Midlife Pilot Podcast

For this very special episode we welcome Paul Craig, author of "The Killing Zone," "Be a Better Pilot," and numerous other aviation books including his memoir "Flight Times: Stories from the Second Best Instructor." In this episode, we explore how aviation has evolved since Paul's last book edition, from the rise of electronic flight bags to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving being statistically the most dangerous flying day. As Paul notes about his writing approach, "I just sit down at the computer and have a conversation with the keyboard. It's just you and me talking on a Saturday afternoon at the hangar."

Paul shares stories from his memoir, including the time his instructor Bill Kirshner yelled "CLEAR PROP!" after 23 spins while still inside the aircraft, and when his student's first solo flight had Air Force One on approach behind him.

Mentioned on the show:

* Ted's new video, "I don't feel heard": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3D4bXBSMiw

* Invisible Hulk piano intro, 1978: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9MysTXM_P4

* CHA - Chattanooga Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CHA

* EP40 - introducing Ben and Ted: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP40---The-Podcast-Handoff---a-very-special-crossover-episode-e29965s

* Cornelia Fort Airfield: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelia_Fort_Airpark

* Cornelia Fort herself: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelia_Fort

* Patsy Clilne was headed to Cornelia Fort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963_Camden_PA-24_crash

* Paul Craig, "Be A Better Pilot": https://amazon.com/dp/0830620478/

* Paul Craig, "Killing Zone, Second Edition": https://amazon.com/dp/0071798404/

Join Ben, Ted, and special guest Mark (aka 1DullGeek) as they talk Flysto, the flight-tracking app that brutally reveals they're better and worse pilots than they thought. Geek out over landing scores, wind data, and traffic playback that "takes the emotional component out of the debrief" – perfect for analyzing that crosswind landing you swore was perfect (spoiler: it wasn't).

Come for the flight data analysis, stay for Ben's parting wisdom: "Light travels faster than sound, which is why some people appear bright until they speak."

(Special thanks to Mark for filling in for Brian last minute)Mentioned on the show:

* Mark aka 1dullgeek: https://www.youtube.com/@1dullgeek/videos

* AID - Anderson Indiana: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AID

* 02C - Capitol Drive Airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/02C

* Seth Lake DPE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SethLakeDPE

* Seth Lake's ACE guide: https://vslaviation.myshopify.com/products/vsl-ace-guide

* Video showing the ACE guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZM-s2EBK7w

* Aviation NewsTalk 365 with Patrick L. of Flysto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CiwzM7kWE

* Flysto- AOPA, Dave Hirschman: https://aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/september/pilot/first-look-more-than-a-tattletale

* Flysto on EuroGA: https://www.euroga.org/forums/flying/14846-geeking-out-on-post-flight-data-with-flysto-net?page=1

* Bruce Williams showing the flysto overlay on a instrument approach to EAT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CiwzM7kWE

* Flysto's "supported avionics": https://www.flysto.net/avionics

* VUJ - Stanly County, NC: https://www.airnav.com/airport/VUJ

"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

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).

* 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/

* 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

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