最佳Midlife Pilot播客 (2025)

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EP128 - Two Bounces and a Skip: Planning vs. Reality 1:08:00

1d ago1:08:00

1:08:00

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 (…

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EP127 - Big Texas Send Live from T82: Between Two Wheelpants 1:13:21

7d ago1:13:21

1:13:21

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 …

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EP126 - Information Whiskey: "Like Oregon Trail Without Dysentery" 56:08

15d ago56:08

56:08

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 wi…

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EP125 - "What Am I Doing?": Extinguishing Helmet Fires Before They Consume You 1:04:59

22d ago1:04:59

1:04:59

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,…

1
EP124 - Parking: The Episode That Goes Nowhere 57:29

29d ago57:29

57:29

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…

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EP123 - The Answer to All Solutions: Level Seven Hangar Living 1:03:41

1M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

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.'…

1
EP122 - "I Plan My Stops Around Food" and IFR Training: CFII Erica Gilbert 1:04:36

1M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

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 fligh…

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EP121 - Information Whiskey: Between Patience and Numbness 1:03:48

2M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

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 …

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EP120 - Descending from Mount Stupid: with Paul Craig 1:04:17

2M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

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 We…

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EP119 - The Cockpit Lies, Data Doesn't: Flysto Debrief 54:42

2M ago54:42

54:42

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…

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EP118 - All Aboard the Pain Train: The Trials of Aircraft Ownership 49:21

2M ago49:21

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 discu…

1
EP117 - Park Bench vs. Swing Set: The High Wing-Low Wing Showdown 52:21

3M ago52:21

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 …

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

3M ago1:02:48

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 no…

1
EP115 - The $200 Time Machine: Flying GA For Business 54:23

3M ago54:23

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 t…

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

3M ago1:03:08

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…

1
EP113 - Information Whiskey: Very Plane Shaped, That's As Far As It Goes 51:59

4M ago51:59

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…

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

4M ago1:03:14

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 yea…

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

4M ago1:04:57

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 notor…

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EP110 - An Appy Hour Special 1:03:07

4M ago1:03:07

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…

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

4M ago1:02:17

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 fl…

1
EP108 - Trip, Fall, Succeed : When Bad Judgment Makes Good Stories 51:40

5M ago51:40

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 …

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

5M ago56:03

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…

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

5M ago1:00:00

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 mi…

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

5M ago1:02:37

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 folli…

1
EP104 - Flying With Strangers From the Internet: Vetting Co-Pilots 59:56

6M ago59:56

59:56

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-run…

1
EP103 - Finding Flight Time: If You're Not Lying to Yourself, You're Not Flying 1:01:11

6M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

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 ret…

1
EP102 - Cheaper Fuel is Cheaper: Flying on a Budget 58:26

6M ago58:26

58:26

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…

1
EP101 - Information Whiskey: ATC Mumbling, Mountains & Mediocrity 57:27

6M ago57:27

57:27

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 C…

1
EP100 - A Very Special Non-Event - Live from Fairmont Airport! 1:05:22

7M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

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 se…

1
EP99 - 100 Hours of Questionable Decisions 1:05:21

7M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

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 mi…

1
EP98 - Embracing the Plateau, and Naptime 59:02

7M ago59:02

59:02

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 …

1
EP97 - A Little Stitious: Hula Girls, Lucky Socks, and Cockpit Voodoo 52:35

7M ago52:35

52:35

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 st…

1
EP96 - With You or Without You - Pet Peeves 57:37

7M ago57:37

57:37

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 Be…

1
EP95 - Information Whiskey: Marbles in Mouths, Mitsubishi Misery, Malibu Miracles, and More 55:38

7M ago55:38

55:38

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 bril…

1
EP94 - Beyond the $100 Hamburger, no fence jumping 58:18

8M ago58:18

58:18

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 a…

1
EP93 - Travels, checklists, flows, and did he call Ted Mark? 1:02:13

8M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

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'…

1
EP92 - Short memories and embracing the suck 46:04

8M ago46:04

46:04

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-330…

1
EP91 - From Impostor to Aviator: 10 Tips for New Pilots 59:13

8M ago59:13

59:13

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 …

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EP90 - Information Whiskey - NORDO in a Bravo, orcas diversion, cloud dancing 1:03:12

