Episodes

  • "Freedom to go broke." The guys dive deep into the bittersweet reality of aircraft ownership—from the freedom it provides to the unique challenges it presents. Brian compares airplane ownership to marriage, Ted discusses his aversion to suction cups, and Ben reveals he's "fully funded on my pro rata share" of an eventual engine overhaul. They discuss the importance of finding a trusted mechanic, the joy of spontaneous lunch flights, and why "squawk and walk" is something renters do, not owners. As Brian puts it, "I'm a visitor in this socioeconomic space," but the rewards are worth the challenges.

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Ghost Dog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Dog:_The_Way_of_the_Samurai

    * Jim Jarmusch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Jarmusch

    * Open Source GA- "squawk and walk": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4smAzSqNG4o#t=2m40s

    * Coleal interpretation- AOPA: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/august/pilot/savvy-maintenance-legal-interpretations

  • "If you're tired of doing your yoga classes every morning, just buy a low wing." In this episode, the crew kicks off a playful aviation civil war, pitting high-wing and low-wing aircraft against each other. Ben, Brian, and Ted debate the merits of each design, from the hanging sensation of high wings to the "sportiness" of low wings. Plus, updates on the Big Texas Send meetup, memories of a fallen aviation friend, and Ted's philosophical reflection on how "there's a countable number of summers" to fly.

    Mentioned on the show:

    * TAC Aero- Fredericksburg: https://www.tacaero.com/

    * UOS- Franklin County/Suwanee TN: https://www.airnav.com/airport/UOS

    * University of the South: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewanee:_The_University_of_the_South

    * M02- Dickson Municipal: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M02

    * Aviation101- High wing vs low wing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WlVCz8E84w

    * Ted's new video, "busy ground: dueling aircraft": https://youtube.com/watch?v=sN3BBw3RZDw

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  • Ben shares his unconventional left base entry at Daniel Field, admitting "Rusty is not the right word. Lazy, I think is the right word." This sparks a spirited debate as Brian responds " I'm coming in hot in the other direction here!" Meanwhile, Ted confesses "I just forget how to land" and explains why being "the only VFR pilot out" is "usually not a good sign."

    The crew discusses proper pattern procedures versus local customs, with Ben defending his approach because "it didn't feel right to me" while Brian insists on "flying the prescribed entries for patterns, period, end of story." Plus, Ted explains his infamous "icing on the vegetables" analogy!

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Rod Machado - Why Maneuvering Speed Changes With Weight:https://youtu.be/BAy4w3SYCTo?si=74vAku1_jSPM9Ib9

    * Rod Machado- How Is Maneuvering Speed Determined? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_KdHEzIJkk

    * Brian's new video- Dead Pilots = More Views: Aviation YouTube's Race to the Bottom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed-hjosBQhQ

    * Ted's new video- day at the museum: flying into and out of boeing field: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt9PPalGIyI

    * Ted's new video- mercurial conditions, mistakes, odd comms: pattern work at UAO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueu9yVHA7QY

    * SureFly Magneto: https://www.surefly.net/

    * EP44- Happy Hour! Guest Brian Turner (episode with "icing on the vegetables"): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP44---Happy-Hour--Guest-Bryan-Turner-aka-Just-Plane-Silly-e2ae412

    * EP116- The art of tailwheel flying with CFI Ben Lehman (aka "140 Ben"): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP70---The-art-of-tailwheel-flying-with-CFI-Ben-Lehman-e2i7k72/a-ab5fk1c

    * DNL- Augusta, Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DNL

    * BIG TEXAS SEND shirt: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merch/p/official-big-texas-send-2025-fly-in-shirt

    * Jason Miller - The Finer Points - NO TEARDROP IN NON TOWERED PATTERN ENTRIES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi9jdxzLur4

    * AC 90-66C - Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations PDF: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_90-66C.pdf

    * Visual Approach procedures in ForeFlight: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/360057742073-How-is-the-Procedure-Advisor-used#h_01J9W8HH0RR7QZX8B7WVGXPBFQ

  • From dodging Atlanta traffic to landing sweet courtesy car upgrades (hello, BHM Millionair FBO's Mercedes), Ben breaks down how flying personal aircraft can transform business travel. While Ted needs "a grandmother in every town" thanks to sport pilot restrictions, and Brian ponders partnership puzzles, Ben proves that sometimes the best business tool is a Cessna. "I would pay $200 to be in a time machine any day of the week," he notes, though maybe skip the time machine demos with clients - one passenger's "dashboard painting" experience suggests some business meetings are better kept on terra firma. Join the crew for a hilarious yet practical look at mixing business with GA, where the real luxury isn't the courtesy car, it's skipping I-285 traffic.

