1DullGeek drops the bombshell that building beats bureaucracy, while keeping his aircraft shortlist more classified than Area 51 (spoiler: Ted's in on the secret). Brian discovers that flying tailwheel means surrendering all control to achieve actual control, and that Cherokee muscle memory doesn't translate to delicate Cessna 140s. Ben's multi-engine journey continues with nose-diving revelations and the humbling realization that "dead foot, dead engine" logic fails spectacularly under pressure.
The crew dives deep into Mosaic's game-changing LSRI certification that's about to turn every EAA chapter into inspection central, while insurance companies lurk in the shadows as aviation's true overlords. Plus, why builder-assist programs range from "comprehensive education" to "glorified observation," and Ted casually flexes 45 nautical miles per gallon because apparently his egg runs on good intentions and Pacific Northwest vibes.
Mentioned on the show:
Support the Show:Join the best midlife pilot community and support the podcast on Patreon, browse our aviation merch collection, send us your feedback, and connect with fellow pilots at https://midlifepilotpodcast.com. We're grateful for your support in making this the positive aviation community we all love to be part of.
What happens when four pilots discuss IFR ground school and nobody really knows what they're talking about? Episode 143 delivers a chaotic journey through aviation acronyms that'll make you question everything.
Ben admits he's "a little nervous" before diving into MOCAs vs ROCAs. Brian, suffering through IFR ground school, says his brain "goes cross-eyed" with acronyms like "M-A-A-M-C-A-M-D-A-M-E-A." Ted drops wisdom about aviation's three knowledge levels: "pass the test, throw away that knowledge."
The conversation careens from NDB approaches to Shepherd Air debates, with Wendell Geek explaining the gap between training IFR and actual IFR: "you spend most of your time trying to avoid that."
Brian perfectly captures the episode: "This is gonna be the worst episode that we've ever done, because we have nobody that knows what they're talking about." He later calls it "a false glide slope" metaphorically.
Join the gang for aviation education that's equal parts informative and terrifying, where approach plates are more confusing than figuring out who actually knows what they're talking about.
Ben's wisdom: "It's not real IFR until the sweat soaks your checklist."
"This has not been sponsored by the FAA."
Mentioned on the show:
Welcome back to the aviation playground where three guys who "have a podcast and don't know what we're talking about" dive deeper into MOSAIC regulations! After Ted's fan-favorite first episode on the topic, the gang returns to explore what these new rules actually mean for us midlifers - from couch potatoes thinking about learning to fly, to seasoned pilots with 5,000 hours looking to "slow down a little bit."
Brian channels his inner skeptic wondering if this will be another case of "big promise, reality chips away at the dream," while Ben ponders the demand vs. supply problem that might keep us all flying antiques forever. Meanwhile, Ted continues to be our "sport pilot extraordinaire" and resident MOSAIC expert, explaining everything from the magic wand theory of medical downgrades to why there are only 75 recreational pilots in America.
Plus: Ted makes his debut on VASAviation (and it's not for getting a number to copy!), Brian contemplates bachelorette tunnels vs. airspace tunnels, and we discover that declaring yourself a sport pilot is easier than Michael Scott declaring bankruptcy.
Show Notes & Links:
Mentioned on the show:
Community Updates:
Key MOSAIC Takeaways:
Connect With Us:
Disclaimer: We openly admit we "have a podcast and don't know what we're talking about," so always consult proper sources for regulatory guidance!
When Tim "Banjo Pilot" Lien's CFI's wife called his sectional chart maps "ugly," he didn't get mad - he got creative. The result? MyAeroGlass - stunning aviation art that actually makes spouses happy (imagine that!). It also is tech-enabled to show us the current weather, because we love VFR green.
Tim joins the crew to explore why midlife pilots are secretly makers and artists. From banjo picking to CNC machining, we dive into the creative minds of aviators who "glom onto things and take them way too far." Plus, discover how aviation's discipline actually enhances creativity, and why every pilot is creative whether they realize it or not.
As the crew discovers: "We chose this not because it was easy, but because we thought it was easy" - the same mindset that drives both flying and creating.
Mentioned on the show:
Community shoutouts: New Patreon supporters Anthony C, Jeff S, Justin G
Midlife Pilot Podcast:
Tonight's wisdom: "Flying IFR - where you trade scenery for stress."
