Midlife Pilot Podcast

Information Whiskey strikes again! BIG NEWS: The Thaden Invasion is official—March 13-15, 2026 in Bentonville, Arkansas! Brian confesses his Sheppard Air conversion after weeks of IFR written torture ("The FAA told you to look at figure 71, but you have to memorize it's actually figure 24"), his wife solves compass errors in 8 seconds ("Here, idiot"), and Ted's fuel gauge crisis leads to the ultimate "It's Always Fuel" moment. Plus: Ben kills another twin, navigating without flight following during the shutdown, and why flying different planes makes you better.In this episode:🎉 THE THADEN INVASION IS HAPPENING: March 13-15, 2026 at VBT, Bentonville, Arkansas!Why Bentonville rocks: Frank Lloyd Wright house, Crystal Bridges Museum (free!), mountain biking capital, Fly Oz backcountry destinations, and Flying Magazine's "Coolest Airport in the Country"Ben's twin curse continues: "I warned this flight school of my curse and they still accepted me" - switching to BE-55 BaronJekyll Island adventure with red bug rentals and son EvanGovernment shutdown reality: How to fly safely when ATC can't take VFR requests and controllers are on skeleton crewsTed's "It's Always Fuel" crisis: "This wing is either full or empty. There's no level in it. I have no confidence that I have fuel at this point."Chinese lantern with actual flame floating past Ted's wing at night: "I can hear the FAA: 'So how did your wing catch on fire?'"The Hacienda Cherokee: Still out there, still getting refueled mid-air, still haunting Ben's flightsSafety talk that actually matters:Ben's wisdom: "See and avoid is ALWAYS our responsibility - 50 hours or 5,000 hours, period"Monitor approach frequencies even when not on flight followingKnow arrival/departure corridors at major airports"Keep your eyes outside and don't get lazy. Don't start playing on your phone."Ben's Cherokee stalker story: Same plane intersected his course twice in one dayWeather nerdery from Erica Gilbert:Ted's 30.48" altimeter after atmospheric river: "That is a HIGH number"Jet stream troughs create low pressure; ridges create high pressureHigh pressure = stable air, clear skies, but poor visibility from trapped pollutionListener feedback gold:Chris H: Why flying multiple planes makes you better - "I became too comfortable flying just one plane and built bad habits"The value of clubs: 180-2, PA-28, and 172 access keeps you sharp and forces proper checklist usageFly-in essentials:One mile walk to brewery, one mile to downtown (Ben's proud of this planning)Grass strip + paved runway availableLive podcast recording somewhere in Bentonville (street corner? Hangar? Brewery? TBD!)Hotels, Airbnbs, mountain biking, art museums, and aviation - something for everyoneBrian: "Ben has rented us a giant complex with what seems like a slaughterhouse in the back, but I'm sure it's fine"Mentioned on the Show:Legends Air Center - FBO at Thaden Field - Your Bentonville basecampFly Oz - Thaden Field - Backcountry flying destinationsVBT Pilot Briefing - Everything you need to knowFlying Magazine - The Coolest Airport in the Country - VBT featureCrystal Bridges Museum - Free American art museum in canyon parkBE55 - Beechcraft Baron 55 - Ben's new twin48A - Cochran Airport, Georgia - Picked up Evan here09J - Jekyll Island Airport, Georgia - Red bug rentals!Hacienda - The 64-Day Flight - Still flyingSheppard Air - Brian's IFR written redemptionGilbert Aviation IFR Course - Keeping Brian saneNOAA - What Is the Jet Stream? - Erica's explanationCheckmate Aviation - The best checklists (Chris H approved)LGE Flying Club, Georgia - Multi-plane accessSupport the Show:Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - Discord, exclusive content, checkride debriefsMidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch, feedback, stickers for reviews!New Patreon Members: Andy & Babs, Sierra Tango, Patrick L, Michael R, Michael W - Welcome aboard!

