Midlife Pilot Podcast

You can have a flying machine or you can have a project. Sometimes you get both whether you wanted them or not.This week, 1DullGeek aka Mark lays out why he's leaving the certified world behind and building a TL Sparker — a Czech experimental that burns half the fuel, costs a fraction to maintain, and was designed after his children were adults (unlike the Cherokee 235, which predates his parents). Brian is staying in the museum business for now, flying a 1967 Cherokee 180 and embracing his identity as a steward of vintage aviation history, whether he likes it or not. Ted is flying a Special Light Sport that is certified, experimental-adjacent, and philosophically its own thing — much like Ted himself.Along the way we get into what it really costs to own old iron, why parts availability in the certified world will break your soul, what MOSAIC means for the future of sport pilot, and whether two weeks of coursework is actually enough to maintain your own airplane (spoiler: probably not, but it's a useful warning label).Also in this episode: a debrief from the Thaden Invasion fly-in including a NASA report we won't elaborate on, a $25 ramp fee at JWN that costs less than a tank of avgas but somehow hurts more, a surprise night power-off 180, and a birthday calculation that required community intervention.Listener Sierra Victor from Surprise, Arizona (yes, that's a place) writes in about sport pilot gatekeeping and gets some straight talk: the aerodynamics don't care what certificate you hold, and neither should you.Mentioned on the show:* UCY - Union City Tenn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/UCY* Full Stop Aviation: https://fs-aviation.com/* AOPA - PAPA bill: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2026/march/11/pr-support-grows-for-bills-banning-ads-b-misuse* Coleal interpretation: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/agc/practice_areas/regulations/interpretations/Data/interps/2009/Coleal-Bombardier%20Learjet_2009_Legal_Interpretation.pdf* LSRI, LSRM courses: https://rainbowaviation.com/courses/* Dunning-Kreuger effect: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect* Fly Eagle Sport: https://flyeaglesport.com/Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

Recorded live at Legends Air Center, Bentonville Municipal Airport (KVBT)We pulled it off. Forty-six planes, 76 humans, one carbon cub with a suspiciously placed trim switch, and a weather forecast that went from "perfect VFR" to "tornado watch to snowstorm in 24 hours." Episode 172 is the live recording from the Thaden Invasion fly-in — and it did not disappoint.Ben, Brian, and 1DullGeek filling in for Ted who attempted to get here from Portland via Delta and was defeated by the commercial aviation gods. We called him anyway. He answered!IN THIS EPISODE:🛫 The Instrument Rating Spite Train ✈️ The Race to Union City — Ben attempts to bribe a Memphis Center controller via Venmo. The controller provides his Venmo. "Ready to copy." 🛩️ The Convergence Incident — Mark's GPS-autopilot handshake goes sideways mid-flight, resulting in an unannounced formation maneuver.🌩️ The Forecast Nobody Asked For — Our new friend Bruce, a multi-decade professional meteorologist, delivers a pre-show weather briefing that sends everyone scrambling for early departures. Tornadoes by noon. Snow by evening. Perfect fly-in weather.📞 We Call Ted — He answers. It's lovely. He didn't miss anything at Game Bird. Those planes are ugly. The formation flights were nothing. (They were incredible. Ted knows.)🎙️ Community Moments — Keith's story of stepping away from aviation and finding his way back. Captain Todd's first cross-country with his girlfriend (she asked where the car was). The anonymous question about an all-wives episode (immediately shot down). Erica Gilbert, CFII and weather guru, knitting quietly in the back like an aviation safety angel.MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:🏆 Legends Air Center at Bentonville Municipal Airport (KVBT) — Home of the Thaden Invasion and quite possibly the only FBO where you can fish off one end and tour an aerobatic manufacturer off the other.✈️ Game Aerospace — The manufacturing facility that had our crew high on carbon fiber fumes and ambition. Shoutout to Derek and the team.📋 Checkmate Aviation — Sponsor of our beautiful lounge space. Barry bought the company by accident (sort of). Custom checklists. Real story. 🎙️ Midlife Pilot Podcast on Patreon — The thing that keeps this ad-free and human. The reason we can afford microphones and index cards (when Ted is here).🐦 Plane Places Adventures (YouTube) — Check out the channel. Virgil always has something.🎙️ Airline Pilot Guy Podcast — AJ's co-hosting home. Captain Jeff. Good people. Good aviation.📘 Helen Thaden — Aviation Pioneer — The namesake of the invasion. Bentonville's own. Look her up if you don't know the name yet.🌤️ 1800wxbrief.com — FAA Aviation Weather Briefings — For those of you who don't have Bruce's number.📖 Make Small Corrections by Brian Siskind Essays on flying, legacy, and midlife transformation. Brian's book. Read it.QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:"A beef Wellington is just a corn dog from a different socioeconomic background."

