Midlife Pilot Podcast

Join the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew as they return from their epic Texas fly-in adventure with tales of triumph, near-misses, and one unfortunate set of wheel pants. Ted recounts his 28.3-hour post-fly-in journey that somehow went east instead of west ("Look, you can only chase tailwinds for so long"), while Brian shares his VFR limits revelation ("I have now taken VFR flying as far as one can take it"). Ben confesses to "two bounces and a skip" on one of his worst landings in recent memory, and the guys discuss the wisdom of testing boundaries safely: "Go up and have a look, but be fully prepared to land again." Featuring an impossibly flowery listener message that has Brian nearly falling out of his chair, frequent tangents, and what the hosts themselves describe as "an episode that is apparently all appetizers."

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 the toughest decision of all—not flying. As Brian says about the fly-in pressure, "We never actually have to fly anywhere, ever...except for this Sunday because we don't have hotels anymore." Between "advanced VFR flying" (which apparently means "leave the day before") and zip-tie engineering miracles, episode 127 captures why aviation friendships are "like meeting family for the first time, except you like them." Locations Mentioned: TAC Aero - Tail wheel training academy at T82 in Fredericksburg, TX ("This is heaven, this is Tail Wheel Academy") Hangar Hotel - Aviation-themed hotel at T82 Fredericksburg Brewery - Meetup location for the group Cooper's Barbecue - Lunch spot in Llano Lockhart BBQ - Another BBQ destination visited by attendees Aviation Resources: Checkmate Aviation - Custom checklists offered by Barry (including the upside-down emergency checklist) Freedom Aviation Network - Anti-human trafficking organization supported by the podcast Thanks To: Chris and the TAC Aero team Hope from the Hangar Hotel (the adrenaline junkie who survived Ted's wheel pants departure) Erica Gilbert for her weather briefings Richard (Yankee 88) for his safe no-go decision ("congratulations on not flying here") Mike (Alpha Golf) for his safe no-go decision Louis for his safe aircraft choice (opting for A/C over his shiny new Carbon Cub) Get Connected: Midlife Pilot Podcast Patreon - Join for $1/month or $12/year ("Friends with Benefits program") Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com Website: midlifepilotpodcast.com Live on YouTube Mondays at 8PM Eastern (or "sometimes in Texas at weird times") Words of Wisdom: "Real pilots use the rudder. Tail wheel pilots worship it."

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 on the show: * CMD - Cullman Airport, Alabama: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KCMD * Trent Palmer's smoke system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ4ZDpx2ysM * Manifest, 2018 TV series: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifest_(TV_series)

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 next two things?" They discuss how flying with other pilots can increase pressure, why preparation is critical, and how everyone from students to seasoned pilots can recover when they fall behind the airplane. Plus, updates on the upcoming T82 fly-in (80 attendees, 39 aircraft!), community milestone celebrations, and a reminder that, as Wendell Geek says, "helmet fires are like exercise – they suck in the moment, but in the long run they make you stronger."Mentioned on the show: * VLD - Valdosta Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valdosta_Regional_Airport * The Underbelly Project: https://viralart.vandalog.com/read/chapter/the-underbelly-project/ * The Towering Inferno: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Towering_Inferno * M02 - Dickson County Airport, Tenn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M02 * the Dixie Dregs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie_Dregs * L.P. Hartley, The Go-Between, "The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there": https://rylandscollections.com/2015/09/19/the-past-is-a-foreign-country-l-p-hartleys-the-go-between/

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 avoiding insurance adjusters' scrutiny, this episode proves that even the most mundane aspects of aviation can leave you both wiser and broke for a lifetime. Mentioned on the show: * Using a diaper for oil changes: https://vansairforce.net/threads/tip-changing-oil-with-a-diaper.123286/ * DNL - Daniel Field, Augusta, Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Field * 4S2 - Ken Jernstedt Airfield, Hood River, Oregon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Jernstedt_Airfield * 1L8 - Gen. Dick Stout Field, Hurricane, Utah: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Municipal_Airport