Welcome to another Information Whiskey post-maintenance flight where apparently we need more whiskey. Ben's out here doing multi-engine training in a Beechcraft Duchess and discovering that single-engine work is basically "leg day" for pilots.
Meanwhile, Brian's back in the air after a month-long hiatus (because life gets in the way when you're a midlife pilot) and Ted's just casually racked up 58 hours flying from Wisconsin to Oregon... by way of Indiana. Because that's totally how geography works.
Ben's living his best pleasantly primitive life at flight school, complete with actual answering machines (beep!), carbon copy receipts, and instructors who write everything out by hand.
Brian shares his mid-flight training technique: practicing wing-raising with rudder while just "bopping around doing kind of nothing" at 3000 feet, while Ted's been in a quasi-serious relationship with "the egg" for the last 90 days.
Community celebrations include our new Hershey Bar level Patreon members Greg T, William S, Joel R, Echo Kilo, Zach R, Matthew P, and Aaron G (thank you!), plus Scott and Mountain Rat Mat crushing their long solo cross-countries.
MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
• Northwest Aeronaut aka "Oregon CFI Sam", Dutch rolls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxUwSb40LD4
• Spirit aircraft's SE-1: https://flyer.co.uk/spirit-launches-se-1-at-oshkosh-after-ten-years-of-secrecy/
• Spirit aircraft website: https://spiriteng.com/se-1-aircraft/
• My Cousin Vinny: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Cousin_Vinny
• Mike Busch, Ask the A&Ps, on post-maintenance flights: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-one-way-to-flat-spot-a-tire/id1527442466?i=1000717363376
• Ben's Beechcraft Duchess Multi-Engine Training
• Ted's Epic Oshkosh Return Journey (with Chicago skyline detour)
• Brian's Mid-Flight Rudder Training Techniques
• Community Wins and New Patreon Family
MIDLIFE PILOT PODCAST:
• Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com
• Patreon Community: https://patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast
• Watch Live on YouTube - Mondays 8PM Eastern: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilot
• Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
• Merch Store: https://store.midlifepilotpodcast.com
The aviation world just got flipped upside down! At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, the FAA dropped the MOSAIC bomb—the biggest shake-up to general aviation since 2004. Sport pilots can now fly aircraft with stall speeds up to 59 knots, and now have access to four-seat aircraft. But this isn't just about sport pilots—MOSAIC fundamentally reshapes the landscape for ALL pilots.
Our friend Ted, who sits on the ASTM committee and apparently has nothing better to do than read 700-page regulatory documents while camping in 100-degree heat, spent a week at Oshkosh decoding this mess so the rest of us could keep flying instead of drowning in federal paperwork. Fresh from his "undisclosed location in the canned pumpkin capital," Ted breaks down everything you need to know about the most significant expansion of pilot privileges in decades.
What You'll Learn:
Disclaimer: We're pilots and podcasters, not FAA officials or aviation lawyers. Always consult official sources and qualified professionals for regulatory guidance.
Show Notes & Links:
Airports & Aircraft Mentioned:
Blue Ridge Airport (MTV):https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Airport
Beechcraft Duchess BE76:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_Duchess
DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK):https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeKalb%E2%80%93Peachtree_Airport
Piper Comanche:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_PA-24_Comanche
Official MOSAIC Resources:
MOSAIC Final Rule (FAA):https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2023-1377-1381
FAA Official Announcement:https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-announces-improvements-recreational-aviation
EAA MOSAIC Information:https://www.eaa.org/eaa/advocacy/top-issues/mosaic-aircraft-certificate
EAA "MOSAIC Is Done!" Article:https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/2025-07-22-mosaic-is-done
Industry Analysis & News:
General Aviation News MOSAIC Coverage:https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/07/23/long-awaited-mosaic-final-rule-released/
AOPA Light Sport Rules Expansion:https://aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/22/light-sport-rules-expand-dramatically
Kitplanes MOSAIC for Homebuilts:https://www.kitplanes.com/mosaic-is-here-what-it-means-for-homebuilts/
Flying Magazine MOSAIC Coverage:https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-finalizes-major-overhaul-of-light-sport-aircraft-rules/
Flight Insight Training Impact Analysis:https://www.flight-insight.com/post/faa-releases-final-mosaic-rule
Piper Flyer MOSAIC Forum Discussion:https://piperflyer.com/forum/unicom/1219-breaking-news-mosaic-final-rule-and-your-piper.html
Training & Maintenance:
Rainbow Aviation LSRM Courses:https://rainbowaviation.com/15-day-light-sport-repairman-maintenance-course/
Rainbow Aviation LSA Repairman Info:https://rainbowaviation.com/the-lsa-repairman-maintenance-or-inspection-rating/
Infinity Aero Club LSRM Training:https://infinityaeroclub.org/light-sport-repairman-maintenance-lsrm/
Kitplanes Light Sport Repairman Guide:https://www.kitplanes.com/light-sport-repairman-maintenance/
Connect With Us:
Website:https://midlifepilotpodcast.com
Email:midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
Patreon Community:https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast
YouTube Live Mondays 8 PM Eastern:https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast
The crew tackles listener Zach R's dilemma about "feeding our souls and starving our wallets" when it comes to aviation passion. Ted broadcasts live from under his airplane wing at Oshkosh (complete with random interruptions from Captain Jeff and the A&P crew), while Ben, Brian, and special guest Nathan Ballard brainstorm creative ways to make flying more affordable and fulfilling.