DPE, airline pilot, C-130 instructor, and VSL Aviation founder Seth Lake drops in from his car outside a North Little Rock hangar to help pilots get ready for the real thing. He previews his enhanced pre-flight safety seminar happening Saturday morning at Thaden Field — think less checklist theater, more popping cowlings and actually looking at stuff — and breaks down the honest threat picture at a busy uncontrolled airport: why flight following isn't optional, why calling traffic "in sight" is a commitment you'd better mean, and why hope is not an arrival strategy.Plus: the case against the emergency descent maneuver, what midlife pilots actually have going for them on check rides, a surprise Miller's Ale House field recording, and the Bentonville roundabout that has claimed at least one dignity so far.Seth's enhanced pre-flight seminar is Saturday at 9AM in the exhibition hall. Register at faasafety.gov for WINGS credit.See you on the ramp.Mentioned on the show:* Nashville Bravo reclassification: https://www.reddit.com/r/nashville/comments/1q6ixd5/bna_to_be_upgraded_to_bravo_airspace/* Erica's Aerosafe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe* Erica's Aerosafe weather briefing checklist: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/aerosafe* Aviation Weather Handbook: https://www.faa.gov/regulationspolicies/handbooksmanuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-28a-aviation-weather-handbook* Charles Taylor master mechanic award: https://www.faasafety.gov/content/mastermechanic/default.aspx* Airline Pilot Guy: https://airlinepilotguy.com/* Bob Hoover's aileron roll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9pvG_ZSnCc* Seth Lake's VSL ACE guide: https://vslaviation.myshopify.com/products/vsl-ace-guide* Seth's WINGS/EAA seminar on STCs at ORK (N Little Rock): https://www.faasafety.gov/spans/event_details.aspx?eid=141995&caller=/spans/events/eventlist.aspx* How to fly an emergency descent: https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/aerodynamics/emergency-descent-aerodynamics-how-to-fly-them-safely-high-to-low/* VBT airspace briefig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAJldTQ8LhM* Fayetteville airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fayetteville_Regional_Airport* 2025 DCA crash: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Potomac_River_mid-air_collision* Seth on setting up Foreflight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFLxF8uciT8* Crystal Bridges museum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Bridges_Museum_of_American_Art* Pinnacle Hills Promenade: https://www.pinnaclehillspromenade.com/en/* Buffalo National River: https://www.nps.gov/buff/index.htm* Pinch Hitter course for nonpilots: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/pinch-hitter* Seth/Midlife Pilot Enhanced Preflight WINGS course: https://www.faasafety.gov/SPANS/event_publicregistration.aspx?eid=141537&type=1* Josh at Free Pilot Training: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreePilotTrainingSupport the show on Patreon: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

An Information Whiskey edition where Ben loses his Sears and Roebuck HSI in the clouds and flies a partial panel ILS into McCollum like it's just another Tuesday, Brian takes his first solo IFR flight and discovers "the tape hiss of saturation" that nobody tells you about, and Ted goes up in an Arrow where the gear lights have a mind of their own. The Thaden Invasion is 12 days out and the weather looks terrible — which is exactly how we want it. Listener emails from a student pilot in Frederick and a "chef" who soloed at 53 remind us why we do this, and a five-star review from Scotland teaches us the word "scunnered." Also: a spirited debrief on whether Ben should have declared an emergency, and what the whiskey compass is actually good for.Mentioned on the show:* Seth Lake's Thaden/VBT arrival notes: https://arflightsafety.com/VBT.html* FLY OZ VBT Airspace Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAJldTQ8LhM* Seth's podcast on VBT airspace: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0r3rDFPNyUdYtYEfbVBqyl?si=as-NYQ99R5-F9qgAhSSoig* WINGS registration for Enhanced Preflight seminar: https://www.faasafety.gov/SPANS/event_publicregistration.aspx?eid=141537&type=1* Game Aero, gamebird aerobatic plane: https://game.aero/gb1-gamebird/* Thaden Invasion event page: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/thadeninvasion* Air Safety Institute, 178 Seconds to Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7t4IR-3mSo* Infamous drivers ed scare film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HAv1pfJqgU* Sandel HSI: https://avweb.com/features_old/sandel-avionics-sn3308-electronic-hsi-efis-becomes-affordable/* Sandel teardown video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjWIXHL0G1M* Blairsville Airport - DZJ: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DZJ* Angel Flights: https://www.angelflightsoars.org/* SWTEE "sweet tea" arrival: https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2602/00469SWTEE.PDF* OVPEW fix: https://opennav.com/waypoint/US/OVPEW* RYY's ILS 27 approach: https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2602/06424IL27.PDF* Garmin GPSMAP 296 on Ben's yoke: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/6399/* MPP's Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/#guidePatreon: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastYouTube (Live Monday nights at 8 PM): www.youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcastWebsite (events, merch, blog, and more): www.midlifepilotpodcast.comEmail: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comFreedom Aviation Network (10% of Patreon donations): www.freedomaviationnetwork.org

