Midlife Pilot Podcast

51
Aviation #29

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.

Recent Episodes
  • EP126 - Information Whiskey: "Like Oregon Trail Without Dysentery"
    Apr 29, 2025 – 00:56:08
  • EP125 - "What Am I Doing?": Extinguishing Helmet Fires Before They Consume You
    Apr 22, 2025 – 01:04:59
  • EP124 - Parking: The Episode That Goes Nowhere
    Apr 15, 2025 – 00:57:29
  • EP123 - The Answer to All Solutions: Level Seven Hangar Living
    Apr 8, 2025 – 01:03:41
  • EP122 - "I Plan My Stops Around Food" and IFR Training: CFII Erica Gilbert
    Apr 1, 2025 – 01:04:36
  • EP121 - Information Whiskey: Between Patience and Numbness
    Mar 25, 2025 – 01:03:48
  • EP120 - Descending from Mount Stupid: with Paul Craig
    Mar 18, 2025 – 01:04:17
  • EP119 - The Cockpit Lies, Data Doesn't: Flysto Debrief
    Mar 11, 2025 – 00:54:42
  • EP118 - All Aboard the Pain Train: The Trials of Aircraft Ownership
    Mar 4, 2025 – 00:49:21
  • EP117 - Park Bench vs. Swing Set: The High Wing-Low Wing Showdown
    Feb 25, 2025 – 00:52:21
  • EP116 - Got Lazy, Not Rusty: Navigating Pattern Entries
    Feb 18, 2025 – 01:02:48
  • EP115 - The $200 Time Machine: Flying GA For Business
    Feb 11, 2025 – 00:54:23
  • EP114 - "This is a Checklist, Not a Do List" - Hustle and Flow(s)
    Feb 4, 2025 – 01:03:08
  • EP113 - Information Whiskey: Very Plane Shaped, That's As Far As It Goes
    Jan 28, 2025 – 00:51:59
  • EP112 - 'Just Doing a Bombing Run Here We Go': Master CFI Nathan Ballard's Military Adventure
    Jan 21, 2025 – 01:03:14
  • EP111 - It's ALWAYS Fuel (and Never for Skywriting)
    Jan 14, 2025 – 01:04:57
  • EP110 - An Appy Hour Special
    Jan 7, 2025 – 01:03:07
  • EP109 - Information Whiskey: Dented Wings and Announcing Big Texas Send 2025!
    Dec 30, 2024 – 01:02:17
  • EP108 - Trip, Fall, Succeed : When Bad Judgment Makes Good Stories
    Dec 23, 2024 – 00:51:40
  • EP107 - Overcoming Perfectionism: Sexy Indifference for Mediocre Pilots
    Dec 17, 2024 – 00:56:03
  • EP106 - From Dawn Patrol to Jumping Fences: Multi-Day Flying Tips
    Dec 10, 2024 – 01:00:00
  • EP105 - Information Whiskey: Fly in planning, dad hats, saggy flaps
    Dec 3, 2024 – 01:02:37
  • EP104 - Flying With Strangers From the Internet: Vetting Co-Pilots
    Nov 26, 2024 – 00:59:56
  • EP103 - Finding Flight Time: If You're Not Lying to Yourself, You're Not Flying
    Nov 19, 2024 – 01:01:11
  • EP102 - Cheaper Fuel is Cheaper: Flying on a Budget
    Nov 12, 2024 – 00:58:26
  • EP101 - Information Whiskey: ATC Mumbling, Mountains & Mediocrity
    Nov 5, 2024 – 00:57:27
  • EP100 - A Very Special Non-Event - Live from Fairmont Airport!
    Oct 30, 2024 – 01:05:22
  • EP99 - 100 Hours of Questionable Decisions
    Oct 25, 2024 – 01:05:21
  • EP98 - Embracing the Plateau, and Naptime
    Oct 22, 2024 – 00:59:02
  • EP97 - A Little Stitious: Hula Girls, Lucky Socks, and Cockpit Voodoo
    Oct 15, 2024 – 00:52:35
  • EP96 - With You or Without You - Pet Peeves
    Oct 8, 2024 – 00:57:37
  • EP95 - Information Whiskey: Marbles in Mouths, Mitsubishi Misery, Malibu Miracles, and More
    Oct 1, 2024 – 00:55:38
  • EP94 - Beyond the $100 Hamburger, no fence jumping
    Sep 24, 2024 – 00:58:18
  • EP93 - Travels, checklists, flows, and did he call Ted Mark?