    Mentioned on the show:

    * EP24 - Everything About Flying Clubs with Drew Myers from AOPA: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP24---Everything-About-Flying-Clubs-with-Drew-Myers-from-AOPA-e1ou9h1/a-a8laq3o

    * Brian's new video, "Flying Sideways: When Aviation Truth Meets Internet Expertise | A Visit to the Swift Museum": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73LnW1e0UbQ

    * Lake Lanier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lanier

    * Ft. Moore (previously Fort Benning): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Moore

    * BHM Million Air: https://www.millionair.com/locations/bhm/

    * Wendover Productions: The Economics of Private Jets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYPrH4xANpU

    * The Economics of Everyday Things- Private Jets: https://freakonomics.com/podcast/private-jets/

    Support the show on Patreon: www.midlifepilotpocast.com

  • In this episode, a perfectionist's quest for the perfect checklist leads to an unexpected business acquisition. Barry explains how his journey from "maybe I should get my pilot certificate" turned into owning Checkmate Aviation after his DIY checklist started peeling apart.

    Between Ben's tales of impressing passengers with instrument approaches and Brian's near-purchase of a globe-trotting Swift, the crew dives into the art of flows versus checklists, and joke about creating a "midlife version" with extra-large text.

    Barry M, who owns Checkmate Aviation, talked about checklists and flows: https://checkmateaviation.com/

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Erica Gilbert - Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe/videos

    * TMA - Tifton GA: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TMA

    * MMI - Athens TN: https://www.airnav.com/airport/MMI

    * Swift museum: https://swiftmuseumfoundation.org/

    * ICARUS view-limiting device: https://www.icarusdevices.com/

    * Arthur Schopenhauer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer

    * Checkmate Aviation: https://checkmateaviation.com/

    * TTD - Troutdale Oregon: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TTD

    * Checklist Manifesto: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Checklist_Manifesto

  • Come for the "sleep-deprived Ballyhoo," stay for the "bowling ball collectors who fly Cherokee 235s." In this episode, the crew reveals their "Ultimate Official Airplane of..." Guide where your aircraft choice might expose you as someone who "lectures about stick and rudder at parties" or "plans flights around Whole Foods locations." Plus, tales of an overenthusiastic ATC requesting a "60-mile left downwind," and why raising a puppy is just like raising a child, except "you only have to feed the dog twice a day." Featuring special guest appearances by a green-primered 737 and Ted's dirty belly (on his plane, that is).Mentioned on the show:

    * Nathan Ballard's first "learning from the military" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_5m69KCKs

    * Ted's new video, "return from friday harbor with my favorite passenger", with the dirty belly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBmh8KX22A#t=3m55s

    * "Official airplane of" list on the MPP blog: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/the-ultimate-official-airplane-of-guide

    * MPP Aviation Apps Guide: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/comprehensive-ish-aviation-apps-guide

    * Bunyan's in Muscle Shoals: https://www.bunyansbarbeque.com/

  • When a master CFII/ATP trades right rudder lessons for a seat in an Air Force T-38 Talon, you know it's going to be good. Nathan Ballard expected a polite tour of Sheppard Air Force Base but instead found himself pulling 6Gs during actual bomb runs at 375 knots. While he's up there burning through 4,000 pounds of fuel faster than Ted burns in a year flying his "egg," the Air Force instructor is casually critiquing bombing accuracy like he's discussing the weather. "I thought this was going to be a press visit, but they said 'we're not going to just burn up gas to let you take a look - you're integrating into a real training mission,'" Nathan recalls, shortly before learning what it feels like when your vision decides to peace out at 6Gs. Between learning to eject from a supersonic jet and watching a civilian plane mosey through their military airspace like it's a Sunday drive, this master instructor brought back some serious pro tips from the world's best aviators. Pure midlife pilot gold.Mentioned on the show:

