Midlife Pilot Podcast

You've watched our Patreon community members sit down with 1DullGeek after their checkrides and lay it all bare — the nerves, the near misses, the lessons learned the hard way. Private, instrument, commercial, glider, ATP. We've heard it all.
This week, one of us is in that chair.
Brian Siskind — your co-host, 800-hour VFR pilot, and the guy who just knocked out five FAA written exams in 32 days — just passed his instrument rating. Ben and Ted give him the questions 1DG usually asks, and the answers are honest. How did he handle the DPE systematically failing his instruments one by one? What happened when the WAAS dropped and he had to revert to LNAV minimums mid-approach? And why did the oral run longer than expected? Brian watched every single one of our community debriefs to prepare for this moment — and now it's his turn to answer the questions.
But the episode doesn't stop there. Jacqui, spouse of RV-10 pilot Ryan K, sent in the most honest and moving voice message we've ever received about what this aviation obsession actually looks like from the other side. And new member John W. — 57 years old, 0.9 hours, and a copy of The Killing Zone in hand — wrote in to say the community convinced him to finally stop watching from the sidelines and go all in.
This is exactly what this community is built for.
Mentioned on the show:
* Piper Apache: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_PA-23
* Louise Thaden: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Thaden
* Erica Gilbert's IFR course: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/ifr
* Gallatin/Music City Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/XNX
* Peachtree-Dekalb Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/PDK
* Lebanon Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M54
* Pilot's Cafe IFR study guide: https://www.pilotscafe.com/IFR-quick-review-guide/
* ASA Instrument Pilot Oral Exam Guide: https://asa2fly.com/instrument-pilot-oral-exam-guide-eleventh-edition/
* Brian's CFI Ben Lehman: https://www.driftaviation.com/

Episode 167 tackles the challenge of cockpit organization with real solutions from three very different flying setups.
Brian's still battling the conspiracy to prevent his instrument checkride (spoiler: UPS trucks and snow banks are involved), while Ted shares wisdom from his Miata-sized cockpit about 3D-printed organizers, strategic cup holder placement, and why everything needs "ONE home." Ben discovers that big game hunting expos are surprisingly good aviation networking venues.
From Pivot cases and pulse oximeters to the life-or-death importance of proper seatbelt clipping, plus listener feedback that sparks a deeper discussion about test scores and aviation's competitive culture. Because when you're hand-flying an approach in the clouds and ATC changes your clearance, you need to be flying the airplane, not managing your mess.
Features the guys' real-world tips for everything from "hard-wired" Stratus installations to keeping cash hidden in baggage organizers for emergency out-calls. Plus: why Ted went from zero flight hours to helping rewrite aviation regulations in under five years.
Mentioned on the show:
* Dallas Safari Club: https://www.biggame.org/convention/
* Georgia World Congress Center: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_World_Congress_Center
* Nicholas Air: https://www.nicholasair.com/
* ASTM F37 committee: https://www.astm.org/membership-participation/technical-committees/committee-f37
* DPE and educator Seth Lake: https://vsl.aero/
* Seth's ACE guide: https://vslaviation.myshopify.com/
* TL Sparker: https://tlsportaircraft.com/sparker/
* BRS Parachutes: https://brsaerospace.com/
* Ted's "purse", holds the iPad Mini: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZL4TZP
* Pivot case: https://pivotcase.com/products/a35a
* Calm Cockpit Podcast: https://calmcockpit.com/
* Flyfisherman Lefty Kreh: The Greatest of All Time: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/lefty-greatest-of-all-time/516098

Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast
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Time to kick back and catch up with the gang in our first "information whiskey" episode of the year. After starting 2026 with our Ultimate Guide series and that marathon session with Dr. Paul Craig, we're taking a breather to hang out, share some flying stories, and tackle your feedback.
Ben kicks things off with a tale of terrible timing - how a flat nose tire and an MD-88 pilot who was "stuck" (but not really stuck) turned a simple night cross-country into an evening of airport ground operations. Meanwhile, Brian's been surviving Nashville's ice apocalypse while grinding through the final stages of instrument training, complete with shoulder harnesses and a healthy dose of reality about how IFR actually works versus how it's taught.
We dive deep into Brian's theory that instrument flying is "interpretive dance" rather than the precise, procedural flying it's marketed to be. Spoiler alert: holds aren't what you think they are, and ATC doesn't care about your perfect entry technique.
Plus, we celebrate some amazing listener accomplishments - from glider add-ons to ice runway landings to solo cross-countries - and address the burning question: do non-flying spouses actually listen to aviation podcasts? (Spoiler: some do, and we want to hear from them!)
Featuring Thaden Invasion updates, washing machine turbulence scales, and why sometimes the best thing to do is just wait 15 minutes for the weather to change.
Mentioned on the show:
* RYY - Cobb/McCollum Field: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RYY
* FAA WINGS program: https://www.faasafety.gov/
* CCO - Coweta County Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KCCO
* PUJ - Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KPUJ
* Flight Insight, Going Missed on a Circling Approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJiEuHWF5B8
* Flight Insight, the VOR Flower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm7XxyzZFh0
* Columbia Cascade 99's winter raffle: https://www.columbiacascade99s.org/store/p/2025-2026-winter-raffle
* IFR6 - accelerated IFR training, Charleston SC: https://ifr6.com/
* TOA - Torrance California: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KOTA
* EP46 - Flying With Your Spouse: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep46-flying-with-your-spouse/id1591463789?i=1000632568750
Visit midlifepilotpodcast.com for more content, merch, and our free Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot. Support the show and join our community at patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast - 10% of proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-trafficking efforts.

