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PODCAST

Midlife Pilot Podcast

Midlife Pilot Podcast

Welcome to the Midlife Pilot Podcast, where we share the experiences and the challenges of flying in midlife. Whether you"re a seasoned pilot, training for private or instrument ratings, or just thinking about getting started in aviation, we like to think of the podcast as your aviation companion, and your weekly dose of aviation inspiration. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Ben, Brian, and Ted - the show is not instruction - it"s all about sharing real stories, personal insights, and the pure joy of

leisure aviation

All Episodes

01:03:08

EP114 - "This is a Checklist, Not a Do List" - Hustle...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2025/02/04

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"

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00:51:59

EP113 - Information Whiskey: Very Plane Shaped,...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2025/01/28

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

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01:03:14

EP112 - 'Just Doing a Bombing Run Here We Go': Master...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2025/01/21

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

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01:04:57

EP111 - It's ALWAYS Fuel (and Never for Skywriting)

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2025/01/14

"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:

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01:03:07

EP110 - An Appy Hour Special

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2025/01/07

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

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01:02:17

EP109 - Information Whiskey: Dented Wings and...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/12/30

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,

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00:51:40

EP108 - Trip, Fall, Succeed : When Bad Judgment Makes...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/12/23

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

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00:56:03

EP107 - Overcoming Perfectionism: Sexy Indifference...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/12/17

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

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01:00:00

EP106 - From Dawn Patrol to Jumping Fences: Multi-Day...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/12/10

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

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01:02:37

EP105 - Information Whiskey: Fly in planning, dad...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/12/03

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

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00:59:56

EP104 - Flying With Strangers From the Internet:...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/11/26

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-runway taxi slip ups, the gang shares practical wisdom on building safe flying partnerships while keeping their usual mix of aviation insights and midlife

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01:01:11

EP103 - Finding Flight Time: If You're Not Lying to...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/11/19

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 retrieve), discover how these pilots squeeze more cockpit time into packed schedules. Whether you're a student trying to stay consistent with training or a

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00:58:26

EP102 - Cheaper Fuel is Cheaper: Flying on a Budget

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/11/12

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 budgeting, and learn why slower flying might actually be the way to go. Warning: No actual guarantee of cheap flying provided, but plenty of

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00:57:27

EP101 - Information Whiskey: ATC Mumbling, Mountains...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/11/05

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 County (6L4) where they discovered classic cars and met fascinating local aviation enthusiasts. Ted provides audio clips of memorable radio exchanges from

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01:05:22

EP100 - A Very Special Non-Event - Live from Fairmont...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/10/30

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 seven-mile left base"), Ted (representing the "other" coast that apparently exists), and Mark "One Dull/Wendell" Geek (master of conflating tail numbers

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01:05:21

EP99 - 100 Hours of Questionable Decisions

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/10/25

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 milestones. Joined by special guest Mark (Wendell Geek), they swap stories and preview their upcoming 100th episode - broadcasting live from Fairmont

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00:59:02

EP98 - Embracing the Plateau, and Naptime

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/10/22

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 frustration. Featuring sage advice like "embrace the plateau" and "sometimes you just need a nap," plus a healthy dose of pilot camaraderie. The gang also

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00:52:35

EP97 - A Little Stitious: Hula Girls, Lucky Socks,...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/10/15

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 stuffed animal co-pilots. Brian recounts his thrilling experience at a STOL competition, and hundreds of spectators judging his landing. The guys debate

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00:57:37

EP96 - With You or Without You - Pet Peeves

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/10/08

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 Ben's passionate rant about ancient aviation tech.Our hearts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Helene. Podcast episodes that discuss the response: *

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00:55:38

EP95 - Information Whiskey: Marbles in Mouths,...

Midlife Pilot Podcast ·

2024/10/01

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 brilliance.Mentioned on the show: * 100th episode is coming up! Oct 28, 4G7 Fairmont West Virginia. Not an official meetup, RSVP is required if you're

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156 results

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