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 - Cartersville Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/VPC * Tyler S's personal minimums tool: https://personal-minimums.web.app/ * Example of Tyler's minimums: https://personal-minimums.web.app/profile/8DgOuxvxgxdfiZRpW2W8BMGUJO32 * SISKIND - Life is what happens to you... (the plane that flipped): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EejbxBWsfo * Gust front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outflow_boundary * Wind gradient: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_gradient * Ted's ShockStrap tiedowns: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/shock13-20708.php * Switcheon remote power switch: https://switcheon.com/product/switcheon_remote_power_switch/ * Zen and the art of Knolling: https://makezine.com/article/workshop/zen-and-the-art-of-knolling/

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 into four simple parts (function, components, limitations/failures, and operation), offers weather briefing insights, and introduces her new IFR course designed to bridge the gap between online learning and practical application. The episode delivers aviation wisdom for pilots of all levels while tackling the question of how to maintain confidence as a newly certificated pilot. Mentioned on the show: * Diamond DA40NG: https://www.diamondaircraft.com/en/private-owners/aircraft/da40/overview/ * Erica's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe/videos * One of Erica's weather vids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BFXShZFVGs * LEX Lexington Ky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LEX * LOZ London Ky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LOZ * Capitol Drive airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/02C * UES Waukesha County Airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/WAU * ERAU paper- Student Engagement in Aviation Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): https://commons.erau.edu/publication/2285/ * Beech Baron 55: https://www.aviationconsumer.com/used-aircraft-guide/beech-baron-55-2/ * Erica's IFR ground school begins Apr 15: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr * Mark practicing PPL maneuvers after having his PPL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsb6YPyWCQk

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 chair in the hangar and settle in for another episode that'll make you feel right at home in the best pilot community around. Mentioned on the show: * Ernest Goes To Jail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Goes_to_Jail * The Green Mile: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Green_Mile_(film) * Nashville prison: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_State_Prison * Paul Craig episode 120: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP120---Descending-from-Mount-Stupid-with-Paul-Craig-e30b2sb * Cessna 195: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_195 * Stinson v77: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_Reliant * Lockheed AC130: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_AC-130 * Continental IO520: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_IO-520 * Georgia Tech Wreck Racing: https://wreckracing.gatech.edu/ * RMG Rome airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RMG * Sam's Burger and Deli: https://www.samsburgerdeli.com/ * XNX Music City Executive: https://www.airnav.com/airport/XNX * "Cessna 140 Ben": https://flywithben.com/ * Centerline Aviation: https://centerlineair.com/ * Cessna 337 Skymaster: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_Skymaster * TomAir's Cessna 337: https://www.youtube.com/@tomairtv * The Green Machine: https://www.retroist.com/p/the-green-machine * Brian's book, "Make Small Corrections": https://amazon.com/dp/B0DZWQKGJX * Original Kindle with a keyboard: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Amazon_Kindle_(original_version)

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 the hangar." Paul shares stories from his memoir, including the time his instructor Bill Kirshner yelled "CLEAR PROP!" after 23 spins while still inside the aircraft, and when his student's first solo flight had Air Force One on approach behind him. Mentioned on the show: * Ted's new video, "I don't feel heard": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3D4bXBSMiw * Invisible Hulk piano intro, 1978: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9MysTXM_P4 * CHA - Chattanooga Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CHA * EP40 - introducing Ben and Ted: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP40---The-Podcast-Handoff---a-very-special-crossover-episode-e29965s * Cornelia Fort Airfield: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelia_Fort_Airpark * Cornelia Fort herself: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelia_Fort * Patsy Clilne was headed to Cornelia Fort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963_Camden_PA-24_crash * Paul Craig, "Be A Better Pilot": https://amazon.com/dp/0830620478/ * Paul Craig, "Killing Zone, Second Edition": https://amazon.com/dp/0071798404/