Aviation legend, educator, instructor, and author Dr. Paul Craig joins the gang to discuss the highly anticipated third edition of The Killing Zone - the book that's basically scripture for midlife pilots everywhere.
With new publisher ASA, Paul's back with fresh data from 12,406 general aviation accidents proving that yes, the 50-350 hour zone still has significantly higher accident rates.
We dive deep into his data-driven approach to accident analysis, explore how technology is creating pilot-induced distractions like GoPro fiddling and selfie-taking, and discover why mental health conversations have finally evolved beyond just "pilot stress." Paul explains how HIMS AMEs are changing the game for pilots needing help, and why scenario-based training beats practicing basketball fundamentals all day.
Whether you're climbing Mount Stupid or think you've conquered it, Paul reminds us that every flight is different and deserves your full attention. Plus, hear his scariest moment involving recruiting football players, hydraulic failure, and emergency gear extension that sounded like the airplane was coming apart.
Featuring abnormal contact with the ground, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving accident curse, and why Paul never tells ATC how an approach will terminate.

Mentioned on the show:
* ASA, The Killing Zone third edition: https://asa2fly.com/the-killing-zone-softcover/
* Wingnuts Aviation, M91 Springfield Tenn: https://wingnutsaviation.net/
* About ASA: https://asa2fly.com/about-us/
* The Vegas Bravo Buster on VASAviation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUSUXnr4dSo
* New York Times Presents 'Lie to Fly': https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/23/NYT-Presents/lie-to-fly-joseph-emerson-pilot.html
* AOPA, Mike Busch, Quantifying Maintenance Risk: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/november/pilot/savvy-maintenance-opinion-quantifying-maintenance-risk
* Scarpazza, Quantifying the Risk of Accidents and Serious Incidents Due to Maintenance in General Aviation: https://www.savvyaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Risks-of-maintenance-to-GA.pdf
* Paul Craig, Flight Times: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685642306

Visit www.midlifepilotpodcast.com to support the show, get merch, and download the free 23 page PDF "The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot".

EP164 - The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot - Part 3: Safety, Community & Your Aviation Legacy
The Ultimate Guide trilogy concludes with safety mindset, community support, and creating your aviation legacy. While Ben dodges Delta jets over Atlanta ("I pulled my throttle - first time I've ever had to slow down for a jet"), Brian demonstrates textbook emergency procedures after his engine starts shaking violently on takeoff: "I didn't pull all the power, I just started veering away from the runway... I was already landing the plane while I was troubleshooting."
Guide Part 3 Focus:
Risk management evolution from new pilot to 1000+ hours
Personal minimums: your safety guardrails that evolve with experience
Community as lifeline - from check ride failures to celebrating milestones
Aviation legacy: mentoring the next generation of midlife pilots
Real-World Lessons:
"You don't rise to the level of the emergency, you sink to the level of your training" - Brian's calm emergency handling proves the point
Z Powell's wisdom: "It hurt to cancel, but it was correct" - weather minimums aren't suggestions
Risk management parallels your professional life - apply existing decision-making skills
Community Moments:
Cory reports his first discovery flight: "Amazing and humbling at the same time"
Boo Radley sharing family flying photos from Australia
Check ride support system that Ben wished he'd had during his discontinuance
CFI Sam Terrell's MOSAIC Correction: Student pilots can now solo under sport pilot privileges without a medical - major change that many schools haven't caught up to yet.
Thaden Invasion Final Details: March 13-15, 2026 at VBT Bentonville! 30 spots, dedicated lounge space, live podcast Saturday.
Review Corner: "Great content, just play it on 1.5 speed to get through all the uhs and ums" - Thanks for the backhanded compliment, Working170!
Download your FREE 23-page Ultimate Guide at https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/
"Welcome to aviation - you're gonna love it here."
Mentioned on the show:
* Peach State Aerodrome: https://www.peachstateaero.com/
* CFI Sam, Northwest Aeronaut: https://www.youtube.com/@NorthwestAeronaut
* Sam's On Centerline podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DSELWSqYqbvpbxD842lED
* EP139, MOSAIC for All Pilots: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MnT5yGcWnN8vF90WwN8gt?si=z2xZpJQeQjeprdAHLSrA4g
* XKCD 386: http://xkcd.com/386