    * Nathan Ballard's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying

    * Nathan's first military flying video: "What happens when a SMALL PLANE flies through MILITARY AIRSPACE?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_5m69KCKs

    * WDR - Barrow County Airport, Winder Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/WDR

    * Sheppard Air Force Base: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheppard_Air_Force_Base

    * Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program: https://www.sheppard.af.mil/Library/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/367537/euro-nato-joint-jet-pilot-training-program-enjjpt/

    * T-38 Talon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_T-38_Talon

    * AOPA Air Safety Institute: Accident Case Study: Final Approach: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/accident-case-studies/final-approach

  • "Well honey, the engine's about to stop running..." is NOT a conversation you want to have at 5,000 feet. In this episode full of real-talk about fuel management, our midlife pilots share their close calls and lessons learned. From Ben's accidental "skywriting" performance (thanks to one loose screw) to his sweaty-palms moments watching those notoriously unreliable Cessna fuel gauges, the crew digs into why "it's always fuel" became their go-to accident theory. As the old aviation wisdom goes: there's only one time you can have too much fuel - when you're on fire!

    Mentioned on the show:

    - Brian's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/

    - M20 Leitchfield Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M20

    - Stinson Voyager: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_Voyager

    - Minimum fuel, emergency fuel, reserve fuel (PDF): https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-11/INFO_08004.pdf

    - Twin Hornet heater: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/aircraftheaters_08-12217.php

    - MentorLive with Nathan Ballard, Jan 22: https://www.nafinet.org/mentorlive

    Become a Patreon supporter of the show!

    www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

  • Join us for a special Appy Hour episode! We talk aviation apps and tools we love, and some we even know how to use. From the "suspiciously good and free" flight analysis tools that'll keep you up until 4 AM, to website tools that look straight out of the "Angel Fire website" era (rotating fire GIFs not included), we're diving into the digital tools that keep us flying.

    Learn why calling that old-school weather briefing number might connect you with someone doing their best late-night talk show host impression, and why Ben calls ATC radio "soothing" when there's nothing else to listen to. Whether you're tracking your landings, checking weather, or just trying to figure out if it's okay to brush snow off someone else's plane (spoiler: maybe don't), we've got you covered in this episode. Plus, hear why our Big Texas Send Fly In event in May 2025 is already making us ask "What have we done?" Your weekly dose of aviation inspiration, now with 100% more app recommendations.

    Mentioned on the show:
    * AQO Llano Texas for BBQ: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AQO
    * Seinfeld: Kramer Turns His Apartment Into A TV Set | The Merv Griffin Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pys47zaxZ90
    View the complete list and links to all the apps mentioned and more at: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/comprehensive-ish-aviation-apps-guide

  • Join the crew as they announce their epic 2025 fly-in at the retro-cool Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas! Between planning cross-country routes and debating who gets "shotgun" in Erica's TBM, the hosts share hilarious stories and valuable pilot wisdom. Featuring gems like "I can't tell if I'm being insulted or not" and "What if we just keep flying around until Oshkosh?" Plus, 1DullGeek bravely shares his tale of wing-meets-pole. From ceramic-coated planes to accidental aircraft relocations, Episode 109 serves up aviation camaraderie with a side of Texas-sized ambition. See you in May! RSVP!

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Join us at the 2025 Big Texas Send! Hangar Hotel, T82 Fredericksburg TX, May 2-4. Info, RSVP form, and directions for the hotel room block: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/rsvpt82

    * CPP Green County GA: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CPP

    * Ted's new video, "friday harbor with my favorite passenger": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFMPlhNvS5M

    * EP46, Flying With Your Spouse: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP46---Flying-With-Your-Spouse-e2b1cpn

    * Erica, Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe

    * Hangar Hotel video from Just Plane Silly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58d85X1R5G4

    * Hangar Hotel, FunPlacesToFly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nryylfueJJE

    * Tac Aero video from Charlie Gasmire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyVoRExoBUI

    Get all the fly in info, support the podcast on Patreon and join the community:

    https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/

  • Ever pushed the wrong button while talking to ATC? Landed on the wrong runway but nailed the landing? Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they confess their most memorable aviation oopsies and why they still stare at the ceiling some nights thinking about them. From "Roger, I have the weather" moments to getting an earful from ground control, discover why midlife pilots might take their mistakes a bit too seriously. As one host admits, they only mess up when doing things – which is apparently quite often! Tune in for an honest, humorous look at how even the most cringe-worthy moments can become valuable learning experiences... if you can ever stop replaying them in your head.