("One Fifty Two") Ted celebrates Mosaic Day by breaking free from the "walled garden" of light sport aviation and "soloing" both a purple lightning-bolt Cessna 152 and a 172. As our friend Dominic eloquently writes, sport pilots are now "loose upon the natural wilds of general aviation," discovering that some planes "require you to hold the yoke one-third to the right just to fly straight and level. It's a feature." Ted's conclusion: "I buttered almost every landing...they're so easy to land compared to the egg." The bad news? He keeps forgetting carb heat exists.Ben logs his "maybe second best landing ever" (wife-verified!) at the Gainesville fly-in and surprises her with a short field takeoff. Brian gets Nashville Approach's fastest "stay outta the Class Charlie" dismissal ever, attends a stellar Commemorative Air Force hangar dance, and reminds us that filing IFR doesn't guarantee instant gratification when controllers are slammed.The crew tackles listener feedback from newly-minted MOSAIC pilots navigating "airframe chaos" (G1000s, steam gauges, and seats "smushed flat" so you "can hardly see over the firewall"), motion sickness solutions featuring Chick-fil-A minis and relief bands, and why even Bob Hoover dealt with air sickness. Plus community shoutouts including a 60-year-old nailing his commercial checkride with a power-off 180 in 15-gusting-25, and Xyla Foxlin getting her plane back after losing her medical.Mentioned on the show:ABY - Albany Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/ABYGVL - Gainesville Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/GVLFlySto: https://www.flysto.net/homeM93 Southernaire: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M93M54 Lebanon Tenn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M54Ted's "soloing a 150" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmXyFeK09ngCheckmate Aviation: https://www.checkmateaviation.com/myaeroglass: https://www.myaeroglass.com/Xyla Foxlin lost her medical: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj0H8oVS7qgXyla got her plane back!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu-T7P3o6tUJoin the Midlife Pilot Podcast community, support the show on Patreon, and get merch at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

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 dreamMotion sickness reality check: "Habituation remains the most effective non-pharmacological method" - it gets better with timeThe secret: "I get motion sickness when the CFI has the controls, but when I have the controls, I don't" - your stomach needs warningFinding the right CFI as a midlifer: Why assertiveness levels matter and how to take control of your own trainingTraining schedules for busy adults: "Plan on one getting canceled every week" - fly 2-3 times weeklyBen's perfect weekend: Multi-engine training, fly fishing, charity golf tournament (came in 2nd!), and 28th anniversaryTed's first Special VFR: "Turn out whichever way you want" - getting the entire Delta to yourselfBrian 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 pizzasGreat 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 sandwichBen'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:8A1 - Guntersville Municipal Airport, Alabama - Seaplane baseVBT - Bentonville Municipal Airport - Proposed fly-in locationAR05 - Harris Field, Combs, Arkansas - 2,500' grass stripPDK - DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, AtlantaWDR - Barrow County Airport, Winder, GAXNA - Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport - Commercial airport near BentonvilleFly Oz - Backcountry flying experiences in BentonvilleGilbert Aviation - Erica Gilbert's IFR ground schoolSupport the Show:Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - Discord access & exclusive content including checkride debriefsMidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch, feedback, and all things MLPLeave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comyoutube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast - Live Mondays 8PM ET10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking effortsClosing 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

