Midlife Pilot Podcast
“Big Texas Send” Fly-In
May 2-4, 2025
T82 Gillespie County Airport,
Fredericksburg, TX
Join us for an exciting weekend of aviation, camaraderie, and fun at the Midlife Pilot Podcast Fly-In Event! Come hang with hosts Ben, Brian, and Ted, who will be flying in their aircraft to join you for this special weekend. We want to meet all of you, do some fun flying, but really - the hangs are always the best part of these events.
Read the full itinerary - it can change as all things aviation.
Make sure you RSVP using the form at the bottom of this page so we can keep track of everything.
See you there!
Event Details
Dates: Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4, 2025
Location: Gillespie County Airport (T82)
155 Airport Road
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
2.62 NM southwest of downtown
RSVP Required: Please fill out our event form at the bottom of this page to let us know you're coming and how many guests you'll be bringing. This helps us plan appropriately for all attendees.
Live podcast episode in planning!
Airport Information
Airport Identifier: T82
Fredericksburg FBO
Gillespie County Airport
217 Airport Road
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624Runway: 14/32, 5,002' x 75' Asphalt, Lighted
Field Elevation: 1,695' MSL
Frequencies:
CTAF/UNICOM: 122.8
AWOS 120.0
Houston Center 134.2
Clearance Delivery via GCO 121.725Location: ~55 NM northwest of San Antonio
FBO Services:
Fredericksburg FBO offers full line services
24/7 self-serve fuel available
100LL and Jet A
Aircraft storage
General passenger services
Nearest Commercial Service:
San Antonio International (SAT)
Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS)
Accommodations
Experience the unique aviation-themed Hangar Hotel, located right on the airport property! This adult-only establishment (18+ years) offers more than just a bed and shower - it's a step back in time to the nostalgic aviation of the 1940s.
Hotel Highlights:
Built to replicate a WWII hangar with a curved metal roof
Aviation memorabilia and USO history throughout
Prime location for aircraft viewing from the runway ramp area
Just 3 miles from downtown Fredericksburg
Officers' Club featuring live music on Friday & Saturday evenings (7PM-10PM)
Special Group Rate Available!
To book your room at our guaranteed reduced group rate:
Call the Reservation Desk directly at (830) 997-9990
(Discount not available via online booking. You must call to get the discount)Mention the group nickname "Midlife Pilot"
Book for the weekend of May 2-4, 2025
Important:
Group rate block is limited - book early!
Special rate expires 30 days before check-in (Book by April 2, 2025)
All bookings can be cancelled for full refund with 48 hours notice
(even less notice possible if weather is an issue - check with hotel staff)
Alternative Accommodations: If the Hangar Hotel fills up, Fredericksburg offers many excellent alternatives:
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites
Sunday House Inn
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Comfort Inn & Suites
Various B&Bs and AirBnBs throughout the historic district
The Classic Airport Diner
Step back in time at our authentic 1940s diner, located right next to the Hangar Hotel with prime views of the aircraft parking ramp. Watch planes come and go while enjoying:
Hours:
Thursday: 11AM - 2PM
Friday-Sunday: 8AM - 2PM
Menu Highlights:
All-day breakfast featuring pancakes and omelets
Famous Bomber Burgers
Chicken Fried Chicken Plate
Fresh salads and wraps
Classic sandwiches
Locally-made ice cream shakes and malts
Planned Hangs and Fun‑tivities
Friday, May 2
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Arrival and Check-in at Hangar Hotel
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Welcome Reception at Officers' Club
Meet hosts Ben, Brian, and Ted
Appetizers and cash bar
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Live Music and Social at Officers' Club
Continue conversations with fellow pilots
Share flying stories and experiences
Saturday, May 3
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Group Breakfast at Airport Diner
Try their famous pancakes while watching morning arrivals
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM: Safety Briefing & Flight Planning Session
Local area orientation
Weather review
Flight planning resources
Ride-sharing coordination
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Flying Activities & Aircraft Sharing
Sign up for rides in fellow pilots' aircraft
Share your plane with other attendees
Organized scenic flights in groups
Suggested Local Flights:
Hill Country Loop (45-60 mins)
Spectacular views of Lake LBJ and Marble Falls
Over Texas Wine Country
Past Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
LBJ Ranch Tour (30-45 mins)
Historic LBJ Ranch airstrip flyover
Scenic route along Pedernales River
Great photo opportunities of the Texas White House
Canyon Lake Circuit (1 hour)
Beautiful water views
Natural Bridge Caverns area
Hill Country vistas
Short Hops to Nearby Airports:
Llano Municipal (KAQO) - 37nm - Famous Cooper's BBQ
Kerrville Municipal (KERV) - 22nm - Restaurant on field
Mason County (T92) - 32nm - Unique courthouse view
Note: Flights and ride-sharing organized in shifts with lunch breaks at Airport Diner. Sign-up sheets available at morning briefing. - Featuring podcast hosts and special guests
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Dinner/Drinks Hang
Live music at Officers' Club
Live MPP episode taping? Hmm.
Sunday, May 4
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Farewell Breakfast at Airport Diner
Watch planes and say farewell
Weather briefing and departure planning
10:00 AM onwards: Departures
Note: Schedule subject to change based on weather and final attendance numbers/weather permitting.
Contact Information
Hotel Reservations: (830) 997-9990
Email: reservations@hangarhotel.com
MPP hosts midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com (or better, directly through MPP Discord)
Safety Reminders
Review airport diagrams and NOTAMS before arrival
Monitor CTAF frequency
Follow all published arrival/departure procedures
It’s a busy GA airport on the weekends - keep your head on a swivel
Local Attractions
While you're here or have family with you that need more to do?
Don't miss:
Downtown Fredericksburg: Just 3 miles away
Fredericksburg Brewing Company: The oldest operating brewpub in Texas
Historic Main Street shopping and dining
Famous Texas Hill Country wineries
We look forward to seeing you at T82!
Don't forget to RSVP below so we can plan accordingly.
Keep checking back for updates on activities and additional details.
We are looking to add one CFII led seminar for Saturday or Sunday morning possibly.
We are also looking at recording a live podcast episode at the airport!
Note: All pilots are responsible for their own flight planning and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and requirements.