    Sep 18, 2024 – 01:02:13
  • EP92 - Short memories and embracing the suck
    Sep 10, 2024 – 00:46:04
  • EP91 - From Impostor to Aviator: 10 Tips for New Pilots
    Sep 3, 2024 – 00:59:13
  • EP90 - Information Whiskey - NORDO in a Bravo, orcas diversion, cloud dancing
    Aug 27, 2024 – 01:03:12
  • EP89 - Aviation Mentors, the freshmakers of pilots
    Aug 20, 2024 – 00:59:19
  • EP88 - The Heat is On
    Aug 13, 2024 – 00:55:13
  • EP87 - Owning bad weather routing with ATC and AJ
    Aug 6, 2024 – 00:52:04
  • EP86 - Information Whiskey - Broken Things Happened
    Jul 31, 2024 – 01:00:44
  • EP85 - Hazardous Midlife Attitudes
    Jul 24, 2024 – 00:58:46
  • EP84 - Midlife radio tips with RH - reading the room
    Jul 17, 2024 – 01:04:48
  • EP83 - 100 Hours vs. 500 Hours - feral cats in the pattern
    Jul 10, 2024 – 00:59:32
  • EP82 - Flight Simulators and Jitters
    Jul 3, 2024 – 01:02:30
  • EP81 - Information Whiskey: broken hoses, hangar rant, and mailbox lasagna
    Jun 26, 2024 – 00:57:33
  • EP80 - Checkride Fails - a good thing?
    Jun 19, 2024 – 00:59:13
  • EP79 - Airplane Partnerships: the good, the bad, the ugly
    Jun 12, 2024 – 00:58:47
  • EP78 - OG Midlife Pilot - Carb Ice Anxiety and the Joy of Not Flying
    Jun 5, 2024 – 00:59:36
  • EP77 - Before hour zero - Beginning in aviation before you can even begin
    May 29, 2024 – 00:53:52
Recent Reviews
  • DasRoo
    In good company
    As a mid life crisis pilot I feel like I have found some kindred spirits. So many aviation podcasts seem like contant training. Midlife pilot podcast shares the pilot lifestyle. Where are we flying? what is broken? What is going great! I look forward to every episode.
  • Cap’nTodd
    The World’s Only Podcast
    Not a metaphor. Not hyperbole. It’s a true fact. The kind you whisper in courtrooms. This is the world’s only podcast.
  • AK_Flyer
    Great podcast
    It’s part of my weekly ritual! Always relevant topics in which I learn, laugh, and love.
  • Hal6945
    My favorite pilots to listen to!
    Every episode is another great conversation I wish I was a part of. Keep up the great work guys! Heard episode 124 and had to get it off 99… whenever you check it again!
  • bgwilson
    A Must-Listen for Aviation Enthusiasts of all ages
    This podcast is a must listen for anyone passionate about aviation—seasoned pilots, aspiring aviators, or just people who get unreasonably excited when they hear a plane overhead. I look forward to new episodes on my drive to work every week when I’m wishing I was in the air rather than stuck in traffic! Thank you Ben, Brian, and Ted for making my commute feel like a holding pattern I actually enjoy!
  • Nitrag
    WonHundo
    Great for aspiring pilots too!
  • Dev Cannon
    Come for the planes, stay for the people
    This is a great way to spend an hour a week listening to a group talk through general aviation and how they apply it. But, if that’s all you do with this podcast, you are only getting 10% of the value. The community they have built is the real benefit. Joining to participate or just lurk in the Discord opens up conversations about flight planning, training, and all the things that you would normally have to be in a hangar to participate in. You know you have built a great community in aviation when people come for the planes and stay for the people. Listen to the show, but if you join the community you will see what I mean.
  • peter.tarantelli
    A must-listen for mid-life pilots!
