Midlife Pilot Podcast

The Midlife Pilot Podcast hosts the Big Texas Send fly in at T82 in Fredericksburg, TX and  lands with a thud (but "didn't dent the runway") at the gorgeous TAC Aero hangar. Ben, Brian, and Ted swap harrowing journey tales involving everything from Brian's "measured scud running" to Ted mysteriously ascending to 15,000 feet in a light sport ("Try a German-engineered plane built in Ukraine!"). While celebrating their adrenaline-junkie passenger Hope flying with Ted and  losing a bird-strike battle with Ted's wheel pants ("Suicidal Sparrow would be a good band name"), the crew raises their glasses to those who made th...

The Midlife Pilot crew prepares for their "Big Texas Send" fly-in at T82 while navigating spring weather challenges. Brian celebrates returning to flying after a 42-day maintenance hiatus, sharing stories of tower tours and smoke-signaling air tractors. Ted plans his epic 1800-mile cross-country journey in his LSA, which Brian dubs "Oregon Trail without dysentery," while guest weather expert and CFII Erica Gilbert offers forecasting wisdom. The show celebrates both those making the journey and those making smart no-go decisions. As all the best GA adventures play out, "This is not going as planned, and it's awesome."

Mentioned...

When your CFI asks for your name and you respond with "standby" – you're experiencing what pilots call a helmet fire. In this episode, Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into the phenomenon of task saturation that affects pilots at every level, from Ben's instrument approach adventures where he made what sounded like "Charlie Brown's teacher" over the radio, to Ted's coastal flight where turning back was the smartest option.

The crew shares practical strategies for extinguishing these cognitive infernos: slowing down both mentally and physically, asking for delay vectors, and constantly thinking ahead by asking "what are the ne...

Join the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew as they tackle the surprisingly complex world of airport parking that flight schools never teach you. Between Brian's maintenance woes with Lucy, Ted's triumphant return of "the egg" from annual, and preparations for their upcoming Texas fly-in, the hosts share hilarious stories about confusing marshaling signals ("like dance move diagrams"), territorial tie-down spots, and why you should always keep "brakes off." As Ben perfectly summarizes: "The moment I get cocky and say I can fit in that spot... it's just a matter of time before I mess up." From diaper oil-change hacks to...

In this episode, Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into the challenges of finding and maintaining hangar space, or not having one. From ratchet straps (BAD) and tornado warnings (ALSO BAD) to the joys of electricity and the sorrows of cold starts, the guys discuss how far they'd travel for a good hangar and why sometimes your plane becomes 'an outdoor pet.' Plus, updates on Ben's annual maintenance adventures and a reminder about the upcoming Big Texas Send meetup at T82.

Mentioned on the show:

* Big Texas Send: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/rsvpt82

* VPC...

Join us for special guest Erica Gilbert, a CFII and TBM pilot who brings her expertise on cross-country planning and adult learning to the show. While Ben mourns his grounded "Beast" waiting on engine work, and Mark celebrates his impressive 693-nautical-mile nonstop flight in his upgraded Cherokee 235, Erica shares her refreshing approach to flight planning: "I plan my stops around food." The discussion reveals how midlife pilots bring unique strengths to aviation training—they're more motivated, committed, and arrive prepared despite memory challenges that come with age.

Erica breaks down her framework for learning complex aircraft systems in...

Join Ben, Brian, and Ted for hangar talk about the joys (and pains) of annual inspections in this episode of the Midlife Pilot Podcast. The guys commiserate over their planes being simultaneously grounded, with Ben's Beast down to five cylinders and showing remarkable "patience" (or is it numbness?). Brian dishes on his new book of aviation essays "Make Small Corrections," while Ted smugly reminds everyone his oil-free belly never needs scrubbing. The fellas debate what aircraft they'd come back as in the next life, swap formation flying stories, and remind everyone about the upcoming Texas meetup. Pull up a...

For this very special episode we welcome Paul Craig, author of "The Killing Zone," "Be a Better Pilot," and numerous other aviation books including his memoir "Flight Times: Stories from the Second Best Instructor." In this episode, we explore how aviation has evolved since Paul's last book edition, from the rise of electronic flight bags to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving being statistically the most dangerous flying day. As Paul notes about his writing approach, "I just sit down at the computer and have a conversation with the keyboard. It's just you and me talking on a Saturday afternoon at...

Join Ben, Ted, and special guest Mark (aka 1DullGeek) as they talk Flysto, the flight-tracking app that brutally reveals they're better and worse pilots than they thought. Geek out over landing scores, wind data, and traffic playback that "takes the emotional component out of the debrief" – perfect for analyzing that crosswind landing you swore was perfect (spoiler: it wasn't).

Come for the flight data analysis, stay for Ben's parting wisdom: "Light travels faster than sound, which is why some people appear bright until they speak."

(Special thanks to Mark for filling in fo...

"Freedom to go broke." The guys dive deep into the bittersweet reality of aircraft ownership—from the freedom it provides to the unique challenges it presents. Brian compares airplane ownership to marriage, Ted discusses his aversion to suction cups, and Ben reveals he's "fully funded on my pro rata share" of an eventual engine overhaul. They discuss the importance of finding a trusted mechanic, the joy of spontaneous lunch flights, and why "squawk and walk" is something renters do, not owners. As Brian puts it, "I'm a visitor in this socioeconomic space," but the rewards are worth the challenges.

"If you're tired of doing your yoga classes every morning, just buy a low wing." In this episode, the crew kicks off a playful aviation civil war, pitting high-wing and low-wing aircraft against each other. Ben, Brian, and Ted debate the merits of each design, from the hanging sensation of high wings to the "sportiness" of low wings. Plus, updates on the Big Texas Send meetup, memories of a fallen aviation friend, and Ted's philosophical reflection on how "there's a countable number of summers" to fly.

