Midlife Pilot Podcast

Midlife Pilot Podcast
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Midlife Pilot Podcast Podcast

The Midlife Pilot Podcast is your weekly dose of aviation inspiration, especially if you've caught the flying bug a bit later in life. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Ben, Brian, and Ted, this show isn't about boring lectures or dry instruction manuals. Nope, it's all about sharing real stories, personal insights, and the pure joy of spreading your wings in midlife. Every week, these guys dive into topics like: The ups and downs of learning to fly (pun intended!) How becoming a pilot changes you (spoiler: it's awesome) The thrill of exploring new destinations from the air

  1. 14 HR AGO

    EP94 - Beyond the $100 Hamburger, no fence jumping

    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

    58 min

  2. 18 SEPT

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

    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

    1h 2m

  3. 10 SEPT

    EP92 - Short memories and embracing the suck

    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/

    46 min

  4. 3 SEPT

    EP91 - From Impostor to Aviator: 10 Tips for New Pilots

    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

    59 min

  5. 27 AUG

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

    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

    1h 3m

  6. 20 AUG

    EP89 - Aviation Mentors, the freshmakers of pilots

    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 R44 across the USA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f05KoULTdfY * Facebook: Student Pilots Over 50: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4762601340449954 * Cairo Missouri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo,_Missouri * Cairo Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo,_Georgia * National car rental Emerald Club FBO program: https://legacy.nationalcar.com/en_US/car-rental/business-programs/general-aviation.html * TVI airport, both runways closed: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TVI * Tifton Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tifton,_Georgia * Ocracoke trip, Ben got the nickname 'Sage': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP9b2EbNko4 * Master ('Sensei') CFI Nathan Ballard: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying * Stick and Rudder book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/stick-and-rudder-an-explanation-of-the-art-of-flying-wolfgang-langewiesche/8077844 * 1dullgeek, #dammit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXIOV4Wv_uM * Lloyd Dobler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEgu7jdc_fs#t=28s * Easy Flight, Flight Instructor vs Coach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLNZj-4YRBw

    59 min

  7. 13 AUG

    EP88 - The Heat is On

    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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AyHH9G9et0 - Brian Siskind, NOBODY CARES, gravel parking lot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAjPnyxtrSM - Sling USA's TSi air conditioning system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRsb1-o4wGA#t=5m48s - Evan Brunye's Sling TSi air conditioning system: https://www.kitplanes.com/air-conditioning-now-available-for-sling-tsi/ - Adam R's J3 Cub videos in Florida: https://www.youtube.com/@AdamRichArt/videos - IcyBreeze air conditioning cooler: https://www.icybreeze.com/ - Nathan Ballard is now a Master CFI! https://nafi.memberclicks.net/assets/Master/BALLARD%20MCFI%20PR.pdf - Nathan Ballard- protecting your health, including sunscreen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvnamts-aC0 - Safer Flying with Nathan Ballard patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nathanballardsaferflying/about - Erica/Aerosafe's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AeroSafe - Flight Insight "Can you take off from Death Valley?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X2RD14HRa0 - Boldmethod "Does Departing In The Morning With Lower Density Altitude Really Help?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N49MmxX4ibA

    55 min

  8. 6 AUG

    EP87 - Owning bad weather routing with ATC and AJ

    Friend of the show AJ joins the podcast to recap a masterful flight that Ben and 1dullgeek took with careful routing through thunderstorms. AJ's work with controllers was instructive for Ben. AJ also joined the Chock Club with Ben. Mentioned on the show: * BUKHD3 arrival: https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2407/00469BUKHD.PDF * Eagleville Soaring club: https://eaglevillesoaring.org/ * Mishpachah: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mishpachah * T82 - Fredericksburg Texas: https://www.airnav.com/airport/T82 * 20V - Kremmling Colorado: https://www.airnav.com/airport/20V * Nathan Ballard CFIIIII patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nathanballardsaferflying/about

    52 min
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About

The Midlife Pilot Podcast is your weekly dose of aviation inspiration, especially if you've caught the flying bug a bit later in life. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Ben, Brian, and Ted, this show isn't about boring lectures or dry instruction manuals. Nope, it's all about sharing real stories, personal insights, and the pure joy of spreading your wings in midlife. Every week, these guys dive into topics like: The ups and downs of learning to fly (pun intended!) How becoming a pilot changes you (spoiler: it's awesome) The thrill of exploring new destinations from the air

Information

  • Creator
    Midlife Pilot Podcast
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Midlife Pilot Podcast
  • Show Website
    Midlife Pilot Podcast

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