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Brian's new video, "Loss of Power IS Power": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF9tF7rY8ZE

    * EP84, RH of Opposing Bases, "reading the room": https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP84---Midlife-radio-tips-with-RH---reading-the-room-e2m4ite/a-abehav7

    * CFIIMunden's reaction video to Brian's "The Art of NOT Flying" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olq89uQsP68

    * EVB New Smyrna Beach airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Smyrna_Beach_Municipal_Airport

    * LOU Bowman Field airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowman_Field_(Kentucky)

    * Ted, "behind the power curve on a go-around": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8lVTNWf6gI

    * Brian's "forgot what airport I just left" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm-dsPSgk5g#t=73m40s

  • Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into why perfection might actually be holding you back in the cockpit! Between Brian's obsession with landing "THE MIDDLE of the centerline stripe" and Ben's tales of learning to embrace "sexy indifference" in the pattern, these midlife pilots share why being "just adequate" isn't always a bad thing. Plus, find out why "low VFR" apparently means there's "icing on the vegetables" and why sometimes you just need to "turn off that dang autopilot" and embrace the wobble! 🛩️

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Brian's Flying Eyes discount code is "SISKIND": https://flyingeyesoptics.com/?ref=TIWCnBYqpOn8uA

    * Barnstormers Grill: https://exploregeorgia.org/griffin/arts-culture/museums/barnstormers-grill

    * Bunyan's Hot Dogs, Muscle Shoals on Luke's Landing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYPGV1egrdk

    * EP14 with Kerry Mcauley, "What They Don't Teach You In Flight School": https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP14---What-They-Dont-Teach-You-In-Flight-School-e1ifqqs/a-a7tvbcp

    * Smartless podcast, "sexy indifference": https://www.smartless.com/

  • When your ETA increases by 30 minutes while on final approach, you know you're in for a story. In Episode 106, Ben's "one-day-feels-like-multi-day" adventure sets the stage for a lively discussion about planning extended flying trips. Between battling 60-knot headwinds, debating the merits of various approaches, and discovering why a credit card might be your most important safety equipment (unless you have a parachute), the hosts share practical wisdom wrapped in aviation humor. From Brian's "chase the tailwinds" philosophy to Ted's daylight-deprived Portland perspective, learn the art of multi-day trip planning – and why someone might drive three hours just to retrieve a tail tie-down strap.

    * LZU Gwinnett, Lawrenceville Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LZU

    * OLV Olive Branch, Miss: https://www.airnav.com/airport/kolv

    * Windy weather app: https://www.windy.com/

    * Windy's meteogram: https://community.windy.com/topic/14827/how-to-read-meteogram

    * Erica Gilbert's Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe

    Support the show, get merch, and send us your feedback!

    www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

  • Join the crew as they plan their spring fly-in while debating the merits of ignorance-is-bliss flying versus obsessing over engine monitors. Ted confesses to having saggy flaps (on his plane, of course), Brian explains why Super 8 footage isn't just an Instagram filter, and Ben discovers that dad hats might be the aerodynamic solution for the follicly challenged pilot. The gang explores potential meetup locations while dreaming of their own private air park, complete with BBQ pits and hangout huts. Plus, find out how one listener became an "astronaut" thanks to a NASA letter in the mail, and why logging zero hours might be worth celebrating after all.