Episode 150! Ben has a hilarious ATC mix-up flying into Nashville at night ("The other controller told me it was two zero...I could hear him laughing in the background"), Ted gets stuck at an abandoned airport for five hours, and the crew dives deep into avionics upgrades. From hoarding Garmin 430s like Beanie Babies to debating engine monitors, this is real talk about the joys (and financial pains) of panel upgrades.In this episode:Ben's ATC comedy: vectored past his approach, realizes the airport is right there at 4,000 feet, and reveals his identity: "Is this Sierra Whiskey? It's Bravo Sierra from your second favorite podcast"Music City STOL recap: Brian gets his second SNJ ride with the CAF, they meet community members, and discuss rookie class plansTed's five-hour weather delay: "Nobody locks sliding doors properly" - breaking into an abandoned clubhouse to wait out IMCAvionics deep dive: Discord's best conversations about GPS upgrades, dual G5s, engine monitors, and managing limited budgets"The 430 is that friend who peaked in high school" - why these units are hoarded and what your options areDo you really want to know THAT much about your engine? The pros and cons of digital engine monitoringWhy partnerships make upgrades harder: "Convince your partners to spend $12,000 and the plane will be the exact same afterward"Listener feedback: Louis R. makes the case for getting Mike Busch on the podcast.Mentioned on the Show:Music City STOL - XNX Gallatin, TNXNX - Music City Executive Airport9er Systems - Pete's CardinalEP134 with Dev Cannon about the CAFPiperzilla - Ultimate STOL Cherokee 180"Lost Prop Sonex Guy" - Cheapest instrument setupAvidyne IFD440 - Drop-in replacement for Garmin 4301dullgeek on Ask the A&Ps Episode 51AVEMCO on MOSAIC InsuranceSarasota Avionics - Pricing resourcePacific Coast Avionics - Pricing resourceSavvy Aviation - Mike Busch's resourcesFAA Part 61.129 - IFR requirementsSupport the Show:Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - Discord access & exclusive contentMidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch & feedbackyoutube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast - Live Mondays 8PM ET10% supports Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts

It's Information Whiskey time - the crew's monthly no-format format where they "chew the fat" and see what happens. Brian accidentally became a Cherokee salesman at an air show ("I turn around, there's basically a queue forming"), Ben's on a night-flying mission to 1,500 hours, and Ted's been landing on Oregon beaches and flying 4,000 feet in ground effect. The guys also get serious about planning the Spring 2026 fly-in.In this episode:Brian's weekend: Muscle Shoals barbecue diplomacy ("if you come back with barbecue sandwiches and hot dogs...that goes a long way"), becoming an unwitting static display, and escaping a TFR with one minute to spareThe accidental GA ambassador: helping kids sit in the plane until "I realized this is not good"Ben's race to 100 hours of night time: "Turn on your lights. If you don't like it, turn your lights back off"Ted gives midlife eagle flights, lands at Boeing Field, and masters the art of the 4,000-foot ground effect taxiRyan K's thoughtful case for returning to Tango 82 for the spring fly-inFlying wisdom:"Night IFR is one of the best arguments for a parachute system""Learning to fly: horizon is steady, but your confidence isn't"On night engine failures: "Choose a place to land, turn on your lights. If you don't like it, turn your lights back off"Important announcement: If you have fly-in location suggestions, send them NOW. Brian's sounding the alarm.Mentioned on the Show:Bunyan's Barbecue - Muscle Shoals, AL (MSL)Luke's Landing: Flying to the Best Hot Dog - Luke's video about Bunyan's2I0 Madisonville Airport - Wings Over Western Kentucky locationWings Over Western Kentucky Air ShowMusic City STOL - Oct 10-11, XNX Gallatin, TNT82 - Gillespie County Airport - Fredericksburg, TXHangar Hotel at T82 - Previous fly-in locationKentucky Lake/Lake Cumberland Regional Airport - Potential fly-in location2I3 Rough River Airport - Kentucky fly-in optionBlue Grass Airport (LEX) - Lexington, Kentucky optionCali Beach (S16) - Oregon coast beach landing stripCheckMate Aviation - Barry's checklist company (1 year anniversary!)MyAeroGlass - Tim/Banjo Pilot's METAR displaysGilbert Aviation - Erica Gilbert's IFR trainingFAA Color Vision Testing Flowchart - Recent changes discussedFreedom Aviation Network - Anti-human trafficking effortsSupport the Show:Join the Patreon community for Discord access, exclusive content, and check ride debriefs: Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcastVisit MidlifePilotPodcast.com for merch, feedback, and discount codesURGENT: Send fly-in location suggestions to midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comLeave us a 5-star review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe and catch us live most Monday nights at 8 PM ET: youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts

Listener Chris C sparked this week's conversation with a thoughtful question about infrequent flying: "I have to think there's a whole class of pilots out there like me who just don't get up in the air very often... how I'll probably be camping on Mount Stupid for years at my current rate of flying." The crew dives deep into proficiency, imposter syndrome, and why flying once a month doesn't make you any less of a pilot.In this episode:Chris C's honest take on being an infrequent flyer and what it means for skills, risk assessment, and confidenceBrian's insight: "You're not somebody that's rusty. You're somebody that is consciously, willfully not flying a lot, but flying a little"Why "there are millions of people in this country that don't have a pilot license at all—so you're flying more than them"Ben confesses to his wrong-runway landing in Florida: "I turned all the blood left my face"Strut collapses, coyote wrangling, and why the instrument written is "just a hazing"Bonus wisdom: "VFR flying is like break dancing. IFR flying is like cotillion." Also: Don't write "oops, landed wrong runway" in your logbook.Thanks to Chris C for the episode inspiration and for reminding us that thoughtful, safety-conscious flying matters way more than your Hobbs meter.Mentioned on the Show:List of Class B airports - WikipediaList of Class C airports with traffic volume - WikipediaSheppard Air - Written test prepTriple Tree Fly-In - Sep 22-28, SC00 Spartanburg, SCMusic City STOL - Oct 10-11, XNX Gallatin, TNSwift National Fly-In - Oct 1-5, MMI Athens, TNCheckMate Aviation - Barry's aviation businessThe in person (online) guided IFR course Brian is taking is from our friend of the show CFII Erica Gilbert, and you can sign up here: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifrSupport the Show:Join the Patreon community for Discord access, exclusive content, and check ride debriefs: Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcastVisit MidlifePilotPodcast.com for merch, feedback, and all things Midlife Pilot PodcastLeave us a 5-star reviewSubscribe and catch us live most Monday nights at 8 PM ET on YouTube: youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking effortswww.freedomaviationnetwork.org

The crew tackles the midlife aviation dilemma: wanting that next rating but lacking time for full commitment. The hosts share Brian's "Trip Fall Succeed method" - making progress through small steps instead of diving headfirst into training.Ben returns from Europe unable to eat American pasta again and explains how multi-engine training feels like "standing in front of a cliff" until it becomes "a little bit of a slope." His dedication includes yoga training just to reach emergency gear handles: "I'm surprised I haven't thrown my back out yet."Brian shares his instrument training breakthrough on flying holds: "just draw the heading inbound to the fix and make the least insane turn" - apparently the secret nobody teaches. Ted discovers rental planes lack coffee makers while relearning carburetor heat exists.The key message: you don't need full commitment to make progress. "Point yourself in that direction and start chipping away" through reading, finding safety pilots, or just "planting seedlings of learning" in your brain during downtime.As friend of the show ATP CFII Nathan Ballard proves: "It took me 27 years to go from commercial to CFI. We are all on our own pace."Plus the debut of Midlife Pilot Confessional featuring anonymous "avionics errors.""Steam gauges because sometimes your best friend is a needle with a twitch."Mentioned on the show:* Moontown Airport Alabama: https://www.moontownairport.com/* CFII Ben Lehman, Drift Aviation: https://www.driftaviation.com/* Sandwich Illinois private airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/IS65* The Dunning-Kreuger effect: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect* Ted's Alvord Desert video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKIK0CiVnrM* CNI Cherokee County, Canton Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CNI * Triple Tree fly-in, Sep 22-28, SC00 Spartanburg, SC: https://tta.aero/ttfi/* Music City STOL, Oct 10-11, XNX Gallatin Tenn: https://nationalstol.com/musiccity/* Swift fly-in, Oct 1-5, MMI Athens Tenn: https://swiftmuseumfoundation.org/2025-swift-national-fly-in-october-1st-5th-preregistration-form/* Atlanta Mayors' 5k on an ATL runway: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/GA/CollegePark/Mayors5Konthe5thRunway* Atlanta airport cemetery (on the runway): https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/flat-rock-and-hart-cemeteries* Erica's IFR ground school class: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr* dwhonan's aviation photography: https://www.instagram.com/dwhonan/Join the Midlife Pilot Podcast community, get merch, and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

