Welcome to the Midlife Pilot Podcast

Your aviation companion, and your weekly dose of aviation inspiration

Where We Share the Experiences and 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, the Midlife Pilot Podcast is your aviation companion. Hosted by Ben, Brian, and Ted, the show isn't instruction – it's about sharing real stories, personal insights, and the pure joy of flying in midlife.

Maybe you didn't grow up around aviation, or life got in the way when you were younger. Kids, career, mortgage payments... sound familiar? Now you're looking up at every airplane thinking, "What if?" You've come to the right place.

Meet Ben, Brian, and Ted

They're not airline pilots who've been flying since they were teenagers. They're regular guys who decided midlife was the perfect time to pursue aviation. Some people their age buy sports cars – these guys learned to fly them.

Between them, they've experienced everything in general aviation. Sweaty palms during checkrides, radio calls that made controllers cringe, flights where everything went wrong, and magical moments when everything clicked. They've lived the unique challenges of being midlife students and discovered the rewards of earning your wings later in life.

Every week, they share real stories, honest experiences, and insights from their aviation journey.

Why This Works for Midlife Pilots

They Get It: Managing flight training around family and career, dealing with people who think you're crazy for starting this at 45, figuring out how to fit aviation into an already full life. They've been there. They also know the advantages: maturity, financial stability, and the wisdom to appreciate the experience.

Real Stories, Not Lessons: This isn't ground school. They're sharing what it's actually like to be a midlife pilot. When they mess up, they tell you. When something's amazing, their enthusiasm shows.

You're Not Alone: The community is full of people discovering aviation later in life. Flying doesn't have to feel isolating when you're surrounded by others on the same journey.

What Listeners Are Saying

4.9 out of 5 stars from 112 reviews on Apple Podcasts:

"These guys make you feel like you're sitting around talking about flying. Very casual, yet they hit important topics for new pilots."

"They focus on real-world general aviation flying. They supply the missing lessons from pilot training: aircraft care, cross-country planning, dealing with surprises."

"They've fostered a respectful community where there's comfort discussing the trials and tribulations of being a midlife pilot."

Beyond the Podcast

Live Streams: Every Monday at 8pm Eastern (5pm Pacific) on YouTube. Like gathering in the pilot lounge to share stories and answer questions.

Guests: Regular appearances from pilots like RH from Opposing Bases (ATC communication tips) and Master CFI Nathan Ballard (flight training realities).

Community: Patreon offers bonus content and an active Discord where conversations continue between episodes.

Ready to Listen?

134 episodes and counting. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join the Monday night live streams on YouTube. Share your questions and stories with others on the same path.

The Patreon community is the most supportive group of midlife aviation enthusiasts you'll find.

Got a story? Question? Aviation milestone? The hosts love hearing from listeners.

It's never too late to pursue your aviation dreams.