9M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

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…

1
EP89 - Aviation Mentors, the freshmakers of pilots 59:19

9M ago59:19

59:19

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 …

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EP88 - The Heat is On 55:13

9M ago55:13

55:13

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 d…

1
EP87 - Owning bad weather routing with ATC and AJ 52:04

9M ago52:04

52:04

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: …

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EP86 - Information Whiskey - Broken Things Happened 1:00:44

10M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

We are joined by Mark, aka 1DullGeek, to debrief the alternator loss on an instrument approach while returning from Osh Kosh. We discuss how the near-emergency was handled, how flying with a second pilot worked, and how Instrument training can only prepare you for so much. Mentioned on the show: * Flying Midwest Podcast - Information Foxtrot with B…

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EP85 - Hazardous Midlife Attitudes 58:46

10M ago58:46

58:46

Which hazardous attitudes do we find ourselves falling into sometimes? Are some of the classic 5 hazardous attitudes more or less common in midlife pilots? We talk them all through from our point of view.Mentioned on the show:- Aeronautical Decision Making AC with the Hazardous Attitudes, AC 60-22: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory…

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EP84 - Midlife radio tips with RH - reading the room 1:04:48

10M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

RH of Opposing Bases joins Ben, Brian, and Ted to offer some midlife radio tips. What's the perfect flight following call? Does it matter? Should you call "in the blind"? What does a controller hear when they're listening to multiple frequencies? OB will be at Airventure in Oshkosh, recording a show Saturday, July 27 2024 at 10am. Mentioned on the …

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EP83 - 100 Hours vs. 500 Hours - feral cats in the pattern 59:32

10M ago59:32

59:32

Ben, Brian, and Ted compare perspectives from what it's like to have 100 hours vs. the point of view from 500 hours - and the pursuit of mastery. - People Places & Adventures with Dee and Vee: https://www.youtube.com/@planeplaces/videos - RHP - Andrews North Carolina: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RHP - SSI - St Simons Island: https://www.airnav.c…

1
EP82 - Flight Simulators and Jitters 1:02:30

10M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Ben, Ted, and Brian catch up, then Ben talks with Chris C about his flight simulator use. The community shares opinions and suggestions, then Ted shares a clip from Chris C's recent video talking about having "jitters" after not flying for a while. Mentioned on the show: * Chris C, Flying Past 50, Rebuilding Confidence and Proficiency: https://www.…

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EP81 - Information Whiskey: broken hoses, hangar rant, and mailbox lasagna 57:33

11M ago57:33

57:33

Join Ben, Brian, and Ted discussing a potpourri of topics, including Ted's trip that was 4x as fast as driving, Josh's Cirrus emergency, 1dullgeek's rant on hangars, and Brian landing Lucy on grass. Mentioned on the show: - Buzzfeed: How Nashville Became One Big Bachelorette Party: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/how-nashvill…

1
EP80 - Checkride Fails - a good thing? 59:13

11M ago59:13

59:13

We are joined by CFII and friend Nathan Ballard to talk about checkride failures. Several cases are discussed and the learnings from them. * Nathan's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying/videos * Brian Siskind's new (two hour) video, "the LONGEST most UNWATCHABLE flying video in HISTORY and also mountain flying" https://www.yo…

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EP79 - Airplane Partnerships: the good, the bad, the ugly 58:47

11M ago58:47

58:47

Airplane partnerships are often the best way for us midlifers to enjoy flying, and while there is good, there is sometimes the bad, or even the ugly. Several unique examples are given, plus a anonymous horror story from a listener. Mentioned on the show: * OG Chris Moran on the news: https://www.wdtv.com/2024/03/21/first-4-forum-chris-moran/ * Bria…

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