From discovering that online aviation communities are full of CFIs that are "perfectly willing to be its best friend for the low, low rate of 60 to $70 an hour" to discussing whether being an "airport bum" is actually sound career advice, this episode is packed with practical tips for the budget-conscious pilot.
The gang explores everything from airport socializing and grass strip adventures to the reality that a Piper Dakota is "a lot of plane" for soul-searching flights. Plus, Nathan shares insights from his transition to professional flying, Ted dodges media interviews while podcasting, and Brian mourns his recently deceased MR2 (RIP).
Show Links:
Nathan Ballard YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying
Midlife Pilot Podcast:
Organizations & Resources:
Flight Planning & Apps:
Aircraft Manufacturers:
Events:
Airports Mentioned:
After a year-long aviation hiatus, the legend himself returns! Chris Moran, the original midlife pilot who started it all, is back in the cockpit and spilling the raw truth about what happens when life pulls you away from flying. In this emotional reunion episode, Chris delivers the reality check every pilot needs to hear: "I want this to be a joy bringer to my life, not a stress bringer" - and why taking breaks doesn't make you less of an aviator. But that's not all! Brian goes full caveman on two broken car AC systems, proving that sometimes the best maintenance philosophy is "maybe if you just whack it with a hammer a few times, maybe it'll revive itself." Ben reveals why dawn patrol flights are aviation's best-kept secret after his Savannah adventure, while Ted breaks down the engineering marvel that keeps "the egg" cool in scorching heat.
Chris also teases his upcoming instrument rating series and shares hard-won wisdom about creating content without burning out. Whether you're struggling with aviation guilt, wondering if it's normal to step away, or just want to hear grown men solve problems with percussive maintenance, this episode delivers the perfect blend of inspiration, practical advice, and pure entertainment. As the live chat perfectly summed up: "never let it be said that violence can't solve problems!"
Mentioned on the show:
* Erica Gilbert talking about heat: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wSfaeJ229m2KmIkA4CaK3
* Ted's new video, "feral cat flying and finding community": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq3qlPkBBQY
* Johnny Cash, "my song is sung": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGa3zFRqDn4#t=2m50s
* Converting R12 to R134a: https://www.techtownforum.com/knowledge-base/article/equipment-appliances/hvac/r12-to-r134a-conversion-chart-formula/
* Happy Days - The Fonz hitting the jukebox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP1cZ3rbkRg#t=15s
* HEF - Manassas Airport, Va: https://www.airnav.com/airport/HEF
* Fairmont Flying Club: https://fairmontflyingclub.com/
* 4G7 - Fairmont Airport, W. Va: https://www.airnav.com/airport/4G7
* Friendly Skies Film youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendlySkiesFilm/videos
* Open Source GA youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OpenSourceGA/videos
* BDR - Bridgeport/Sikorsky, Conn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/BDR
* Ted Stryker sweating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs3zHbQDVlA#t=2m
* THV - York, Penn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/THV
* Kool Scoop window vent: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/koolscoop.php
Links:
In this Information Whiskey session, Ben achieves peak midlife status by straining his back loading golf clubs into his airplane, proving that "we are the joke." Meanwhile, Brian gets voice recognized at an FBO after some night flying adventure, and Ted successfully converts his partner from "scrambling for handholds" to enjoying turbulence on flights to Seattle. The crew dives into listener feedback from Chris J's comprehensive aircraft toolkit wisdom, Johnny L's inspiring F-16 crew chief to student pilot journey in Finland, and advice for midlife aviation career changes. Plus, community celebrations including Wendy's IFR checkride victory, Barry's San Francisco adventure sans Golden Gate Bridge, and a heartfelt message for Texas flood victims. Whether you're 45 and contemplating CFI life or just trying to figure out how so many excruciating aviation tasks always take exactly one hour, this episode covers the full spectrum of midlife flying challenges and triumphs.
