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 78624

  • Runway: 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 121.725

  • Location: ~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:

    1. Call the Reservation Desk directly at (830) 997-9990
      (Discount not available via online booking.  You must call to get the discount)

    2. Mention the group nickname "Midlife Pilot"

    3. 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:

  1. Hill Country Loop (45-60 mins)

    • Spectacular views of Lake LBJ and Marble Falls

    • Over Texas Wine Country

    • Past Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

  2. LBJ Ranch Tour (30-45 mins)

    • Historic LBJ Ranch airstrip flyover

    • Scenic route along Pedernales River

    • Great photo opportunities of the Texas White House

  3. Canyon Lake Circuit (1 hour)

    • Beautiful water views

    • Natural Bridge Caverns area

    • Hill Country vistas

  4. 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.


RSVP FORM