Gita Brown came to flying the hard way: through crippling fear, a discovery flight, and one moment where she grabbed the controls and something just flipped. Now she's a student pilot marching toward her checkride, a yoga instructor, a music therapist, and the co-host of the Calm Cockpit Podcast. She also teaches fear-of-flying courses in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, which means she has professionally helped hundreds of people do the thing she herself was terrified to do two years ago. She joined us from a snowbound cabin in Maine, mid-blizzard, fully caffeinated, and ready to explain why your brain is failing you in the cockpit and what you can actually do about it. Spoiler: it starts with electrolytes, ends with meditation, and somewhere in the middle involves not eating grapes.Mentioned on the show:* Calm Cockpit Podcast: https://calmcockpit.com/* MGM - Montgomery Alabama: https://www.airnav.com/airport/MGM* SISKIND - Time building vs Time HAVING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFw9CpSqwHA* Lovefly - fear of flying courses: https://www.lovefly.co.uk/* Seth Lake - VSL Aero: https://vsl.aero/* Seth Lake's youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAQS8w0x9swAMJRMhLY_P5g* Fly Oz - gateway to the Ozarks: https://www.flyoz.com/* LMNT electrolyte drink mix: https://drinklmnt.com/* Insight Timer app: https://insighttimer.com/* Baraka (film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baraka_(film)* Koyaanisqatsi (full fiml): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOA_dOrm_Mk* SISKIND - DO EASY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqsg-iW3KBw* Qigong: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qigong* Koyaanisqatsi, Hopi word for "life out of balance": https://bureauoflinguisticalreality.com/portfolio/koyaanisqatsi/* The Deep Magic of Daily Consistency: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G6FJQSGW* Scott Manley - Explaining Why NASA's Starliner Report Is So Bad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L96asfTvJ_AMidlife Pilot PodcastWebsite: midlifepilotpodcast.comYouTube: youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcastPatreon: patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

You've watched our Patreon community members sit down with 1DullGeek after their checkrides and lay it all bare — the nerves, the near misses, the lessons learned the hard way. Private, instrument, commercial, glider, ATP. We've heard it all.This week, one of us is in that chair.Brian Siskind — your co-host, 800-hour VFR pilot, and the guy who just knocked out five FAA written exams in 32 days — just passed his instrument rating. Ben and Ted give him the questions 1DG usually asks, and the answers are honest. How did he handle the DPE systematically failing his instruments one by one? What happened when the WAAS dropped and he had to revert to LNAV minimums mid-approach? And why did the oral run longer than expected? Brian watched every single one of our community debriefs to prepare for this moment — and now it's his turn to answer the questions.But the episode doesn't stop there. Jacqui, spouse of RV-10 pilot Ryan K, sent in the most honest and moving voice message we've ever received about what this aviation obsession actually looks like from the other side. And new member John W. — 57 years old, 0.9 hours, and a copy of The Killing Zone in hand — wrote in to say the community convinced him to finally stop watching from the sidelines and go all in.This is exactly what this community is built for.Mentioned on the show:* Piper Apache: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_PA-23* Louise Thaden: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Thaden* Erica Gilbert's IFR course: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr* Gallatin/Music City Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/XNX* Peachtree-Dekalb Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/PDK* Lebanon Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M54* Pilot's Cafe IFR study guide: https://www.pilotscafe.com/IFR-quick-review-guide/* ASA Instrument Pilot Oral Exam Guide: https://asa2fly.com/instrument-pilot-oral-exam-guide-eleventh-edition/* Brian's CFI Ben Lehman: https://www.driftaviation.com/

Episode 167 tackles the challenge of cockpit organization with real solutions from three very different flying setups.Brian's still battling the conspiracy to prevent his instrument checkride (spoiler: UPS trucks and snow banks are involved), while Ted shares wisdom from his Miata-sized cockpit about 3D-printed organizers, strategic cup holder placement, and why everything needs "ONE home." Ben discovers that big game hunting expos are surprisingly good aviation networking venues.From Pivot cases and pulse oximeters to the life-or-death importance of proper seatbelt clipping, plus listener feedback that sparks a deeper discussion about test scores and aviation's competitive culture. Because when you're hand-flying an approach in the clouds and ATC changes your clearance, you need to be flying the airplane, not managing your mess.Features the guys' real-world tips for everything from "hard-wired" Stratus installations to keeping cash hidden in baggage organizers for emergency out-calls. Plus: why Ted went from zero flight hours to helping rewrite aviation regulations in under five years.Mentioned on the show:* Dallas Safari Club: https://www.biggame.org/convention/* Georgia World Congress Center: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_World_Congress_Center* Nicholas Air: https://www.nicholasair.com/* ASTM F37 committee: https://www.astm.org/membership-participation/technical-committees/committee-f37* DPE and educator Seth Lake: https://vsl.aero/* Seth's ACE guide: https://vslaviation.myshopify.com/* TL Sparker: https://tlsportaircraft.com/sparker/* BRS Parachutes: https://brsaerospace.com/* Ted's "purse", holds the iPad Mini: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZL4TZP* Pivot case: https://pivotcase.com/products/a35a* Calm Cockpit Podcast: https://calmcockpit.com/* Flyfisherman Lefty Kreh: The Greatest of All Time: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/lefty-greatest-of-all-time/516098Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastLeave us a 5-star review and we'll read it on the air!