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Brian's "Dad's flight bag" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7ma6pvmwxM

    * Ted's new pattern work and geese video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyjwzXh4q6I

    * T82 Fredericksburg: https://www.airnav.com/airport/T82

    * Hangar Hotel at T82: https://www.hangarhotel.com/

    * 09J Jekyll Island: https://www.airnav.com/airport/09J

    * I73 Moraine, Dayton Ohio: https://www.airnav.com/airport/I73

    * GPT Gulfport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/GPT

    * Rough River Kentucky: https://parks.ky.gov/parks/find-a-park/rough-river-dam-state-resort-park-7800#lodging

    * Brian's new video, "How to Read the ATC Room": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq8xywGS4HE

    * Brian's new video, "The Art of NOT Flying": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGb9WqflFWs

  • The crew dives into the delicate art of vetting your cockpit companions - from evaluating potential co-pilots to dodging those who claim '8000 simulator hours.' Listen in as Ben recounts literally flying with 'a stranger from the internet' (it turned out fine!). Between tales of night landing adventures, atmospheric rivers, and accidental wrong-runway taxi slip ups, the gang shares practical wisdom on building safe flying partnerships while keeping their usual mix of aviation insights and midlife humor. Plus, learn why a 'plane full of pilots' might be more dangerous than you think - and why Ben still won't let Brian fly from the front seat!

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Josh and Chelsea talking about vetting pilots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SkqxChkYW0

    * Brian's new video, "Dialog with the Sky: My Journey to 600 Hours": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHGva4LIn3A

    * TTD Troutdale Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TTD

    * LBE Arnold Palmer Regional Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LBE

    * EP23: Pilots Flying with Pilots (the good and the bad) https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l31UC5GSLuAjlxs4zRMA0

    * Nathan Ballard, how to survive a pilot locked up on the controls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv0NNjQOCkI

    * Ted flying with his partner: https://youtube.com/watch?v=DZbYM25PYsc

    * CheckMate Aviation checklists: https://www.checkmateaviation.com/

    * Blancolirio, Catalina crash with many pilots:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPsnL-S58EU

    * Pilot Debrief, father/daughter, both pilots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTSUtpXRMT0

    Support the show on Patreon and join the community: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

    Get merch and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

  • Need more time to fly but life keeps getting in the way? The Midlife Pilot crew tackles aviation's eternal struggle - finding time to get airborne while juggling work, family, and that ever-growing honey-do list. From strategic calendar blocking to creative "errands" (like Ben's suspiciously convenient forgotten jacket that required a flight to retrieve), discover how these pilots squeeze more cockpit time into packed schedules. Whether you're a student trying to stay consistent with training or a licensed pilot keeping current, this episode offers practical tips, humorous workarounds, and reassurance that you're not alone in the quest to find that elusive balance between life on the ground and time in the sky.mentioned on the show:

    * RMG Rome Georgia: http://www.airnav.com/airport/RMG

    * Sam's Burger Deli, Rome Georgia: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1021640145/sams-burger-deli/

    * EP48 - Nashville ATC! Controllers, pilots, realtors Scott and Shelley Weckler: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wAvZ85qtTEh5CDcDObrr4

    * EGKR Redhill Aerodrome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redhill_Aerodrome

    Support the show on Patreon and join the community: www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastGet merch and more at www.midlifepilotpodcast.com

  • Can aviation ever truly be budget-friendly?

    Ben, Brian, and Ted tackle the art of fiscally responsible flying in this lively episode. From owner-assisted annuals to strategic fuel planning, discover practical ways to keep your aviation passion aloft without completely emptying your wallet. Plus, hear special insights from "Cheapskate" Nate on smart budgeting, and learn why slower flying might actually be the way to go. Warning: No actual guarantee of cheap flying provided, but plenty of wallet-wise wisdom shared! Featuring night IMC adventures, tales of impressive landings (now with notarized proof), and the eternal debate over whether paying less for fuel is actually saving you money.Mentioned on the show:

    * DNL Daniel Field Airport, Augusta Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DNL

    * RyanK's I Learned About Flying From That, ep81, on being in IMC with a failing vacuum pump: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mGlSB4dmGlHfFzsDdsiiu

    * 21Five Podcast, ep 143, Light Sport training for pilot track pilots, "what ever happened to the skycatcher? I wonder why it didn't catch on." https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lFXM8DaRwpNC529IDX9TJ?si=mw9FY-o6Q7mgEWXuJkP4hQ

    * PlanePlaces's video showing carb ice happening in cruise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm6IWqkAqjg

    * Brian's ep100 video: "Headset Problems and Hot Dogs": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV10VDMaIh0

    * Ted's ep100 video: "the journey is half the adventure": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfPdlg_mkr8

  • Ben, Brian, and Ted share stories and adventures from their recent non-event gathering in West Virginia, including Ben's memorable "seven-mile base" skywriting approach with a fuel leak, Brian's encounters at unique mountain airports, and various flying experiences in challenging terrain. The hosts discuss their stops at small airports like Logan County (6L4) where they discovered classic cars and met fascinating local aviation enthusiasts. Ted provides audio clips of memorable radio exchanges from the trip.