    Non-pilot here but aviation lover for my entire life. Got here from another aviation podcast and have been hooked ever since. Ben, Brian and Ted talk all things mid-life pilot related and, trust me, the whole “mid-life thing” is a real thing in so many ways. New topics on this weekly podcast keep things fresh and listeners can enjoy a great support group on their discord server. Subscribe and catch the live show to get the full experience!
  • El Aviador Ruiz
    Midlifer who can connect with everything they talk about
    I didn’t think a podcast specific to an age group of pilots would make much sense. But all of these topics are so relevant to a pilot like me at this stage of life. Love them!!
  • Jimbo79567
    Outstanding Podcast and Community
    The guys at Midlife Pilot have created a great podcast and community for all of us midlife aviators. Their episodes and topics are relevant, engaging, and entertaining. The addition of a live recording every week and community members in the chat make this podcast a truly interactive experience. You've built something truly special.
  • Lima Romeo from Cowboy Bravo
    Midlife Aviation Gold
    If you are a midlife pilot, midlife student pilot, or any flavor of midlife aviation enthusiast, this podcast must be in your rotation. I’ve been listening for two years, and for me the MLPP is officially in the top tier of aviation podcasts. I am a voracious consumer of high quality aviation content, either online or in podcast form. Over the past two years I have seen Ben, Brian and Ted elevate their game, one episode at a time. Each episode has been thoughtfully planned and well-executed. The hosts have a wide range of aviation experience / ratings, which helps each episode be relevant to a wide range of listeners. The loyal listener base has an even wider range of experience and includes CFIs, CFIIs and air traffic controllers. The hosts expertly involve their listener base to enhance each episode of the podcast. For me, this podcast is second only to Opposing Bases.
  • KB5422
    Student Sport Pilot
    Was looking for an aviation podcast and this is the only one I’ve found I like so far! Guys have good personalities there’s and good mix of information and social interactions. Thanks guys I enjoy the show!
  • Craig 909
    As Advertised
    I listen to several different aviation podcasts, but this is the first one I paid for. They deliver just as promised in the about paragraph, but somehow better. Well done guys, keep it up!
  • Nrgmgmt
    Finally going to finish
    I have enjoyed your show for the past 6 months or so. I've been catching up on all the episodes while driving, especially since it beats what is on the radio. So I want you all to know that it has been your encouragement and moral support that I am going to go back and start trying again. I grew up with stories from my dad about wanting to compete his private license. He worked at Cessna in Wichita and later at Strother Field (KWLD). But I came along and 2 years later so did my brother. Cessna closed the Strother Field plant and dad was working swing shift at a refinery and running his own business to boot. Flying was always a wonder to me and a curosity and took my first flight at the age of 26. I then quickly learned I could not afford the lessons and stopped just after completing ground school. In 1999 I moved to Florida and got enrolled in a flight school right before 9/11. That tragedy along with losing my job with the aftermath killed that dream. Fast forward to 2014 and it was the same story, but with a family involved this time and my own kids that were into competition cheer, scouting, and 4-H all while running a couple businesses, time became the factor and I stopped again. So, it probably sounds like I am a quitter, but I am proud to say that my son just complete his private pilot certificate on 7/25/24. And has decided to become a professional pilot. My son took his first “passenger” up and it was my brother, then me and finally he took my wife (after much convincing as she hears the podcasts as well and worries about all the planes and what can happen). So I hired a CFI and start all over once again. This time to completion, and I owe this renewal of strength to you all. The fire has been reignited and I truly enjoy your show, encouragement, and banter. Thanks for taking time to put this podcast together and share it with the world.
  • tland55
    Great Podcast
    As a mid life private pilot myself. I really enjoy the content as it relates to us, salt and pepper pilots. Topics are relevant and the information is on point. Really enjoying catching up on previous episodes. Keep up the great work aviators.
