Midlife Pilot Podcast

I’m 45 and finally decided to follow my dreams of flying. Like any good midlifer I don’t do anything without planning, so I’m preparing to do flight school next year. I’m learning all I can and plan to take the written before I start flying. I was in Civil Air Patrol and a teen and had the bug ever since. I came across your podcast in January during my search for knowledge and loved it so much I decided to start from the beginning. I’m currently on episode 85 and am really enjoying getting to know you guys, and the welcoming community that awaits me. My first concrete was taken yesterday with my Class III medical which I stressed about but went great. This feels long winded, but it’s my first. This is a must listen for any GA pilot.

As they often say the struggle is real for us older pilots! the podcast has created a space that shares the struggles we face as midlife pilots. It definitely helped me through achieving my certificates and being patient throughout the process. This is a MUST listen podcast, even if you are not flying, there are some good dad jokes and references to the 80’s that bring back memories! Thanks Ben Brian and Ted!

I have been listening and watching since OG Chris started documenting his flying journey. In 2020 at the age of 52, I restarted, for the 4th time, my private pilot training. At the time I was thinking that I might be crazy however after finding Chris’s YouTube channel, it confirmed that I most certainly was….but I wasn’t alone. Brian and Chris really spoke to challenges of learning to fly in midlife and from that point on I’ve been hooked. After adding Ben and Ted, the podcast grew into a unique, aviation community. (I see that now that I have figured out what Discord is!). Even though the hosts constantly remind us that they are not CFIs, don’t let that fool you as to the intellectual value of the podcast. They deliver valuable information, thoughtful insights and technical interpretations of FAA documents. (thanks Ted). I now know Mosaic doesn’t just mean multi colored artwork. There is something for everyone in this podcast. Great topics and guests all delivered with midlife style (is that an oxymoron?) and lots of humor. Thanks for the weekly entertainment. Keep up the great work! It’s now time for me to go and prepare for my next instrument lesson and the “helmet fire” that will surely ensue! Jeff L. (5ft20)

I stumbled upon this podcast a couple years ago. I’m an avid podcast listener, especially the aviation ones. I saw the title and thought it was perfect. I’m midlife or thought I was. You know when you’re 18 and you think 35 is old? I figured this would be great. I’d find a community going through the same problems as me. I quickly realized you guys were a bit further down the road than me. But I kept coming back. I may not be in the same stage of life right now, but it sounds like most of you have been where I’m at and come out great on the other side. I’m currently in the trenches with a two-year-old toddler and a second one on the way in June. It feels like I barely get a minute to myself anymore, let alone fly. I got my instrument rating in February 2025 and I’m already not current. I’ve owned a 182 for a couple years and finally found a partner, a mid-lifer, go figure. I haven’t flown in a couple months, and like you guys talk about, it’s really easy to find excuses not to go, especially with a little one and a wife at home. Anyway, I really enjoy your perspective on flying, the weight of flying with loved ones, and your passion for sharing aviation. Maybe someday I’ll make a fly-in if the wife doesn’t kill me first.