Time to kick back and catch up with the gang in our first "information whiskey" episode of the year. After starting 2026 with our Ultimate Guide series and that marathon session with Dr. Paul Craig, we're taking a breather to hang out, share some flying stories, and tackle your feedback.Ben kicks things off with a tale of terrible timing - how a flat nose tire and an MD-88 pilot who was "stuck" (but not really stuck) turned a simple night cross-country into an evening of airport ground operations. Meanwhile, Brian's been surviving Nashville's ice apocalypse while grinding through the final stages of instrument training, complete with shoulder harnesses and a healthy dose of reality about how IFR actually works versus how it's taught.We dive deep into Brian's theory that instrument flying is "interpretive dance" rather than the precise, procedural flying it's marketed to be. Spoiler alert: holds aren't what you think they are, and ATC doesn't care about your perfect entry technique.Plus, we celebrate some amazing listener accomplishments - from glider add-ons to ice runway landings to solo cross-countries - and address the burning question: do non-flying spouses actually listen to aviation podcasts? (Spoiler: some do, and we want to hear from them!)Featuring Thaden Invasion updates, washing machine turbulence scales, and why sometimes the best thing to do is just wait 15 minutes for the weather to change.Mentioned on the show:* RYY - Cobb/McCollum Field: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RYY* FAA WINGS program: https://www.faasafety.gov/* CCO - Coweta County Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KCCO* PUJ - Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KPUJ* Flight Insight, Going Missed on a Circling Approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJiEuHWF5B8* Flight Insight, the VOR Flower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm7XxyzZFh0* Columbia Cascade 99's winter raffle: https://www.columbiacascade99s.org/store/p/2025-2026-winter-raffle* IFR6 - accelerated IFR training, Charleston SC: https://ifr6.com/* TOA - Torrance California: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KOTA* EP46 - Flying With Your Spouse: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep46-flying-with-your-spouse/id1591463789?i=1000632568750Visit midlifepilotpodcast.com for more content, merch, and our free Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot. Support the show and join our community at patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast - 10% of proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-trafficking efforts.

Aviation legend, educator, instructor, and author Dr. Paul Craig joins the gang to discuss the highly anticipated third edition of The Killing Zone - the book that's basically scripture for midlife pilots everywhere.With new publisher ASA, Paul's back with fresh data from 12,406 general aviation accidents proving that yes, the 50-350 hour zone still has significantly higher accident rates.We dive deep into his data-driven approach to accident analysis, explore how technology is creating pilot-induced distractions like GoPro fiddling and selfie-taking, and discover why mental health conversations have finally evolved beyond just "pilot stress." Paul explains how HIMS AMEs are changing the game for pilots needing help, and why scenario-based training beats practicing basketball fundamentals all day.Whether you're climbing Mount Stupid or think you've conquered it, Paul reminds us that every flight is different and deserves your full attention. Plus, hear his scariest moment involving recruiting football players, hydraulic failure, and emergency gear extension that sounded like the airplane was coming apart.Featuring abnormal contact with the ground, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving accident curse, and why Paul never tells ATC how an approach will terminate.Mentioned on the show:* ASA, The Killing Zone third edition: https://asa2fly.com/the-killing-zone-softcover/* Wingnuts Aviation, M91 Springfield Tenn: https://wingnutsaviation.net/* About ASA: https://asa2fly.com/about-us/* The Vegas Bravo Buster on VASAviation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUSUXnr4dSo* New York Times Presents 'Lie to Fly': https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/23/NYT-Presents/lie-to-fly-joseph-emerson-pilot.html* AOPA, Mike Busch, Quantifying Maintenance Risk: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/november/pilot/savvy-maintenance-opinion-quantifying-maintenance-risk* Scarpazza, Quantifying the Risk of Accidents and Serious Incidents Due to Maintenance in General Aviation: https://www.savvyaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Risks-of-maintenance-to-GA.pdf* Paul Craig, Flight Times: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685642306Visit www.midlifepilotpodcast.com to support the show, get merch, and download the free 23 page PDF "The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot".