  • BanjoPilot
    My flying buddies
    As someone who took to the skies a bit later in life, I can’t say enough about the Midlife Pilot Podcast. Ben, Ted, and Brian have crafted an incredibly fun and supportive community for those of us who decided to chase our aviation dreams a little later. Before discovering them, the journey to becoming a pilot was a lonely endeavor, filled with people who were tired of hearing me talk about airplanes. But these guys? They’re like the trusty copilots you never knew you needed! Episodes are packed with practical tips, hilarious anecdotes, and tons of encouragement. They’ve made the whole process of learning to fly feel like an adventure shared with friends. The laughs, the stories, and the genuine support have been game-changers for me. Honestly, without them, I’m not sure I would have made it all the way to my checkride. If you’re a midlife dreamer with your head in the clouds, this podcast is your ticket to the cockpit. Thanks, Ben, Ted, and Brian, for making this wild ride so much fun!
  • Pastafaz
    Unique
    Great show guys - ty
  • Barely a Pilot
    A Must-Have Training Companion
    It has taken me far too long to leave this review. I have been flying for a year and midlife pilot has been with me every step of the way. As soon as I started flight school, I began looking for content to help me in my training. I tried various aviation podcasts but I felt overwhelmed by most of them. The Midlife Pilot Podcast was essential for helping me feel like I wasn't alone in my struggles to learn to fly. The community on Discord and Youtube improves upon this by providing a place to share experiences that helped me realize that I wasn't the only pilot that took FOREVER to get the hang of landings and also ephasizes the importance of being safe. While commercially geared pilots would also benefit from listening to this podcast, I think it stands out as an excellent resource for the everyday, flying-for-fun pilot.
  • golls17
    Midlife is What You Make It
    They tried to bribe me with stickers, but I already have some so this one is free! Hosts Ben, Brian, and Ted discuss the unique struggles and triumphs of flying in midlife, whatever midlife means to you. Regardless of your age, this show is a must listen for those hoping to fulfill their childhood dreams of flying, but didn’t start until later in life. Five stars, The Badger Pilot
  • NotKerryVEFoot
    Episode 60
    Probably the best episode thus far. I loved how Erica was breaking down the calculus of establishing and holding yourself accountable for minimums. I’d love to learn more from her! Thanks to all!
  • cccgould
    First pilot friend!
    I found this podcast a few months ago when I started really thinking about getting a PPL and even possibly career switching down the road. Having no background in aviation and no friends with PPLs, this podcast is a much needed friend that gives me guidance and encouragement in this journey. I just started taking lessons and am loving every minute of it! I am especially grateful for your episode about how to get started as it gave me the confidence to own my training and find a CFI that works for me. Thanks so much for being my first pilot friend!
  • November_Bravo
    A great podcast, now even better! Aviation from a fresh perspective!
    This take on aviation, from the standpoint of a midlife pilot, has always been one of my favorite perspectives, because so many of us can relate because we are right smack dab in the middle of that audience! I've always enjoyed the show, but the new format compelled me to write a review for the first time. The chemistry and camaraderie between Brian, Ben, and Ted is great beind the mics, and the community discussion surrounding the Midlife Pilot group provides engaging topics. Well done!
  • LostRogue
    Fun and Informative!
    I started taking flying lessons in the Fall of ‘22 at the age of 57. I stumbled across Chris Moran’s YouTube channel while looking for aviation content. That in turn led me to this podcast. It’s a 5 star pod to be sure. Chris and Brian bring excellent conversation to a group of mid (and later) life pilots sharing successes, challenges, views and opinions in a fun and entertaining way. Their guest speakers and listener produced episodes have been perfect. The community that has grown up around them is welcoming and friendly, and I’m happy to have become a member of that. I’ve never watched a podcast live until now…I join their live stream whenever I can. This podcast is well worth your time.
  • MoranInRealLife
    Fast favorite
    Been listening for about a month and this podcast has quickly become a favorite of mine! Love learning about my newest obsession from a couple of admitted amateurs. Really helping to de-mystify a lot about the process and show that not everyone is a born pro heading to an airline as fast as possible.
  • Dave_G77
    Thank you!!!
    Just have to say “THANK YOU!!” Haven’t flown in 20 years and you guys are making me feel comfortable jumping back into training at 46. Just found you guys last week so I’ve been binge watching/ listening between Apple and YouTube. Thanks for keeping it real, entertaining and funny. Never thought I would laugh at someone getting shunned for using Premiere Pro while watching an aviation channel. You guys rock.
