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

We unpack:

1. The money pit: Saving for flight training (spoiler: it's more than you think)


2. Brain training: Why rote memorization won't fly


3. CFI shopping: Finding an instructor who's more than a time-builder


4. Imposter syndrome: Feeling small next to a Global 6000 (we've all been there)


5. ATC etiquette: They're not the enemy, promise!


6. Post-PPL adventures: Why "fly, fly, fly" is the best advice


7. Learning from the veterans: Because some pilots have more than just gray hair


8. The instrument training rollercoaster: Prepare for mind games


9. Back to basics: Why steep turns are still your friends


10. Personal minimums: The art of honest self-assessment

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

Plus, exciting news about our upcoming 100th episode extravaganza. The 100th episode will be recorded live! Near 4G7, West Virginia, on October 28 2024.

Will there be pepperoni rolls? Bourbon? Keg stands? Tune in to find out! (Spoiler: We'll probably be in bed by 11.)

Don't forget to check out midlifepilotpodcast.com for all our links, including our Patreon and merch store. Your support keeps us airborne and makes episodes like this possible!

* Brian's first Marfa Texas trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVrQ0tzicC8
* Flying in Big Bend Texas: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/march/pilot/destinations-big-bend-texas
* Greenville airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenville%E2%80%93Spartanburg_International_Airport
* Habersham airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habersham_County_Airport
* John Tune became towered in 2021: https://flynashville.com/news/air-traffic-control-tower-opens-at-john-c-tune-airport
* Opposing Bases: https://www.opposingbases.com/
* EP89 - Aviation Mentors: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/episode/e2ndab5
* 1dullgeek, still doing checkride prep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsb6YPyWCQk
* EP57 - Personal minimums: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP57---Personal-minimums--Spruce-Goose--and-Ben-does-Portlandia-e2e6urf
* Pepperoni rolls: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepperoni_roll