Midlife Pilot Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EP109 - Information Whiskey: Dented Wings and Announcing Big Texas Send 2025! Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

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/

EP108 - Trip, Fall, Succeed : When Bad Judgment Makes Good Stories Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

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

EP107 - Overcoming Perfectionism: Sexy Indifference for Mediocre Pilots Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

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/

EP106 - From Dawn Patrol to Jumping Fences: Multi-Day Flying Tips Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

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

EP105 - Information Whiskey: Fly in planning, dad hats, saggy flaps Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

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

EP104 - Flying With Strangers From the Internet: Vetting Co-Pilots Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

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

EP103 - Finding Flight Time: If You're Not Lying to Yourself, You're Not Flying Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

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

EP102 - Cheaper Fuel is Cheaper: Flying on a Budget Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

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

EP101 - Information Whiskey: ATC Mumbling, Mountains & Mediocrity Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

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

EP100 - A Very Special Non-Event - Live from Fairmont Airport! Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

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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