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 for Brian last minute)Mentioned on the show: * Mark aka 1dullgeek: https://www.youtube.com/@1dullgeek/videos * AID - Anderson Indiana: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AID * 02C - Capitol Drive Airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/02C * Seth Lake DPE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SethLakeDPE * Seth Lake's ACE guide: https://vslaviation.myshopify.com/products/vsl-ace-guide * Video showing the ACE guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZM-s2EBK7w * Aviation NewsTalk 365 with Patrick L. of Flysto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CiwzM7kWE * Flysto- AOPA, Dave Hirschman: https://aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/september/pilot/first-look-more-than-a-tattletale * Flysto on EuroGA: https://www.euroga.org/forums/flying/14846-geeking-out-on-post-flight-data-with-flysto-net?page=1 * Bruce Williams showing the flysto overlay on a instrument approach to EAT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CiwzM7kWE * Flysto's "supported avionics": https://www.flysto.net/avionics * VUJ - Stanly County, NC: https://www.airnav.com/airport/VUJ

"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. Mentioned on the show: * Ghost Dog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Dog:_The_Way_of_the_Samurai * Jim Jarmusch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Jarmusch * Open Source GA- "squawk and walk": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4smAzSqNG4o#t=2m40s * Coleal interpretation- AOPA: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/august/pilot/savvy-maintenance-legal-interpretations

"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- Fredericksburg: https://www.tacaero.com/ * UOS- Franklin County/Suwanee TN: https://www.airnav.com/airport/UOS * University of the South: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewanee:_The_University_of_the_South * M02- Dickson Municipal: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M02 * Aviation101- High wing vs low wing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WlVCz8E84w * Ted's new video, "busy ground: dueling aircraft": https://youtube.com/watch?v=sN3BBw3RZDw

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, end of story." Plus, Ted explains his infamous "icing on the vegetables" analogy! Mentioned on the show: * Rod Machado - Why Maneuvering Speed Changes With Weight:https://youtu.be/BAy4w3SYCTo?si=74vAku1_jSPM9Ib9 * Rod Machado- How Is Maneuvering Speed Determined? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_KdHEzIJkk * Brian's new video- Dead Pilots = More Views: Aviation YouTube's Race to the Bottom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed-hjosBQhQ * Ted's new video- day at the museum: flying into and out of boeing field: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt9PPalGIyI * Ted's new video- mercurial conditions, mistakes, odd comms: pattern work at UAO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueu9yVHA7QY * SureFly Magneto: https://www.surefly.net/ * EP44- Happy Hour! Guest Brian Turner (episode with "icing on the vegetables"): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP44---Happy-Hour--Guest-Bryan-Turner-aka-Just-Plane-Silly-e2ae412 * EP116- The art of tailwheel flying with CFI Ben Lehman (aka "140 Ben"): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP70---The-art-of-tailwheel-flying-with-CFI-Ben-Lehman-e2i7k72/a-ab5fk1c * DNL- Augusta, Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DNL * BIG TEXAS SEND shirt: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merch/p/official-big-texas-send-2025-fly-in-shirt * Jason Miller - The Finer Points - NO TEARDROP IN NON TOWERED PATTERN ENTRIES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi9jdxzLur4 * AC 90-66C - Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations PDF: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_90-66C.pdf * Visual Approach procedures in ForeFlight: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/360057742073-How-is-the-Procedure-Advisor-used#h_01J9W8HH0RR7QZX8B7WVGXPBFQ

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 for a hilarious yet practical look at mixing business with GA, where the real luxury isn't the courtesy car, it's skipping I-285 traffic. Mentioned on the show: * EP24 - Everything About Flying Clubs with Drew Myers from AOPA: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP24---Everything-About-Flying-Clubs-with-Drew-Myers-from-AOPA-e1ou9h1/a-a8laq3o * Brian's new video, "Flying Sideways: When Aviation Truth Meets Internet Expertise | A Visit to the Swift Museum": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73LnW1e0UbQ * Lake Lanier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lanier * Ft. Moore (previously Fort Benning): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Moore * BHM Million Air: https://www.millionair.com/locations/bhm/ * Wendover Productions: The Economics of Private Jets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYPrH4xANpU * The Economics of Everyday Things- Private Jets: https://freakonomics.com/podcast/private-jets/ Support the show on Patreon: www.midlifepilotpocast.com