EP164 - The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot - Part 3: Safety, Community & Your Aviation LegacyThe Ultimate Guide trilogy concludes with safety mindset, community support, and creating your aviation legacy. While Ben dodges Delta jets over Atlanta ("I pulled my throttle - first time I've ever had to slow down for a jet"), Brian demonstrates textbook emergency procedures after his engine starts shaking violently on takeoff: "I didn't pull all the power, I just started veering away from the runway... I was already landing the plane while I was troubleshooting."Guide Part 3 Focus:Risk management evolution from new pilot to 1000+ hoursPersonal minimums: your safety guardrails that evolve with experienceCommunity as lifeline - from check ride failures to celebrating milestonesAviation legacy: mentoring the next generation of midlife pilotsReal-World Lessons:"You don't rise to the level of the emergency, you sink to the level of your training" - Brian's calm emergency handling proves the pointZ Powell's wisdom: "It hurt to cancel, but it was correct" - weather minimums aren't suggestionsRisk management parallels your professional life - apply existing decision-making skillsCommunity Moments:Cory reports his first discovery flight: "Amazing and humbling at the same time"Boo Radley sharing family flying photos from AustraliaCheck ride support system that Ben wished he'd had during his discontinuanceCFI Sam Terrell's MOSAIC Correction: Student pilots can now solo under sport pilot privileges without a medical - major change that many schools haven't caught up to yet.Thaden Invasion Final Details: March 13-15, 2026 at VBT Bentonville! 30 spots, dedicated lounge space, live podcast Saturday.Review Corner: "Great content, just play it on 1.5 speed to get through all the uhs and ums" - Thanks for the backhanded compliment, Working170!Download your FREE 23-page Ultimate Guide at https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/"Welcome to aviation - you're gonna love it here."Mentioned on the show:* Peach State Aerodrome: https://www.peachstateaero.com/* CFI Sam, Northwest Aeronaut: https://www.youtube.com/@NorthwestAeronaut* Sam's On Centerline podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DSELWSqYqbvpbxD842lED* EP139, MOSAIC for All Pilots: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MnT5yGcWnN8vF90WwN8gt?si=z2xZpJQeQjeprdAHLSrA4g* XKCD 386: http://xkcd.com/386

EP163 - The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot - Part 2: From Dream to CheckridePart 2 of our Ultimate Guide tackles the training ecosystem from CFI selection to checkride reality. While Brian demonstrates "evasive maneuvers" on instrument approaches, the crew covers milestone moments and why your bank account will never forgive you.Key Training Insights:Find a CFI you can "poorly do things" with - you're the boss, they work for youFirst solo memory outlasts everything: "I remember mine like it was October 3rd, 1976""My checkride was the first test where I went in not knowing if I'd pass" - universal midlife truthFinancial reality: Training is just the beginning - you must maintain the pilot you've createdMilestone Moments:First solo: the spiritual thrill no other rating will matchSolo cross-country: when flying actually clicksCheckride: "Welcome, you have a license to learn"Alpha Juliet Bravo's Reality Check: Medical deferment story proves why getting your strategy right BEFORE training isn't optional.Coming Up: Part 3 covers life as a midlife pilot and creating your aviation legacy.Download your FREE 23-page Ultimate Guide at https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/Mentioned on the show:* "Tailwheel Ben Lehman", Drift Aviation: https://www.driftaviation.com/* I Like Killing Flies - Soup Nazi documentary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Like_Killing_Flies* Erica Gilbert- Aerosafe: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/aerosafe* Cap'nTodd's new Cessna 150: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jjLE4HmovgFind everything including how to support us on Patreon, merch, and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

The crew has just released their comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot - a 23-page PDF packed with community wisdom from hundreds of pilots who started flying at 40, 50, 60, and beyond. Download it FREE at midlifepilotpodcast.com!This is the first episode in a three-part series walking through this game-changing resource that answers the question every aspiring midlife pilot asks: "How do I actually get started?" No more scattered advice - this is your roadmap from dream to checkride.What's in the Guide:The mindset shifts required for learning to fly in midlifeCommunity-sourced insights from real midlife pilotsLegacy-focused motivation beyond just "learning to fly"Actionable first steps that won't derail your journeyThis Week's Key Insights:"The willingness to suck is a challenge" - embrace being terrible at something newBrian's liberating "nobody cares philosophy" - your bad landings aren't as noticed as you thinkWhy community isn't optional - it's the difference between success and washing outThe critical importance of getting your medical strategy right BEFORE you start trainingReality Check Moments:Why your 23-year-old instructor might seem confused by your existenceThe humbling experience of task saturation (what's 8x8 again?)How existential dread during training is normal and survivableWhy being bad at flying initially doesn't predict your ultimate successPro Tips from the Community:Contact AOPA FIRST before making any medical decisionsUnderstand sport vs. private pilot privileges before committingFind your tribe - isolation kills aviation dreamsThis journey is about legacy, not just transportationComing Up: Parts 2 and 3 will cover training realities, milestone moments, and advanced midlife pilot strategies. The Ultimate Guide represents two years of community wisdom distilled into one comprehensive resource. Whether you're thinking about starting or helping someone else begin their journey, this PDF eliminates the guesswork and provides a clear path forward.Download your FREE 23-page guide at https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/#guide"Midlife is a state of mind, not an age" - and this guide helps you navigate both.Mentioned on the show:* Thaden Invasion: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/thadeninvasion* PDF of the midlife starter kit is on the website, https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/* Million Air- BHM (cookies, wet bar): https://www.millionair.com/locations/bhm/* Rev2, student with task saturation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnQLuGPLHN4* SISKIND - Nobody Cares. My Creative Manifest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da4I2Y9v1Sk&t=1s* AOPA's medical resources (call them!): https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources* Killing Zone, third edition, now available: https://asa2fly.com/the-killing-zone/* Opposing Bases OB418: Ice Chunks and Slam Dunks

