EP74 - Pressures, External And Otherwise Midlife Pilot podcast

49:21

"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…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP117 - Park Bench vs. Swing Set: The High Wing-Low Wing Showdown 52:21

12天之前52:21

52:21

"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…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP116 - Got Lazy, Not Rusty: Navigating Pattern Entries 1:02:48

19天之前1:02:48

1:02:48

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…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP115 - The $200 Time Machine: Flying GA For Business 54:23

26天之前54:23

54:23

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…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP114 - "This is a Checklist, Not a Do List" - Hustle and Flow(s) 1:03:08

5 weeks之前1:03:08

1:03:08

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…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP113 - Information Whiskey: Very Plane Shaped, That's As Far As It Goes 51:59

6 weeks之前51:59

51:59

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/…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP112 - 'Just Doing a Bombing Run Here We Go': Master CFI Nathan Ballard's Military Adventure 1:03:14

7 weeks之前1:03:14

1:03:14

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…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP111 - It's ALWAYS Fuel (and Never for Skywriting) 1:04:57

8 weeks之前1:04:57

1:04:57

"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…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

1
EP110 - An Appy Hour Special 1:03:07

9 weeks之前1:03:07

1:03:07

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: * 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…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP109 - Information Whiskey: Dented Wings and Announcing Big Texas Send 2025! 1:02:17

10 weeks之前1:02:17

1:02:17

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/…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP108 - Trip, Fall, Succeed : When Bad Judgment Makes Good Stories 51:40

11 weeks之前51:40

51:40

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 moments can become valuable learning experiences... if you can ever stop replaying them in your head. Mentioned on the show: * Brian's new video, "Loss of Power IS Power": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF9tF7rY8ZE * EP84, RH of Opposing Bases, "reading the room": https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP84---Midlife-radio-tips-with-RH---reading-the-room-e2m4ite/a-abehav7 * CFIIMunden's reaction video to Brian's "The Art of NOT Flying" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olq89uQsP68 * EVB New Smyrna Beach airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Smyrna_Beach_Municipal_Airport * LOU Bowman Field airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowman_Field_(Kentucky) * Ted, "behind the power curve on a go-around": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8lVTNWf6gI * Brian's "forgot what airport I just left" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm-dsPSgk5g#t=73m40s…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP107 - Overcoming Perfectionism: Sexy Indifference for Mediocre Pilots 56:03

12 weeks之前56:03

56:03

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/?ref=TIWCnBYqpOn8uA * Barnstormers Grill: https://exploregeorgia.org/griffin/arts-culture/museums/barnstormers-grill * Bunyan's Hot Dogs, Muscle Shoals on Luke's Landing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYPGV1egrdk * EP14 with Kerry Mcauley, "What They Don't Teach You In Flight School": https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP14---What-They-Dont-Teach-You-In-Flight-School-e1ifqqs/a-a7tvbcp * Smartless podcast, "sexy indifference": https://www.smartless.com/…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

1
EP106 - From Dawn Patrol to Jumping Fences: Multi-Day Flying Tips 1:00:00

13 weeks之前1:00:00

1:00:00

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 tail tie-down strap. * LZU Gwinnett, Lawrenceville Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LZU * OLV Olive Branch, Miss: https://www.airnav.com/airport/kolv * Windy weather app: https://www.windy.com/ * Windy's meteogram: https://community.windy.com/topic/14827/how-to-read-meteogram * Erica Gilbert's Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe Support the show, get merch, and send us your feedback! www.midlifepilotpodcast.com…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

1
EP105 - Information Whiskey: Fly in planning, dad hats, saggy flaps 1:02:37

14 weeks之前1:02:37

1:02:37

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 zero hours might be worth celebrating after all. Mentioned on the show: * Brian's "Dad's flight bag" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7ma6pvmwxM * Ted's new pattern work and geese video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyjwzXh4q6I * T82 Fredericksburg: https://www.airnav.com/airport/T82 * Hangar Hotel at T82: https://www.hangarhotel.com/ * 09J Jekyll Island: https://www.airnav.com/airport/09J * I73 Moraine, Dayton Ohio: https://www.airnav.com/airport/I73 * GPT Gulfport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/GPT * Rough River Kentucky: https://parks.ky.gov/parks/find-a-park/rough-river-dam-state-resort-park-7800#lodging * Brian's new video, "How to Read the ATC Room": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq8xywGS4HE * Brian's new video, "The Art of NOT Flying": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGb9WqflFWs…

Midlife Pilot Podcast

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EP104 - Flying With Strangers From the Internet: Vetting Co-Pilots 59:56

15 weeks之前59:56