1DullGeek takes the hot seat to defend his controversial lean-of-peak flying technique that left Brian "smiling and nodding while trying to keep up." Using full throttle and mixture control for power management breaks more than just Lord Alpha Juliet's brain - it challenges decades of conventional wisdom. The crew dives deep into the psychology of finding and keeping good A&Ps, from owner-assisted annuals to the art of setting ground rules before work begins. Ted shares desert camping adventures complete with ground effect experimentation, Brian celebrates his first successful tailwheel flight review, and everyone agrees that partnerships come with built-in mechanics (the real MVP move).Mentioned on the show:* EP100 in West Virginia with OG Chris: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/remembering-episode-100-a-very-special-non-event* Mike Busch, Time and Materials: https://www.savvyaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Savvy_2023-12_time-and-materials.pdf* Ask the A&Ps: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/podcasts/podcasts/ask-the-a-and-ps* Savvy Aviation: https://www.savvyaviation.com/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.

Episode 145 brings you "information whiskey" - the crew's loose, conversational format where they step back from their "really tightly wound formatted structure" to catch up on life, flying, and everything in between.Ben confesses to being a "plane jinx" after his multi-engine training gets derailed by yet another 100-hour inspection, while Brian plans an epic desert trip from Nashville to New Orleans to Marfa because "if I don't have something on the horizon to look forward to, I'm just a shell of a human being." Ted shares his Palouse flying video and recalls his motorcycling adventures from "above the Arctic circle" to "below the equator."The highlight of the episode is Brian's glowing review of Wendell Geek's masterful Fisk arrival video, calling it "the first thing I've seen where it actually made me want to fly Fisk" and praising its non-linear storytelling approach. Mark reveals he accidentally rendered over his original footage and had to rebuild the entire video from scratch.The conversation meanders through STOL competitions ("if I had your plane, I would be doing that"), insurance implications of MOSAIC rules, and the crew's ongoing battle with aging aircraft and cars. Ben gets his thrills with a massive forward slip through Atlanta's Delta airspace, while Brian contemplates whether anyone wants to rebuild a 4AGE motor in a 1985 Toyota MR2.As Ted notes about midlife priorities: "We chose this not because it was easy, but because we thought it was easy" - the same mindset that drives both flying and life decisions at this stage.Ben's wisdom: "Cleared for the approach means it's time to make math panic look graceful."Mentioned on the show:Music City STOL: https://nationalstol.com/musiccity/XNX - Music City Executive Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KXNXPiperzilla: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1418719012179295Ted's "Palouse Is My Happy Place" vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhD9hx-XvIITailwheel CFI Ben: https://www.instagram.com/flyyywithben/RYY - Cobb County: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KRYYMGE - Dobbins ARB: https://www.airnav.com/airport/kmgeMark/1dullgeek's Oshkosh arrival vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIWmgdiTDj8Ted's Oshkosh arrival vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91smAolmRpICheckride debriefs and Killing Zone Konversationz: https://www.patreon.com/collection/1238009Midlife Pilot Podcast: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MidlifePilotPodcastPatreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcastFreedom Aviation Network: https://freedomaviation.network/

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:Tailwheel CFI Ben Lehman, Drift Aviation: https://www.driftaviation.com/XNX, Music City Executive Airport: https://www.musiccityexecutiveairport.com/skywatch.ai, renters insurance on a daily basis: https://www.skywatch.ai/aircraft-renters-insuranceTransair Flight 810, getting the failed engine wrong and landing in the ocean near Hawaii: https://apnews.com/article/plane-ditches-ocean-hawaii-7ec8d9d33b42ec6b7cefe0ea94aa74b7Ted's video, sunset burger flight up the columbia river gorge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8o4es8puSAMark's video, Climbing Thru a Thin Broken Layer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxxULQhMZ5ECanard Boulevard: Mosaic: The Huge Gift from the FAA for Experimental Owners That Nobody Is Talking About: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS9GY_9-t6cMoonies, aka Unification Church: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_ChurchGhost Dog: The Way of the Samurai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Dog:_The_Way_of_the_SamuraiAng Patriot: https://veloceplanes.com/ang/Porto Risen: https://www.flyrisen.com/TL Sparker: https://tlsportaircraft.com/sparker/Sling TSi: https://slingaircraft.com/aircraft/sling-tsi/Erin & Paul's airplane build: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB6X4IZVEXoAviation101 Sling build: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8_QRqLhUq0&list=PLZUuXpwtz5yDL3fELSX72zGl6IaTL7usESupport 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:Erica/Aerosafe IFR course: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifrMOCA, OROCA: https://www.flight-insight.com/post/mea-moca-oroca-ifr-altitudes-explainedForeflight expected routes: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/360054089634-What-are-Expected-Routes-in-ForeFlightSheppard Air- test prep software: https://www.sheppardair.com/Garmin G5: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/570665/Garmin GI275: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/719027/CCO - Newnan-Coweta County Airport: https://www.coweta.ga.us/departments-services/departments-a-e/airportMidlife Pilot Podcast: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MidlifePilotPodcastPatreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcastDiscord Community (join via website)Freedom Aviation Network: https://freedomaviationnetwork.org