Join the gang as they toast to 2025's greatest hits: Ben earning the coveted "you are a badass MF" landing review from his wife, Brian discovering his Cherokee is indeed "the Toyota Camry of the skies" when loaded with three dudes and camera gear, and Ted conquering his first real Rockies crossings. Plus, the moment we've all been waiting for - The Thaden Invasion is officially happening March 13-15, 2026 in Bentonville, Arkansas!Expect the usual "personal responsibility themed gathering" where "we're all grownups, figure it out," brewery meetups are "a foregone conclusion," and someone will inevitably need a rescue mission. Brian's setting ambitious 2026 goals involving actual instrument training, Ben wants to fly "somebody else's airplane while not incurring the expenses" (relatable), and the crew reflects on why this community has become their "daily sustenance."Warning: Contains gratitude, aviation wisdom, and Ted admitting he "really needed to smoke" during the Tango 82 live show moment.Mentioned on the show:* Stranger Things (TV): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Things* George Carlin, Stuff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rhVQCzF3r0* Freedom Aviation Network: https://www.freedomaviationnetwork.org/* M54 - Lebanon Airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon_Municipal_Airport_(Tennessee)* Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (Albany, Georgia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Georgia_Regional_Airport* Benalla, Victoria, Australia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benalla* Kangaroo Island, Australia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_Island* Moontown Airport, Huntsville Ala: https://www.moontownairport.com/* RYY - Cobb County - Steakhouse: https://www.elevationatlanta.com/* Checkmate Aviation has a youtube channel now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GL6_2RZdZUJoin us on Patreon and support the show, give feedback, and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

Ben leads the crew through a heartfelt discussion on the power of aviation community, proving that even "internet pilot buddies who are somehow both extremely wise and definitely unsupervised" can create something meaningful together. While Brian emerges from his five-week "gateway drug situation" of nonstop testing (having "forgotten how to function as a normal human being"), the episode explores how pilot communities support each other through the challenges of midlife aviation.From anonymous confessionals about night landing requirements to the wisdom of "Fly what you want, log what you need," this episode showcases why the Midlife Pilot community has become "one of the great joys" for pilots navigating their aviation journeys. Ted chimes in from Portlandia while Ben reminds us that aviation community - whether in Discord, at fly-ins, or through podcast connections - provides the essential support network that keeps us all flying safely.Plus: Why we probably need "at least one service bulletin requiring post-podcast cranial inspections," and Ben's words of wisdom about truth vs. lies in our connected world.Mentioned on the show:* AGI: advanced ground instructor* IGI: instrument ground instructor* FOI: fundamentals on instruction* Thaden Invasion: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/thadeninvasion* Seth Lake on VBT-Thaden airspace: https://arflightsafety.com/VBT.htmlTo send feedback, support the show, get merch, and more, visit www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

Like George Costanza pulling a golf ball from a whale's blowhole, Ben emerges from a harrowing 3.5-hour IMC flight through icing conditions with quite the tale to tell. Our intrepid Atlanta pilot finds himself wondering "did I get away with one? This sparks a deep dive into normalization of deviance, expanding personal minimums, and whether Ben just wrote "the first line of his NTSB report."Brian continues his quest to become qualified to "give bad information for small amounts of money" as an instrument ground instructor, while Ted battles the "Mississippi River pointed at the Northwest" and installs stripped hex screws.The crew tackles thoughtful listener feedback about pre-flight anxiety and the existential dread of pursuing aviation as what outsiders might call "the Midlife Crisis Podcast." Plus, planning continues for "The Thaden Invasion" fly-in at KVBT - a very GA-friendly airport that's excited to host the podast and community... for now.Mentioned on the show:* Wikipedia - List of social generations: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation#List_of_social_generations* Beresford Research - Generations defined by name, birth year, and ages in 2025: https://www.beresfordresearch.com/age-range-by-generation/#:~:text=Generations%20defined%20by%20name%2C%20birth%20year%2C%20and%20ages%20in%202025* Side view of The Hollywodo Squares: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059995/mediaviewer/rm648494848/?ref_=tt_ov_i* The Finer Points on the Oscar pattern for IFR flying: https://www.learnthefinerpoints.com/articles/the-oscar-pattern* Checkmate Aviation IFR, Oscar pattern on back: https://www.checkmateaviation.com/products/checkmate-ifr* Oscar pattern graphic: https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/13hnvzo/oscar_pattern_graphic/* Flight Insight, the VOR Flower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm7XxyzZFh0* EP36 - CFI Jeff Ramsey, Frequency Change Aviation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgaNuf5gCCo* Seinfeld, "The Sea Was Angry That Day My Friends": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a3TZC69tSg* Psych Safety - The Challenger Disaster: Normalisation of Deviance: https://psychsafety.com/normalisation-of-deviance/* Blancolirio on the N2345R Montana fatal icing encounter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkSM531bYzs* Ben's video, "Pushing the Envelope" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9cvl1LJV1Y* Big Bird was nearly on the Challenger: https://www.history.com/articles/big-bird-challenger-disaster-nasa-sesame-street* Performance Pilot by Ross Bentley and Phil Wilkes : https://bookshop.org/p/books/performance-pilot-skills-techniques-and-strategies-to-maximize-your-flying-performance-phil-wilkes/1d2cd7f443b0d5ca* The Calm Cockpit podcast: https://calmcockpit.com/* Tammy Barlette's Crosscheck mental performance training course: https://www.crosscheckmentalperformance.com/* Crosscheck training course and group: https://www.skool.com/crosscheck/about?ref=f15fa026369c49dfaf275891f87f1f26Join us on Patreon, get event info, merch, and more:www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

