Midlife Pilot Podcast

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

EP163 - The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot - Part 2: From Dream to Checkride
Part 2 of our Ultimate Guide tackles the training ecosystem from CFI selection to checkride reality. While Brian demonstrates "evasive maneuvers" on instrument approaches, the crew covers milestone moments and why your bank account will never forgive you.
Key Training Insights:
Find a CFI you can "poorly do things" with - you're the boss, they work for you
First solo memory outlasts everything: "I remember mine like it was October 3rd, 1976"
"My checkride was the first test where I went in not knowing if I'd pass" - universal midlife truth
Financial reality: Training is just the beginning - you must maintain the pilot you've created
Milestone Moments:
First solo: the spiritual thrill no other rating will match
Solo cross-country: when flying actually clicks
Checkride: "Welcome, you have a license to learn"
Alpha Juliet Bravo's Reality Check: Medical deferment story proves why getting your strategy right BEFORE training isn't optional.
Coming Up: Part 3 covers life as a midlife pilot and creating your aviation legacy.
Download your FREE 23-page Ultimate Guide at https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/
Mentioned on the show:* "Tailwheel Ben Lehman", Drift Aviation: https://www.driftaviation.com/* I Like Killing Flies - Soup Nazi documentary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Like_Killing_Flies* Erica Gilbert- Aerosafe: https://www.gilbertaviation.com/aerosafe* Cap'nTodd's new Cessna 150: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jjLE4HmovgFind everything including how to support us on Patreon, merch, and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

The crew has just released their comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot - a 23-page PDF packed with community wisdom from hundreds of pilots who started flying at 40, 50, 60, and beyond. Download it FREE at midlifepilotpodcast.com!
This is the first episode in a three-part series walking through this game-changing resource that answers the question every aspiring midlife pilot asks: "How do I actually get started?" No more scattered advice - this is your roadmap from dream to checkride.
What's in the Guide:
The mindset shifts required for learning to fly in midlife
Community-sourced insights from real midlife pilots
Legacy-focused motivation beyond just "learning to fly"
Actionable first steps that won't derail your journey
This Week's Key Insights:
"The willingness to suck is a challenge" - embrace being terrible at something new
Brian's liberating "nobody cares philosophy" - your bad landings aren't as noticed as you think
Why community isn't optional - it's the difference between success and washing out
The critical importance of getting your medical strategy right BEFORE you start training
Reality Check Moments:
Why your 23-year-old instructor might seem confused by your existence
The humbling experience of task saturation (what's 8x8 again?)
How existential dread during training is normal and survivable
Why being bad at flying initially doesn't predict your ultimate success
Pro Tips from the Community:
Contact AOPA FIRST before making any medical decisions
Understand sport vs. private pilot privileges before committing
Find your tribe - isolation kills aviation dreams
This journey is about legacy, not just transportation
Coming Up: Parts 2 and 3 will cover training realities, milestone moments, and advanced midlife pilot strategies.
The Ultimate Guide represents two years of community wisdom distilled into one comprehensive resource. Whether you're thinking about starting or helping someone else begin their journey, this PDF eliminates the guesswork and provides a clear path forward.
Download your FREE 23-page guide at https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/#guide
"Midlife is a state of mind, not an age" - and this guide helps you navigate both.

Mentioned on the show:
* Thaden Invasion: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/thadeninvasion
* PDF of the midlife starter kit is on the website, https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/
* Million Air- BHM (cookies, wet bar): https://www.millionair.com/locations/bhm/
* Rev2, student with task saturation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnQLuGPLHN4
* SISKIND - Nobody Cares. My Creative Manifest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da4I2Y9v1Sk&t=1s
* AOPA's medical resources (call them!): https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources
* Killing Zone, third edition, now available: https://asa2fly.com/the-killing-zone/
* Opposing Bases OB418: Ice Chunks and Slam Dunks