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:Ted on VASAviation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-prIctcva4The Alameda-Weehawken Burrito Tunnel: https://idlewords.com/2007/04/the_alameda_weehawken_burrito_tunnel.htmVideo discussing the tunnel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGGa9drcClIFord's "Model T Moment": https://www.jalopnik.com/1936674/ford-next-model-t-mid-size-ev-truck/Spirit SE-1 airplane: https://spiriteng.com/se-1-aircraft/The Office, "I Declare Bankruptcy": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-m3RtoguAQ#t=65sFAA's Mental Health rule recommendations: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/april/03/faa-publishes-mental-health-recommendationsFAA's "arbitary and capricious" antidepresasnt court case: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/03/court-rules-faa-antidepressant-denial-arbitraryCommunity Updates:William S. - Solo at 16, back flying after 37 years with BFRPatreon survey insights on returning pilotsDiscussion on 25-year gap pilots returning to aviationKey MOSAIC Takeaways:Private pilots can exercise sport pilot privileges by simply letting medical/BasicMed expireSport pilots can now fly larger, more capable aircraftExperimental manufacturers can now build completed aircraft, not just kitsPotential for more affordable avionics and equipment optionsTraining schools may benefit from electric aircraft and more durable LSAsSport Pilot limitations: No night flying, no IFR, two seats maximum in useConnect With Us:Live Show: Monday nights, 8 PM Eastern on YouTubeEmail: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcastDisclaimer: 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:Erica Gilbert's IFR course: https://gilbertaviation.com/Ted's youtube video, "serene mountain flying": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fabgHCyHI81dullgeek's youtube video, "Hand Flying in IMC": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBTlpl8kehoMyAeroGlass: https://www.myaeroglass.com/Ben's youtube video, "Pushing the envelope": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9cvl1LJV1YThe Flow state: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)Kenny G on SocialFlight, "The Jazz of Seaplane Flying with Kenny G": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzJ4g1hVftwCommunity shoutouts: New Patreon supporters Anthony C, Jeff S, Justin GMidlife Pilot Podcast:Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcastWatch Live on YouTube - Mondays 8PM EasternEmail: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comDiscord Community (via Patreon)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 FamilyMIDLIFE 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:Why sport pilots can now fly Ben's Cessna 182 "Beast" (and thousands of other aircraft)How the 1,320-pound weight limit disappeared and what replaced itThe maintenance revolution that lets experimental aircraft owners perform their own inspections with just 16 hours of trainingWhat this means for flight training costs and aircraft availabilityHow manufacturers like Van's and Sling are ready to start building completed aircraft instead of just kitsThe hilarious story of how the official FAA announcement got the details completely wrongDisclaimer: 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_AirportBeechcraft Duchess BE76: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_DuchessDeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeKalb%E2%80%93Peachtree_AirportPiper Comanche: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_PA-24_ComancheOfficial MOSAIC Resources:MOSAIC Final Rule (FAA): https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2023-1377-1381FAA Official Announcement: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-announces-improvements-recreational-aviationEAA MOSAIC Information: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/advocacy/top-issues/mosaic-aircraft-certificateEAA "MOSAIC Is Done!" Article: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/2025-07-22-mosaic-is-doneIndustry 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-dramaticallyKitplanes 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-rulePiper Flyer MOSAIC Forum Discussion: https://piperflyer.com/forum/unicom/1219-breaking-news-mosaic-final-rule-and-your-piper.htmlTraining & 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.comEmail: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comPatreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastYouTube 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 APG 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/@NathanBallardSaferFlyingMidlife Pilot Podcast:Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastEmail: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comMerch: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merchOrganizations & Resources:NAFI (National Association of Flight Instructors): https://nafinet.org EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association): https://www.eaa.orgCivil Air Patrol: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.comAOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association): https://www.aopa.orgFreedom Aviation Network: https://freedomaviationnetwork.orgFlight Planning & Apps:ForeFlight: https://foreflight.comGarmin Pilot: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/115856Aircraft Manufacturers:Flight Design (CTLS): https://flightdesignusa.comPiper Aircraft (Dakota): https://www.piper.comEvents:EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: https://www.eaa.org/airventureAirports Mentioned:Peachtree DeKalb (PDK): https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/airportsJohn Tune Airport (JWN): https://www.flynashville.com/john-c-tune-airport