  • chris goodwin pensacola
    Great show
    Hey y’all. I’m Chris from Pensacola. I love y’all’s show. I’m actually in the beginning stages of ppl training. I really enjoy listening. Y’all really keep me motivated.
  • The Cowboy Perspective
    Love the show!
    Keep up the great content!
  • element56
    Exploration Unlocked!
    Thanks to Chris and Brian for being such great inspiration. My path to Private pilot has been drawn out over 18 months and both Chris and Brian have been a joy to watch and hear along the way. 138 hours in two planes (rented 172 and my own 182) mechanical issues, weather, work, life and scheduling conflicts created delays and revectoring but I finally landed back at the home field, stowed the plane in the hangar and I am a newly minted pilot as of March 15th 2023. I have been recording a lot of my training and will be putting together some of the highlights and challenges. Thanks again!
  • Eyefly guy
    OMG GOOD STUFF!
    I’m now turning 65 and decided to work on getting my private pilots license…had my first lesson when I was 15!…put it away for my demanding career in medicine and returned to my roots…reliving my old dreams of becoming a pilot…these guys are great and right in the mark with all of the trials and tribulations that we go through when accepting this challenge with a “more mature” brain…I love it!
  • HP Cowboss
    Relevant , helpful and reassuring
    47 years old and working on my private pilot certificate I live in very rural America. This podcast is like having a couple buddies that you can listen to. That’s been there and done that.
  • deerspanish
    Invaluable info, great community
    This podcast is not only a terrific source of useful and important information for pilots. It’s also the meeting point of a community of pilots committed to getting better and having fun. When you start listening, get involved! Submit questions, comment during the livestreams, and come meet up with others in the group. I started following these guys as a student pilot last year. Now I’m instrument rated and flying family and friends around regularly. These guys helped me along the journey many times. Just recently some of us from all over the country were able to meet up and explore around Tennessee. What an adventure!
  • Av8ter KSSI
    Great Show!
    Whether you are an aviation nerd or not, this is a great show. You can watch live or as your typical podcast. I love that it’s not scripted and they start with a topic and let it ride from there. Feels like you’re in the room hanging out with them. Or maybe I just wish I was ;-)
  • Bsin339
    Over 40 and starting to fly? This is your podcast
    I subscribe to a lot of aviation podcasts. But this one is different in the best possible way. I got my private license at age 49 and the challenges are different for mid-lifers. Chris and Brian do an excellent job talking about starting up in aviation a little later in life. I connected with what they were saying from the first episode.
  • Fowler28379
    New Midlife Student Pilot
    I have latched on to this podcast and I’m all in. Even reached out to Brian for some one on one encouragement. I’m glad I did. Joined the live on YouTube tonight these two are very relatable. Looking forward to more content on commutes to work and hanging out on lives!
  • Myarmy2007
    Great journey
    These two are great! One host while the other does the technical work. Two pilots talking about their journey to PPL.
  • Slo Matt
    Young aviators - interesting and valuable!
    These old guys are still interesting for us young folks. Don’t let the name of the show dissuade you from giving them a listen. I’ve learned a ton from listening through their podcasts and have a lot of fun while listening as well. Give it a go, you’ll be impressed!
  • CheatToLose
    Great potential
    I thought I already subscribed to all the good aviation podcasts when I stumbled upon this. I’m a midlife pilot with about 200 hrs in the last couple years. These guys really resonated with me and, at least in the first episode I chose, did a great job of staying on topic and not drifting off on tangents like so many startup pods.
  • abgjtpxmei
    Just like me!
    Just found the podcast and loving it! I’m 37 and recently got my PPL (118hrs total as of now) with no further aspirations than recreation but may pursue the CFI as wrenching on cars breaks me down more. I can relate to so many experiences you’ve both discussed. Keep up the awesome work guys!
  • cigarlover68
    Great for student or low hour pilots!!
    Honest content from two low hour private pilots. Useful, applicable information provided in a fun relaxed presentation. You’ll always walk away from an episode with something helpful or encouraging.
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