Midlife Pilot Podcast

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

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.

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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