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.phpLinks:Midlife Pilot Podcast: https://midlifepilotpodcast.comMerch & More: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merchSupport on Patreon: https://patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastOG Chris Moran's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@midlifepilot

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:George Carlin on GolfSSI - St. Simons Island AirportEVV - Evansville Indiana AirportSpiders on LSD StudyDwight, Michael, Sorry I Annoyed You With My FriendshipLuke Air Force BaseOsan Air Base, KoreaCarl Valeri - Expert AviatorStuck Mic AvcastCAF Music City's T-6Operation Airdrop for Texas Flood ReliefMidlife Pilot Podcast:WebsitePatreon CommunityWatch Live on YouTube - Mondays 8PM EasternEmail: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comDiscord CommunitySpecial Mention:Oshkosh Discussion with ATC Controller - July 9th, 9PM for Patreon membersAdditional Resources:FAA Career InformationAOPA Career CenterAviation Career 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's 4-Week Aviation Weather CourseSISKIND - Flying With Ghosts - Fairchild PT-19 Flight - Miss CorneliaHeat Exhaustion - Mayo ClinicHeatstroke - Mayo ClinicOSHA - Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat EnvironmentsDelta Airlines Inspects 100 Aircraft for Hail DamageATC Zero - IFR MagazineErica Gilbert / Gilbert Aviation:Gilbert Aviation - InstagramGilbert Aviation - TikTokAeroSafe Newsletter SignupAeroSafe on YouTubeMidlife Pilot Podcast:WebsitePatreon CommunityWatch Live on YouTube - Mondays 8PM EasternEmail: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comDiscord CommunityAdditional Resources:FAA Density Altitude InformationAOPA Heat Stress and FlyingAviation Weather Center

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:Ted's video about tire travails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VsDs_ZVDEQ8A1 - Guntersville Alabama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guntersville_Municipal_AirportHomecoming & Company, Guntersville Alabama: https://homecomingandco.com/airportcrewcars- Alabama: https://airportcourtesycars.com/alabama/Savannah Georgia airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannah/Hilton_Head_International_AirportThe Rehearsal, Vulture interview that discusses Killing Zone: https://archive.ph/Ft43GM54 - Lebanon Airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon_Municipal_Airport_(Tennessee)Commemorative Air Force Music City Wing: https://www.cafmusiccity.org/Fairchild PT-19: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_PT-19CAF Music City's PT-19: https://www.commemorativeairforce.org/aircraft/196Who was Cornelia Fort? https://commemorativeairforce.org/news/cornelia-fort-a-legacy-of-courage-takes-flightSNJ4 (Navy T-6): https://commemorativeairforce.org/aircraft/85CAF Peachtree City: https://airbasegeorgia.org/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.comConnect with us:Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.comEmail: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comWatch live: Mondays 8PM Eastern on YouTubeDiscord: Join through our website www.midlifepilotpodcast.comA portion of proceeds supports Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts.