Listener Chris T. writes in with a powerful story about his WWII pilot grandfather, a 25-year-old discovery flight that ended in motion sickness, and the question: Is it too late to try again at 46? The crew tackles motion sickness remedies, finding the right CFI as a midlifer, and realistic training schedules for busy adults.
Plus: Ben celebrates 28 years of marriage ("She's said 'You Are Right' twice—that's now a thing"), Ted does his first Special VFR, and the fly-in location may be shifting to Bentonville, Arkansas.
In this episode:
- Chris T's story: His B-29 grandfather, motion sickness fears, and juggling four kids while chasing the aviation dream
- Motion sickness reality check: "Habituation remains the most effective non-pharmacological method" - it gets better with time
- The secret: "I get motion sickness when the CFI has the controls, but when I have the controls, I don't" - your stomach needs warning
- Finding the right CFI as a midlifer: Why assertiveness levels matter and how to take control of your own training
- Training schedules for busy adults: "Plan on one getting canceled every week" - fly 2-3 times weekly
- Ben's perfect weekend: Multi-engine training, fly fishing, charity golf tournament (came in 2nd!), and 28th anniversary
- Ted's first Special VFR: "Turn out whichever way you want" - getting the entire Delta to yourself
- Brian flies to Alabama, shows his friend how beautiful the state really is (including seaplane runways)
- International Day of the Air Traffic Controller: Community members dropping off donuts and $500 in pizzas
Great wisdom:
- "Don't trust the CFI to guide you along—apply your midlife project management skills to your training"
- "We definitely prefer straight information. My communication style is bullet points and curse words"
- Nathan Ballard on veteran students: "They all want right to the point direct feedback"
- "That's not what we meant by power-off 180" - the compliment sandwich
- Ben's marriage secret: "If you can make each other laugh, that's a big part of it"
Fly-in update: Tango 82 is looking tough - considering Bentonville, Arkansas (VBT) with Fly Oz backcountry, grass strip, Frank Lloyd Wright house, and James Beard Award-winning chefs!
Mentioned on the Show:
Support the Show:
10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts
Closing wisdom: "Simulated engine failures: The only time your instructor smiles and you don't."
Have motion sickness tips or CFI insights? Send us feedback at MidlifePilotPodcast.com
