode links:

  • Marfa Texas airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/kmrf

  • CFI Sam, aka Northwest Aeronaut: https://www.youtube.com/c/NorthwestAeronaut

  • Fifty By 60: https://www.youtube.com/@Fiftyx60

  • Washington State airport passport program: https://www.flywashington.org/

  • Wisconsin airport passport program: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/air/pilot-info/flywi.aspx

  • The 1dullgeek philosophy of practicing maneuvers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsb6YPyWCQk

  • McRae Georgia airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KMQW

  • Josh McElhattan's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@joshmc

  • The video with Josh's bag of words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwAOEzrLkf4#t=16m

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The O.G. Midlife Pilot, Chris Moran has decided to move on to make time for other things in life. We all have that burden with aviation in midlife. Hear the future of the podcast, and meet the new additions in this sad but fun farewell episode. Stay tuned! The podcast is going weekly! Onward and upward!

Support this podcast for as little as 99 cents a month here:

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Chris recaps his Oshkosh 2023 experience, and we talk about opposing maintenance points of view.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife_pilot/ https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/

Subscribe to Chris' YouTube channel: / midlifepilot Subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/briansiskind

Midlife Pilot Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilot/

Brian Siskind Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siskind

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We talk tailwheel training, conducting symphonies, the indignities of Osh Kosh public showers, and how you can meet up with Chris at Osh Kosh/Airventure 2023!

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/midlife_pilot/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/⁠⁠

Subscribe to Chris' YouTube channel: ⁠⁠ / midlifepilot ⁠⁠ Subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/briansiskind⁠⁠

Midlife Pilot Patreon: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilot/⁠⁠

Brian Siskind Patreon: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/siskind

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Another amazing guest-created episode provided by listeners in the Midlife Pilot Community! Cirrus driver JoshMC breaks down his upset recovery and aerobatic training.

Follow Josh on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshmc

Enjoy! We will be back next episode!

  • Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/midlife_pilot/

https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/

Subscribe to Chris' YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MidlifePilot

Subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel:

https://bit.ly/briansiskind

Midlife Pilot Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilot/

Brian Siskind Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siskind

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In this episode, we're joined by Jared Miller, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Freedom Aviation Network.

We learn about the need to safe transportation for victims of human trafficking, and how the aviation community can help.

Website: https://www.freedomaviationnetwork.org

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How do you choose a flight instructor? Why do midlife pilots have to work a little harder than younger pilots? What's it like to run a flight school?

We cover all this and more as we are joined by Jeff Ramsey - CFII, ATP, Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP), Gold Seal Instructor and owner of Frequency Change Aviation based at KJWN / Nashville, TN.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs49BPftSkE/

Website: https://www.frequencychangeaviation.com/

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/midlife_pilot/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/⁠⁠

Subscribe to Chris' YouTube channel: ⁠⁠ / midlifepilot ⁠⁠ Subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/briansiskind⁠⁠

Midlife Pilot Patreon: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilot/⁠⁠

Brian Siskind Patreon: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/siskind

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We talk ways to be involved in aviation beyond just flying for yourself. We talk clubs, options for introverts, creativity as a path to connect, Angel Flights, Freedom Aviation Network, Type Clubs, and all the ways you can get past the weirdness of making new friends in midlife - through aviation! ---Follow us on Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/midlife_pilot/⁠⁠

https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/⁠Subscribe to Chris' YouTube channel: ⁠ / midlifepilot ⁠Subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel: ⁠https://bit.ly/briansiskind⁠Midlife Pilot Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilot/⁠Brian Siskind Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/siskind

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In this episode, we're joined by special guest Gareth of the ZeroThreeDelta YouTube channel!

We talk about the rigor of YouTube video production, how done is better than perfect sometimes, flying your own plane, the challenges of FAA medicals, and what it was like training with LewDix.https://www.youtube.com/c/ZeroThreeDelta ---Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/midlife_pilot/https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/Subscribe to Chris' YouTube channel: / midlifepilot Subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/briansiskindMidlife Pilot Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilot/Brian Siskind Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siskind

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We talk about weather and weather planning tools that we use, and why we basically don't trust forecasts, especially as VFR pilots.

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We hang with our friend The Sage and talk about the amazing aviation community, recap the recent fly in hang at St. Simons Island, and more!

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An amazing episode provided by listeners in the Midlife Pilot Community for this installment! An uber-nerd summit on privacy, technology, and how they work, and don't work, in aviation. Enjoy! We will be back next episode!

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We talk about strange, weird, out-of-the-ordinary things that inevitably happen when flying.
Some special guest pop-ins from The Sage, Josh, and 1DullGeek.

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We answer your questions about a wide range of topics, and even do a little storytime from The Killing Zone. Fun hang with everyone!

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We're excited to be joined by pilot YouTuber Tom Kubat! We'll talk about his transition from paramotor to fixed wing, and some of his adventures in flight. Be sure to check out his channel at YouTube.com/TomKubat

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We'll look back at our aviation accomplishments from 2022, and talk about goals for 2023 and beyond.

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In this bonus podcast, our supporters Ben Singer ("The Sage") and Ted ("Timestamp Tedder") discuss the advantages of flying one plane versus flying many planes.