Links Mentioned on the Show:
Midlife Pilot Podcast:
Watch Live on YouTube - Mondays 8PM Eastern
Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com
Special Mention:
Oshkosh Discussion with ATC Controller - July 9th, 9PM for Patreon members
Additional Resources:
Time for a heat dome intervention. Weather expert and certified mensch/CFII/CSIP Erica Gilbert returns to explain why we're all flying around in "the most expensive tin can you could sit in" and why Brian's brilliant idea of turning a boneyard 152 into a backyard sauna might actually be profitable. Learn why high temperatures make us all like moms telling kids to "get off of me," discover why Erica confidently wears long sleeves in 100-degree heat, and how even Ted's fancy liquid-cooled engine can't escape the tyranny of thermodynamics. Plus, why Ben's mighty beast has to humble itself to a mere 750 fpm climb, and Nathan's astute observation that density altitude performance issues are basically the aviation equivalent of being in midlife.Mentioned on the Show:
Erica Gilbert / Gilbert Aviation:
Midlife Pilot Podcast:
Additional Resources:
The crew welcomes Dev Cannon, who exemplifies the CAF mission by going from aviation newcomer to Music City Wing Commander in just a few years, leading 70 volunteers in preserving warbird history. Dev explains how the CAF's 19,000 international members keep aviation heritage alive through everything from flyovers at memorial services to introducing kids to aviation, proving that "if you show up at an event and say, how can I participate? Like you're in." The organization welcomes everyone—pilots, mechanics, historians, and aviation enthusiasts—because as Dev notes, they "can use all the hands they can get." The episode highlights their PT-19 "Miss Cornelia," named after local aviation pioneer Cornelia Fort, and how these living history lessons help veterans and families share stories that might otherwise be lost. Ben discovers breakfast so good at Guntersville that he's "considering buying a junker and donating it to the airport," while celebrating his landing redemption with the signature "kid rock arrival." Ted's camping plans crater with three shredded tubes, Brian defends "Bachelorette Super Charlie" terminology, and everyone agrees that whether you want to maintain aircraft, research history, or just "ring wars" to draw crowds, the CAF provides meaningful ways to give back to aviation while connecting with our flying heritage.
Mentioned on the show:
Support the Podcast:Join our amazing Patreon community for just $1/month and get access to exclusive content, check ride debriefs, and the best pilot community on the internet. Find our Patreon link at midlifepilotpodcast.com
Connect with us:
A portion of proceeds supports Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts.
The guys tackle the inevitable reality of breaking down away from home - and yeah, "you did it to yourself by choosing to take on flying in midlife." They get real about emergency prep: "have a leatherman, have zip ties, have tape" and for the love of all that's holy, "cash is options, cash is flexibility." Brian drops wisdom about proactive maintenance ("we all do deferred maintenance") while Ted swears by Savvy Aviation as "AAA for aviation" after his windshield cracked mid-flight. Ben reminds everyone that mechanics are surprisingly helpful - "don't worry about it" seems to be their universal response to weekend pilot problems. The crew's advice boils down to: plan your route around services, know your call-out numbers, stay "calm and systematic" when things go sideways, and sometimes, if it's safe. just "put some duct tape on it" and "send it." Their six-point survival plan covers everything from building your network before you need it to knowing "when to walk away"—because "small town A&P's seem to be more available than you would expect."
Mentioned on the show:
Support the Podcast:Join our amazing Patreon community for just $1/month and get access to exclusive content, check ride debriefs, and the best pilot community on the internet: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast
Connect with us:
A portion of proceeds supports Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts.
