by 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 spreading your wings in midlife.
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/21/2021
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April 15, 2025
<p>Join the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew as they tackle the surprisingly complex world of airport parking that flight schools never teach you. Between Brian's maintenance woes with Lucy, Ted's triumphant return of "the egg" from annual, and preparations for their upcoming Texas fly-in, the hosts share hilarious stories about confusing marshaling signals ("like dance move diagrams"), territorial tie-down spots, and why you should always keep "brakes off." As Ben perfectly summarizes: "The moment I get cocky and say I can fit in that spot... it's just a matter of time before I mess up." From diaper oil-change hacks to avoiding insurance adjusters' scrutiny, this episode proves that even the most mundane aspects of aviation can leave you both wiser and broke for a lifetime.</p><p><br></p><p>Mentioned on the show:</p><p>* Using a diaper for oil changes: https://vansairforce.net/threads/tip-changing-oil-with-a-diaper.123286/</p><p>* DNL - Daniel Field, Augusta, Georgia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Field</p><p>* 4S2 - Ken Jernstedt Airfield, Hood River, Oregon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Jernstedt_Airfield</p><p>* 1L8 - Gen. Dick Stout Field, Hurricane, Utah: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Municipal_Airport</p><p><br></p>
April 8, 2025
<p>In this episode, Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into the challenges of finding and maintaining hangar space, or not having one. From ratchet straps (BAD) and tornado warnings (ALSO BAD) to the joys of electricity and the sorrows of cold starts, the guys discuss how far they'd travel for a good hangar and why sometimes your plane becomes 'an outdoor pet.' Plus, updates on Ben's annual maintenance adventures and a reminder about the upcoming Big Texas Send meetup at T82.</p><p>Mentioned on the show:</p><p>* Big Texas Send: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/rsvpt82</p><p>* VPC - Cartersville Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/VPC</p><p>* Tyler S's personal minimums tool: https://personal-minimums.web.app/</p><p>* Example of Tyler's minimums: https://personal-minimums.web.app/profile/8DgOuxvxgxdfiZRpW2W8BMGUJO32</p><p>* SISKIND - Life is what happens to you... (the plane that flipped): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EejbxBWsfo</p><p>* Gust front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outflow_boundary</p><p>* Wind gradient: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_gradient</p><p>* Ted's ShockStrap tiedowns: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/shock13-20708.php</p><p>* Switcheon remote power switch: https://switcheon.com/product/switcheon_remote_power_switch/</p><p>* Zen and the art of Knolling: https://makezine.com/article/workshop/zen-and-the-art-of-knolling/</p><p><br></p>
April 1, 2025
<p>Join us for special guest Erica Gilbert, a CFII and TBM pilot who brings her expertise on cross-country planning and adult learning to the show. While Ben mourns his grounded "Beast" waiting on engine work, and Mark celebrates his impressive 693-nautical-mile nonstop flight in his upgraded Cherokee 235, Erica shares her refreshing approach to flight planning: "I plan my stops around food." The discussion reveals how midlife pilots bring unique strengths to aviation training—they're more motivated, committed, and arrive prepared despite memory challenges that come with age.</p><p>Erica breaks down her framework for learning complex aircraft systems into four simple parts (function, components, limitations/failures, and operation), offers weather briefing insights, and introduces her new IFR course designed to bridge the gap between online learning and practical application. The episode delivers aviation wisdom for pilots of all levels while tackling the question of how to maintain confidence as a newly certificated pilot.</p><p><br /></p><p>Mentioned on the show:</p><p>* Diamond DA40NG: https://www.diamondaircraft.com/en/private-owners/aircraft/da40/overview/</p><p>* Erica's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe/videos</p><p>* One of Erica's weather vids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BFXShZFVGs</p><p>* LEX Lexington Ky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LEX</p><p>* LOZ London Ky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LOZ</p><p>* Capitol Drive airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/02C</p><p>* UES Waukesha County Airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/WAU</p><p>* ERAU paper- Student Engagement in Aviation Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): https://commons.erau.edu/publication/2285/</p><p>* Beech Baron 55: https://www.aviationconsumer.com/used-aircraft-guide/beech-baron-55-2/</p><p>* Erica's IFR ground school begins Apr 15: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr</p><p>* Mark practicing PPL maneuvers after having his PPL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsb6YPyWCQk</p>
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