Midlife Pilot Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EP99 - 100 Hours of Questionable Decisions Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

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

EP98 - Embracing the Plateau, and Naptime Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

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/

EP97 - A Little Stitious: Hula Girls, Lucky Socks, and Cockpit Voodoo Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

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

EP96 - With You or Without You - Pet Peeves Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

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

EP95 - Information Whiskey: Marbles in Mouths, Mitsubishi Misery, Malibu Miracles, and More Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

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

EP94 - Beyond the $100 Hamburger, no fence jumping Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

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

EP93 - Travels, checklists, flows, and did he call Ted Mark? Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

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

EP92 - Short memories and embracing the suck Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

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/

EP91 - From Impostor to Aviator: 10 Tips for New Pilots Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

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:

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

EP90 - Information Whiskey - NORDO in a Bravo, orcas diversion, cloud dancing Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

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

- Episode 90 of the Midlife Pilot Podcast

- Hosts: Ben, Brian, and Ted

2. Recent Flying Experiences

- Brian: Navigating challenging weather conditions with a passenger

- Ted: Diverting due to thunderstorms near Seattle

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

3. Discussion Topics

- Handling communication failures in different flight conditions

- Weather assessment and decision-making

- Using tools like Windy for weather forecasting

4. Community Engagement

- Patreon membership and benefits

- Discord community and inside programming

- Upcoming check ride debrief session

5. Avionics Upgrade Discussion

- Ben's plans for updating his aircraft's audio panel

- Potential benefits of modern avionics

6. Quick Topic: Deciding to Fly with Someone

- Assessing personalities and hazardous attitudes

- Considering comfort levels and introversion

7. Wrap-up

- Upcoming Episode 91: Top 10 tips for student pilots

- Teaser for Episode 100

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