Ben raves about Garmin Smart Charts as a potential ForeFlight killer, while the gang shares their biggest radio pet peeves - from the dreaded "with you" to "fish finder." Brian explains why his ignition wires "date back to when Jimi Hendrix was an unknown rising guitarist," and they dive into listener feedback about check ride prep (spoiler: don't get "tuned up" the day before). Plus, discussions of "meat missiles" falling from the sky at skydiving operations, whether Florida counts as the Southeast, and why we all struggle with remembering which runway we just landed on.
Mentioned on the show:
* "Polish doctor" with a CTLS, video 1, pilot hypoxic at 25k feet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xym_ADvX_2o:
* "Polish doctor" video 2, SP-SMED gets banned from airspace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lToh07ov5hQ
* Checkmate Aviation, passenger briefing: https://www.checkmateaviation.com/products/checkmate-crew-and-passenger-briefing-card
* Is pitot heat required to fly IFR? https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/100892/is-pitot-heat-required-for-ifr
* Happy Fun Ball disclaimers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmqeZl8OI2M
* Angel Flight Southeast: https://angelflightse.org/
* Garmin Pilot Smart Charts: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/aviation/garminpilot/smartcharts/
* Aviation101 promoting Smart Charts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKoEfHCn9ZA
* PilotEdge: https://www.pilotedge.net/
* VATSIM: https://vatsim.net/
* LiveATC: https://www.liveatc.net/
* Bill Dance (fishing): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Dance_(television_host)
* CMD - Cullman, Alabama: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CMD
* Dublin, Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin,_Georgia
* Dublin's Redneck Games: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redneck_Games
* Vidalia Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vidalia,_Georgia
* Woodstock movie (1970): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodstock_(film)
Support Midlife Pilot Podcast on Patreon, get merch, join our Discord community, and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com
The crew tackles long cross-country cockpit organization after Ted's epic 5,400-mile journey reveals that going "pants-free" provides a "4% gain" in performance (wheel pants, people!). From the critical importance of blue shop towels to strategic snack placement and lumbar support, Ben, Brian, and Ted share hard-earned tips for setting up your cockpit for extended flights. Ben also achieves peak self-awareness by making "the quantum leap of berating myself behind my own back" on frequency, proving that even our radio calls need better cockpit organization.
Mentioned on the show:
Airports Mentioned:
Equipment Mentioned:
10% of our monthly Patreon pledge total goes directly to support the Freedom Aviation Network
In the compelling conclusion to their check ride series, the Midlife Pilot crew explores instrument rating experiences drawn from their Patreon community. From developing the perfect instrument scan to battling temperamental autopilots and partial-panel approaches, this episode reveals the unique challenges—and profound rewards—of becoming an instrument-rated pilot. Ben, Brian, and Ted unpack essential advice on training aircraft, instructor selection, and those magical moments of breaking through cloud layers at minimums. With candid discussions about instrument currency and the perishable nature of these skills, this episode serves as both inspiration and practical roadmap for pilots at any stage of their IFR journey. As one debrief contributor put it, "I think every private pilot should get their instrument rating. I'm a much better pilot than I was before."
Join our Patreon for access to all the debriefs, Discord, and much more: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastMentioned on the show:
* RYY - McCollum Field: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RYY
* London Kentucky tornado: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado_outbreak_sequence_of_May_15%E2%80%9316,_2025
* Opposing Bases: https://opposingbases.com/
* Flight Insight: https://www.youtube.com/@flightinsight9111
* Nokia Snake game: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_(1998_video_game)
* Konami Code: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konami_Code
* Victor airways: https://www.boldmethod.com/blog/lists/2024/10/7-things-pilots-should-know-about-victor-airways/
* Flying DME arcs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-caYr6Lr9U
In this first installment of their two-part check ride series, the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew mines gold from their community's private pilot exam experiences through intimate Patreon debriefs. Ben, Brian, and Ted tackle everything from the anxiety-inducing oral exam (which Ben likens to "walking into the delivery room") to those heart-stopping landing attempts on check ride day. The hosts share candid stories of forgotten keys, unexpected teaching moments, and the surprising feeling when a DPE says "you ought to know you passed." Whether you're contemplating your first lesson or preparing for your own check ride, this episode offers both practical wisdom and the reassurance that even type-A personalities sometimes "completely forget how to land" - and still earn their wings.
Join our Patreon for access to all the debriefs, Discord, and much more: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastMentioned on the show:
* Ted's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@flysport_tedder
* GGG - Longview, Texas: https://www.airnav.com/airport/GGG
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/