1DullGeek casually announces he's signed a contract for a Czech-built TL Sparker and will spend a month in Prague building it – because apparently "24 cubic feet of cargo space" (more than his compact SUV!) justifies international aircraft construction. The only minor detail? He has absolutely nowhere to hangar this composite beauty that "costs more than his house." Cue the deep dive into "Hangar Hell" – where waiting lists stretch to 2038, car detailing businesses occupy hangars, and Mark realizes he's been "a wholesale menace in every capacity to an airport." Meanwhile, Brian's gone full on into written tests, knocking out instrument ground instructor and fundamentals of instruction in two weeks because "the sponginess of my brain is kind of working at the moment." Plus: heated seats, cup holders, and the eternal question of whether N633K (a.k.a. "N-GEEK") will ever see the inside of an actual hangar.Upcoming Event:The Thaden Invasion Fly-In - March 13-15, 2026, Bentonville, Arkansas (VBT)RSVP at midlifepilotpodcast.com - "If half the RSVPs show up, we're gonna have a real good time. If more than half show up, it'll be a disaster."Support the Show:Patreon Community Merch Store Website: midlifepilotpodcast.comMentioned on the show:* Mark's new plane, TL Sparker: https://tlsportaircraft.com/sparker/* Risen Aircraft: https://www.flyrisen.com/* Roy "Deacon" Qualls, Pilot's Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro: https://amazon.com/dp/B0FY26ZJJM* CGI, Cape Girardeau Regional Airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Girardeau_Regional_Airport* Garmin GNC355: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/689774/

The spotted cow tradition lives on as the crew discusses building instrument flows (Wendy's "source-morse-course" wisdom), why updating flows is harder than you think (law of primacy), and the great EFB pricing debate (Sky Demon €120 vs ForeFlight $370+ in Europe). Plus: celebrating no-go decisions as bigger accomplishments than completing flights, Ted's minimalist wedding where the Uber driver waited outside, and why being in aviation has made Ted realize there's a countable number of summers left in his life—a perspective his 18-year-old brain never understood.In this episode:"Source-Morse-Course" - Wendy's instrument flow (identify source, check morse code, set course)"I need more flow, not more to-do lists" - Brian's IFR strugglesLaw of primacy: How hard is it to update flows once you've learned them?Ben's multi flow stuck in his head: "Mixtures forward, props forward, throttles forward, identify, feather, verify"Building the helmet fire muscle through repeated exposureSky Demon €120 vs ForeFlight $370+ in Germany (3 more hours of flying time difference)Richard Yankee88: Flew to New Orleans, drove to Texas instead of flying - "That's a bigger accomplishment"Doug F: "I loved my private checkride. Someone wanted to ask me aviation questions!""Maybe I'm overthinking this" - The most midlife phrase in DiscordGreat moments:Ted's minimalist wedding: "The Uber driver was waiting. That's how long my ceremony took" (5 people total)"We have a 50% success rate for anything we talk about" / "We're like a broken clock—right twice a day"Notice of Disapproval pads: New merch idea Garmin sponsorship dreams: "Everybody has a price" / "Refurb 430s for everybody!"Alternative sponsors: "Icy Hot? That's more realistic"Thaden Invasion: March 13-15, 2026 at VBT, Bentonville, Arkansas - RSVP at midlifepilotpodcast.com (parking limited!)Mentioned on the Show:EP114 with Checkmate BarryCheckMate IFR ChecklistGarmin PilotNew Glarus Spotted Cow Beerblancolirio on the N2345R PA-23 Montana icing crashASN entry on the crashSupport the Show:Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - Discord access & checkride debriefsMidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch & Thaden Invasion RSVPyoutube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast - Live Mondays 8PM ET10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking effortsClosing wisdom: "A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures."