Mentioned on the show:

* TAC Aero...

Ben shares his unconventional left base entry at Daniel Field, admitting "Rusty is not the right word. Lazy, I think is the right word." This sparks a spirited debate as Brian responds " I'm coming in hot in the other direction here!" Meanwhile, Ted confesses "I just forget how to land" and explains why being "the only VFR pilot out" is "usually not a good sign."

The crew discusses proper pattern procedures versus local customs, with Ben defending his approach because "it didn't feel right to me" while Brian insists on "flying the prescribed entries for patterns, period...

From dodging Atlanta traffic to landing sweet courtesy car upgrades (hello, BHM Millionair FBO's Mercedes), Ben breaks down how flying personal aircraft can transform business travel. While Ted needs "a grandmother in every town" thanks to sport pilot restrictions, and Brian ponders partnership puzzles, Ben proves that sometimes the best business tool is a Cessna. "I would pay $200 to be in a time machine any day of the week," he notes, though maybe skip the time machine demos with clients - one passenger's "dashboard painting" experience suggests some business meetings are better kept on terra firma. Join the crew...

In this episode, a perfectionist's quest for the perfect checklist leads to an unexpected business acquisition. Barry explains how his journey from "maybe I should get my pilot certificate" turned into owning Checkmate Aviation after his DIY checklist started peeling apart.

Between Ben's tales of impressing passengers with instrument approaches and Brian's near-purchase of a globe-trotting Swift, the crew dives into the art of flows versus checklists, and joke about creating a "midlife version" with extra-large text.

Barry M, who owns Checkmate Aviation, talked about checklists and flows: https://checkmateaviation.com/

Come for the "sleep-deprived Ballyhoo," stay for the "bowling ball collectors who fly Cherokee 235s." In this episode, the crew reveals their "Ultimate Official Airplane of..." Guide where your aircraft choice might expose you as someone who "lectures about stick and rudder at parties" or "plans flights around Whole Foods locations." Plus, tales of an overenthusiastic ATC requesting a "60-mile left downwind," and why raising a puppy is just like raising a child, except "you only have to feed the dog twice a day." Featuring special guest appearances by a green-primered 737 and Ted's dirty belly (on his plane, that...

When a master CFII/ATP trades right rudder lessons for a seat in an Air Force T-38 Talon, you know it's going to be good. Nathan Ballard expected a polite tour of Sheppard Air Force Base but instead found himself pulling 6Gs during actual bomb runs at 375 knots. While he's up there burning through 4,000 pounds of fuel faster than Ted burns in a year flying his "egg," the Air Force instructor is casually critiquing bombing accuracy like he's discussing the weather. "I thought this was going to be a press visit, but they said 'we're not going to just...

"Well honey, the engine's about to stop running..." is NOT a conversation you want to have at 5,000 feet. In this episode full of real-talk about fuel management, our midlife pilots share their close calls and lessons learned. From Ben's accidental "skywriting" performance (thanks to one loose screw) to his sweaty-palms moments watching those notoriously unreliable Cessna fuel gauges, the crew digs into why "it's always fuel" became their go-to accident theory. As the old aviation wisdom goes: there's only one time you can have too much fuel - when you're on fire!

Mentioned on...

Join us for a special Appy Hour episode! We talk aviation apps and tools we love, and some we even know how to use. From the "suspiciously good and free" flight analysis tools that'll keep you up until 4 AM, to website tools that look straight out of the "Angel Fire website" era (rotating fire GIFs not included), we're diving into the digital tools that keep us flying.

Learn why calling that old-school weather briefing number might connect you with someone doing their best late-night talk show host impression, and why Ben calls ATC radio "soothing" when there's...

Join the crew as they announce their epic 2025 fly-in at the retro-cool Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas! Between planning cross-country routes and debating who gets "shotgun" in Erica's TBM, the hosts share hilarious stories and valuable pilot wisdom. Featuring gems like "I can't tell if I'm being insulted or not" and "What if we just keep flying around until Oshkosh?" Plus, 1DullGeek bravely shares his tale of wing-meets-pole. From ceramic-coated planes to accidental aircraft relocations, Episode 109 serves up aviation camaraderie with a side of Texas-sized ambition. See you in May! RSVP!

Mentioned on the show:

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Ever pushed the wrong button while talking to ATC? Landed on the wrong runway but nailed the landing? Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they confess their most memorable aviation oopsies and why they still stare at the ceiling some nights thinking about them. From "Roger, I have the weather" moments to getting an earful from ground control, discover why midlife pilots might take their mistakes a bit too seriously. As one host admits, they only mess up when doing things – which is apparently quite often! Tune in for an honest, humorous look at how even the most cringe-worthy mo...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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/

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/

...

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.

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...

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-e2b1...

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 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...

Why is having aviation mentors so important? We tell tales of mentors saving the day, how to be mentored, and the importance of never missing an opportunity to shut up.

Listeners Bruce and Neil give feedback about last week's discussion of flying in heat.

Mentioned on the show:

* Cape Girardeau airport, Missouri: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CGI

* Seguin Texas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seguin,_Texas

* Robinson R22: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robinson_R22

* Becki and Chris flying their...

How does flying in the heat affect you? Do you know when to say when? We talk about the trials of flying in summer heat, things we think about to keep safe, Ben's ride in an L39, and more!

Mentioned on the show:

- Larry Lee flying his L39 (this is who flew Ben): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46BWO26mNpE

- FlightChops, flying aerobatics with his daughter for the first time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OApcRojO0Oc

- Brian Shul's SR71 speed check story...