    Hear your listener feedback about getting back into flying after breaks, chair flying techniques used by the Blue Angels, and the growing international reach of their aviation community. The hosts also tease plans for a future spring meetup while reflecting on how their impromptu airport visits often lead to the most memorable experiences in aviation.Mentioned on the show:

    * pepperoni rolls from Country Club Bakery: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepperoni_roll

    * Woody's Hot Dogs: https://wvhotdogblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/fairmont-hdj-review-woodys.html

    * Bunyan's BBQ, Muscle Shoals: https://www.bunyansbarbeque.com/

    * 4G7, Fairmont WV, great airport (with difficulty) to learn at: https://www.airnav.com/airport/4G7

    * SJS, Big Sandy, Prestonburg, Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/SJS

    * 6L4, Logan County Airport, WV: https://www.airnav.com/airport/6L4

    * C130 assault landing strips near 6L4: https://bit.ly/3Cf6CX5

    * Luke's Landing, epic segment on on hot dogs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYPGV1egrdk

  • Broadcasting from a cold hangar at Fairmont Airport, the gang unites in-person for their 100th episode spectacular non-event!

    Join the original "Chairman Emeritus" Chris Moran (who now prefers conducting symphonies to podcasts), Brian (who claims learning to land with only lap belts builds character), Ben (inventor of the "emergency fuel-venting seven-mile left base"), Ted (representing the "other" coast that apparently exists), and Mark "One Dull/Wendell" Geek (master of conflating tail numbers into entirely new aircraft types) for a night of hangar-based chaos. Even Luke "It's Just One Landing" makes a special appearance to document the questionable decision-making.

    Featuring questionable radio calls that would make any controller weep, special notes from CFI Nate Ballard, Badger, and RH - and Luke's casual observation from the backseat about "skywriting" fuel. Plus, hear an epic phonetic alphabet rant about "Tree-Fower-Fife," and Chris's totally spontaneous (wink) sales pitch for his Cherokee 235.

    Come for the celebration, stay for the camaraderie. As they say in West Virginia: if you can learn to land here, you can land anywhere!

    Warning: May contain excessive references to pepperoni rolls, PBR, and Ben's limpy microphone stand

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Luke's Landing, great aviation videos, watch "best hot dog": https://www.youtube.com/@lukeslanding2230

    * West Virginia's Babydog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babydog

  • As they approach their 100th episode, the crew digs through their logbooks to share stories from their 100th flight hour and 100th landing. From Ben's adorably redundant "power-on stalls and recovery" logbook entry (yes, he survived to tell the tale) to a theatrical listener letter from Lord Alpha Juliet, the crew reminisces about their aviation milestones. Joined by special guest Mark (Wendell Geek), they swap stories and preview their upcoming 100th episode - broadcasting live from Fairmont Airport with promises of pepperoni rolls, PBR, and the whole crew together for the first time.

    * DKX Knoxville Downtown Island Airport, Tenn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DKX

    * HKY Hickory Airport, NC: https://www.airnav.com/airport/HKY

    * PYP Centre Airport, Ala: https://www.airnav.com/airport/PYP

    * HAI Three Rivers Airport, Mich: https://www.airnav.com/airport/HAI

    * CSG Columbus Airport, Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CSG

    * 1A7 Jackson County Airport, Tenn: https://www.airnav.com/airport/1A7

    * SAV Savannah/Hilton Head Airport, Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/SAV

    * LZU Gwinnett County Airport, Lawrenceville, Ga: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LZU

    * 7S3 Twin Oaks Airport, Ore: https://www.airnav.com/airport/7S3

    * DME arc to ILS approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJtaURhaTIM

    * BWG Bowling Green: https://www.airnav.com/airport/BWG

    * Anyway, here's Wonderwall: https://www.voicemag.uk/blog/10355/anyway-heres-wonderwall