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/ Mentioned on the show: * Erica Gilbert - Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe/videos * TMA - Tifton GA: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TMA * MMI - Athens TN: https://www.airnav.com/airport/MMI * Swift museum: https://swiftmuseumfoundation.org/ * ICARUS view-limiting device: https://www.icarusdevices.com/ * Arthur Schopenhauer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer * Checkmate Aviation: https://checkmateaviation.com/ * TTD - Troutdale Oregon: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TTD * Checklist Manifesto: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Checklist_Manifesto

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 is). Mentioned on the show: * Nathan Ballard's first "learning from the military" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_5m69KCKs * Ted's new video, "return from friday harbor with my favorite passenger", with the dirty belly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBmh8KX22A#t=3m55s * "Official airplane of" list on the MPP blog: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/the-ultimate-official-airplane-of-guide * MPP Aviation Apps Guide: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/comprehensive-ish-aviation-apps-guide * Bunyan's in Muscle Shoals: https://www.bunyansbarbeque.com/

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 burn up gas to let you take a look - you're integrating into a real training mission,'" Nathan recalls, shortly before learning what it feels like when your vision decides to peace out at 6Gs. Between learning to eject from a supersonic jet and watching a civilian plane mosey through their military airspace like it's a Sunday drive, this master instructor brought back some serious pro tips from the world's best aviators. Pure midlife pilot gold. Mentioned on the show: * Nathan Ballard's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying * Nathan's first military flying video: "What happens when a SMALL PLANE flies through MILITARY AIRSPACE?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_5m69KCKs * WDR - Barrow County Airport, Winder Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/WDR * Sheppard Air Force Base: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheppard_Air_Force_Base * Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program: https://www.sheppard.af.mil/Library/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/367537/euro-nato-joint-jet-pilot-training-program-enjjpt/ * T-38 Talon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_T-38_Talon * AOPA Air Safety Institute: Accident Case Study: Final Approach: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/accident-case-studies/final-approach

"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 the show: - Brian's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/ - M20 Leitchfield Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M20 - Stinson Voyager: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_Voyager - Minimum fuel, emergency fuel, reserve fuel (PDF): https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-11/INFO_08004.pdf - Twin Hornet heater: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/aircraftheaters_08-12217.php - MentorLive with Nathan Ballard, Jan 22: https://www.nafinet.org/mentorlive Become a Patreon supporter of the show! www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

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 nothing else to listen to. Whether you're tracking your landings, checking weather, or just trying to figure out if it's okay to brush snow off someone else's plane (spoiler: maybe don't), we've got you covered in this episode. Plus, hear why our Big Texas Send Fly In event in May 2025 is already making us ask "What have we done?" Your weekly dose of aviation inspiration, now with 100% more app recommendations. Mentioned on the show: * Midlife Pilot Podcast list of aviation apps: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/awesome-aviation-apps-and-websites * AQO Llano Texas for BBQ: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AQO * Seinfeld: Kramer Turns His Apartment Into A TV Set | The Merv Griffin Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pys47zaxZ90 View the complete list and links to all the apps mentioned and more at: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/comprehensive-ish-aviation-apps-guide

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: * Join us at the 2025 Big Texas Send! Hangar Hotel, T82 Fredericksburg TX, May 2-4. Info, RSVP form, and directions for the hotel room block: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/rsvpt82 * CPP Green County GA: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CPP * Ted's new video, "friday harbor with my favorite passenger": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFMPlhNvS5M * EP46, Flying With Your Spouse: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP46---Flying-With-Your-Spouse-e2b1cpn * Erica, Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe * Hangar Hotel video from Just Plane Silly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58d85X1R5G4 * Hangar Hotel, FunPlacesToFly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nryylfueJJE * Tac Aero video from Charlie Gasmire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyVoRExoBUI Get all the fly in info, support the podcast on Patreon and join the community: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/