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Today we'll talk about our top ten tips for your first 100 hours as a private pilot.

  1. Update your Renters Policy
  2. Weight and Balance - don't pile your friends in early on
  3. Consider flying solo to a destination first before taking a passenger
  4. Treat every flight like the DPE is still sitting in the right seat
  5. Maintain a training mindset (practice maneuvers, hold yourself to standards, pattern work)
  6. Visit a lot of local airports and get to know FBOs, services
  7. Have a plan for expanding your minimums
  8. Fly long cross countries! go places!
  9. Take having passengers very seriously, and be aware of the effects on ADM, etc
  10. Overprepare - get weather briefings - have an alternate/out for every flight

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We talk what we are grateful for in aviation at midlife, and play listener submitted messages of what you all are thankful for!

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We recap the awesome Nobody Cares Fly In that happened a couple of weekends ago!

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Learn more about Drew's initiative and all things Flying Clubs here on AOPA website: https://youcanfly.aopa.org/flying-clubs/

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It has been said, "there is nothing more dangerous than a plane full of pilots". We talk the good and bad of flying with other pilots.

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Join us to chat about all things filmmaking, aviating and midlife piloting with Eric of Socal Flying Monkey!

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Of course getting an instrument rating is better than not getting one, but we ponder the pros and cons of when to get it - when you are not looking for a career in aviation.

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Chris and Brian are joined by the sage, Ben Singer, to talk words of advice from more experienced pilots that have resonated with us over our time as pilots, and we take input from the live chat as well.

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We're super excited to be joined by R.H. and A.G. - hosts of the amazing Opposing Bases podcast! We'll talk all things ATC, and answer tons of your questions.

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We talk our top 5 aviation destinations, and the live chat gives us their picks too!

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In this episode, we talk about the ways we use ForeFlight, both in the air and on the ground.

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We talk about things that cause anxiety and fear related to aviation - and how Chris really just wants to fly a 150.

Apologies for the audio on this one - Chris used a headset mic outside on the back deck of his beach house.

Make sure you join the live recordings! Get in the chat!

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If you could start your flight journey over, what would you do differently?

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Author and pilot Kerry McCauley joins us to talk inadvertent scud-running, and other things they don't teach you in private pilot training.

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We talk about the experiences and lessons from last week's Midlife Pilot Outer Banks Fly in!  --- Subscribe to the audio podcast! (and leave a review)

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Our last episode was really a video editing tutorial so we didn't publish it in audio format, but find it on YouTube.

We get back in the swing with a fun hang and Q and A!

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Your questions!

Andy Huggins' aviation apparel: https://www.lindenblvdaviationapparel...

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In this episode, we'll talk about the mental game in flying.

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In this episode, we'll plan a flight from Nashville to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

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Available on:

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and wherever you get your podcasts.

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We break down our favorite aviation YouTube channels and why we love them - get ready for a long list!

The Finer Points https://www.youtube.com/c/TheFinerPoints

Flight Chops https://www.youtube.com/user/FlightChops

1DullGeek https://www.youtube.com/c/dullgeek

Cyndi Hollman https://www.youtube.com/c/CyndyHollman

Back Country 182 https://www.youtube.com/c/motoadveBackcountry182

Friendly Skies Film https://www.youtube.com/c/FriendlySkiesFilm

Kristina Delp https://www.youtube.com/c/KristinaDelp

LewDix Aviation https://www.youtube.com/c/LewDixAviation

Aviation 101 https://www.youtube.com/c/Aviation101

Will the Pilot https://www.youtube.com/c/PacificSouthwestFlyer

Skywagon University https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbIsUS2IVCx3cUxhsR0sGmg

Bold Method https://www.youtube.com/c/Boldmethod

Baron Pilot https://www.youtube.com/c/BaronPilot

Private Pilot Guide https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrbdQNPuYQXJmwWBWH_UT7w

Angle of Attack https://www.youtube.com/c/angleofattack

Socal Flying Monkey https://www.youtube.com/c/SoCalFlyingMonkey

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For those of us not looking for an aviation career, what are some of the things you can do after getting your license to stay sharp, have fun, and keep learning? Also, Chris breaks down how to start a flying club and all that entails.

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How do you make your nervous passengers more relaxed and feel safe? We talk about that and more with your chat messages and comments!

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Checkride coming up? We talked about our checkride experiences, and gave our best tips on how to prepare, and actually... get this... ENJOY your checkride experience!

Demystifying the Private Pilot Checkride - this was a fun one.

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We talk training horror stories from flap mishaps to unforeseen wingovers, and you share your tales with us in the chat.

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What are the unique challenges we have as midlife pilots? How is flight training different when you are not looking for a career as a pilot, and just want to learn for the sake of learning? Does it take older pilots longer to learn? We talk all these questions and more, and are joined by CFII Kevin Webb to give us more insights. Your questions answered and more on this episode of The Midlife Pilot Podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/c/MidlifePilot

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On the first episode of the Midlife Pilot Podcast, Chris Moran (The Midlife Pilot), Brian Siskind, and YOU the audience discuss the benefits, dangers, how to's, and how not to's, of recording flights, whether for training, or just for fun.

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