Checkride prep reality check with CFII Erica Gilbert! Brian passes his instrument written ("a solid grilled cheese sandwich with slightly better ingredients than Kraft singles"), Ben confesses his multi-engine notice of disapproval after chasing the CDI below the glide slope—then passed two days later—and Erica reveals her 100% initial pass rate secrets: mock orals should be 3-4 hours of pain, Day One starts with defining PIC, and exact FAA phraseology matters on every rating. Plus: 1DullGeek's Thanksgiving rant about flying with friends (the fuel leak meow incident at Clarksburg), why "what are the next two things?" might save your check ride, and the hard truth about midlife pilots—you've forgotten how to study and haven't done anything you suck at in a long time. It's a marathon, not a sprint.Audio note: Technical difficulties with our guest's audio—it's listenable but not perfect!Erica Gilbert's check ride prep secrets:Day one: Lay out ACS, FAR/AIM—"Shocking how many students had never seen the ACS""Anyone going through training needs to be their own best advocate"Find an instructor who uses a syllabus and transitions canceled flights into ground lessonsStage checks with senior CFIs at solo, solo cross-country, and pre-check rideMock oral should be 3-4 hours (your actual oral will be 1.5 hours if you know your stuff)"You'd rather spend the money with an instructor than an evaluator"Practice active recall with exact FAA phraseology out loudPIC authority starts lesson one: "Make the plane do what you want it to do"In midlife: "You've forgotten how to study and haven't done anything you suck at in a long time"The marathon mindset: "Will we stop for lunch? Take a breather if your adrenaline can handle it"Mentioned on the Show:* Erica Gilbert, Aerosafe: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/aerosafe* Erica Gilbert, IFR course: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr* Midlife Pilot Podcast- Thaden Invasion 2026: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/thadeninvasion* Keith O'Brien, Fly Girls (includes Louis Thaden): https://bookshop.org/p/books/fly-girls-how-five-daring-women-defied-all-odds-and-made-aviation-history-keith-o-brien/8152b66cad2a720c?ean=9781328592798* Seth Lake's VBT overview: https://arflightsafety.com/VBT.html* Avoiding brianrot (New York Times): https://www.soundsclassic.com/receivers.html* Sandel displays: https://www.pacificcoastavionics.com/collections/sandel* Old Marantz stereos: https://www.soundsclassic.com/receivers.html* Rear projection TVs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rear-projection_television* Private Pilot ACS (PDF): https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/private_airplane_acs_6.pdfSupport the Show:Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - Discord access, exclusive content, and check ride debriefs!MidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch, Thaden Invasion RSVP, feedbackHappy Thanksgiving from the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew. We're thankful for every single one of you who listens, supports, and shares this journey with us.🎯 THE THADEN INVASION: March 13-15, 2026 | VBT | Bentonville, Arkansas

Pattern predicament! Discord member Dom shares audio and flysto.net data from a close call at an untowered airport—100 feet of separation, spotty ADS-B, garbled radio calls, and the eternal question: turn right to avoid or stay predictable in the pattern? The non-CFI crew looks at 14 CFR 91.113, Wild West untowered airports, and why sometimes you just need to GTFO. Plus: Thaden Invasion updates, icing on the vegetables origin story, and why "show your belly" might not be the best advice.Mentioned on the Show:Episode 44 with Bryan of Just Plane Silly - Icing on the vegetables originFlysto.net - Track log visualization and analysis (FREE!)Flying the Overhead Break - AOPA technique14 CFR 91.113 - Right-of-way rulesBWG - Bowling Green-Warren County Airport, Kentucky - Brian's pattern work airportM54 - Lebanon Municipal Airport, Tennessee - "Wild West" untowered fieldGCC - Gillette-Campbell County Airport, Wyoming - Steve Schofield's home baseSupport the Show:Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - Discord access & exclusive contentSpecial thanks to our 5 longest supporters!: 1DullGeek, Biff B, Chris C, Josh M, and Aero Grizzly!MidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch, feedback, Thaden Invasion RSVPLeave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts!youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast - Live Mondays 8PM ET10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking effortsClosing wisdom: "Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it."Send us your pattern predicaments, close calls, or confessions to midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com - we'll keep you anonymous if you want!🎯 THE THADEN INVASION: March 13-15, 2026 | VBT | Bentonville, Arkansas

Airplane down! Not a crash—just 65 days and counting of repair purgatory. Special guest 1DullGeek (Mark) joins to talk about what happens when your plane is out of service for months, Keith C's emotional feedback about avoiding aviation altogether, and the reality of airplane ownership. Plus: Brian's IFR long cross-country with C-130s and blown approaches, Ben's icing adventure to Cincinnati, and the Cherokee 235 that "totally spoiled" Mark's wife. The Thaden Invasion details keep rolling in!Mentioned on the Show:VBT - Thaden Field - March 2026 fly-in locationGaston's White River Resort - Arkansas fly-in fishing destinationLUK - Lunken Airport - CincinnatiFort Campbell - Brian's airport hopping areaPAH - Barkley Regional Airport - Paducah, KYIPJ - Lincoln County Airport - North Carolina (Mark's home base)VUJ - Stanly County Airport - Where Mark's plane was in annualJosh's Sling TSI Build Playlist - Aviation 101Midwest Panel Builders YouTube - Avionics videosSupport the Show:Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - 1DullGeek & Son checkride debrief NOW AVAILABLE!MidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch, feedback, RSVP for Thaden InvasionLeave us a 5-star review and get a sticker!youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast - Live Mondays 8PM ET10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking effortsNew Patreon Members: Rich H and James S at the Hershey Bar level - Welcome!Closing wisdom: "Sometimes it's best to remain silent and look stupid, rather than opening your mouth and removing all doubt." - DrewSpecial thanks to Keith C for the honest feedback about stepping away and coming back. We're not taking attendance—this community is here when you need it.🎯 THE THADEN INVASION: March 13-15, 2026 | VBT | Bentonville, Arkansas