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Midlife Pilot Podcast

Midlife Pilot Podcast
Aviation
Flying In Midlife
Midlife Pilots
Flight Training
Aviation Community
Flying
Cessna 182
Pilot Training
Instrument Rating
Cherokee 180
Midlife Aviation
Aircraft Ownership
Aviation Safety
Midlife
General Aviation
Checkrides
The Killing Zone
Personal Minimums
Midlife Pilot Podcast
Pattern Entries

Welcome to the Midlife Pilot Podcast, where we share the experiences and the 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, we like to think of the podcast as your aviation companion, and your weekly dose of aviation inspiration. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Ben, Brian, and Ted - the... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes182Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
AviationLeisure

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Artwork for Midlife Pilot Podcast

Latest Episodes

If you haven't listened to Episode 182 yet, go back — this conversation picks up about five minutes later. Ron Horton, DPE extraordinaire, returns with the crew to finish what he started: a data-driven, story-rich tour through what actually happens o... more

YouTube

The crew is joined by Charlotte-based Designated Pilot Examiner Ron Horton — 60 years of flying, Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, AOPA Regional Instructor of the Year, and the man responsible for both Brian's and Ben's commercial certificates. Ron... more

YouTube

Brian's got a shiny new commercial certificate, Ben just logged 25 hours in three days in a flying potato over Florida, and somehow nobody declared an emergency — so naturally, it's time to talk about flying like a professional even when nobody's pay... more

YouTube

Ben is about to climb into a Piper Apache, which our own blog has definitively declared the official airplane of twin-engine Russian roulette, and he's doing the responsible midlife thing: writing down the flows, chair flying in his hotel room until ... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Ron Horton
DPE pilot, 60 years flying, based in Charlotte, NC
DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner)
Episode: EP182 - "What's Time to a Hog?" with DPE Ron Horton (Pt. 1 of 2)
Wendell Geek
Recurring guest; builds and flies a Teal Sparker ( TJ Hooker ) and Cherokee 235
Episode: EP181 - Fly Like It's Your Job. Because It Kind Of Is.
Time Stap Teder
Guest, described as a friend joining from the West Coast
Episode: EP177 - Momentum: The Pudding Skin of Aviation
Comanche Sue
Pilot who flew the farthest and helped spark the Thaden Field visit
Comanche Sue's Aircraft
Episode: EP172 - Live from Bentonville! The Thaden Invasion Fly-In
Seth Lake
Professional pilot, aviation educator, FAA safety team lead, and DPE
VSL Aviation / FAA safety programs
Episode: EP171 - Bracin' for Thaden with Seth Lake
Gita Brown
An educator, student pilot, and host of the Calm Cockpit Podcast
Calm Cockpit Podcast
Episode: EP169 - You Can't Fix the Mind With the Mind - with Gita Brown
Paul A. Craig
Author of The Killing Zone and an educator in aviation
Middle Tennessee State University
Episode: EP165 - The Killing Zone Returns: Why 50-350 Hours Are Still the Most Dangerous
Tim Lien
Known as the Banjo Pilot, an artist and pilot based in Minneapolis
Episode: EP141 - Every Pilot Is Creative Somehow: Tim Lien from Banjo to CNC
Chris Moran
Original gangster midlife pilot and content creator
YouTube channel, Midlife Pilot
Episode: EP137 - OG Chris Returns! Taking Aviation Breaks Without Guilt

Hosts

Ben
Host with long-running involvement in midlife aviation storytelling and community building
Brian Siskin
Co-host, known for practical insights and conversational depth
Ted
Co-host, provides grounded, efficient commentary and safety emphasis

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 233 ratings
  • A must for us older pilots!!

    As they often say the struggle is real for us older pilots! the podcast has created a space that shares the struggles we face as midlife pilots. It definitely helped me through achieving my certificates and being patient throughout the process. This is a MUST listen podcast, even if you are not flying, there are some good dad jokes and references to the 80’s that bring back memories! Thanks Ben Brian and Ted!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pulling Pitch 52
    United Statesa month ago
  • Long time listener

    I have been listening and watching since OG Chris started documenting his flying journey. In 2020 at the age of 52, I restarted, for the 4th time, my private pilot training. At the time I was thinking that I might be crazy however after finding Chris’s YouTube channel, it confirmed that I most certainly was….but I wasn’t alone. Brian and Chris really spoke to challenges of learning to fly in midlife and from that point on I’ve been hooked. After adding Ben and Ted, the podcast grew into a un... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    5Ft20
    United Statesa month ago
  • Midlife?

    I stumbled upon this podcast a couple years ago. I’m an avid podcast listener, especially the aviation ones. I saw the title and thought it was perfect. I’m midlife or thought I was. You know when you’re 18 and you think 35 is old? I figured this would be great. I’d find a community going through the same problems as me.

    I quickly realized you guys were a bit further down the road than me. But I kept coming back. I may not be in the same stage of life right now, but it sounds like most of you ha... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Travis Sch1022
    United States2 months ago
  • 100% worth the listen

    I’m writing this review while listening to the Momentum episode. It’s so affirming to hear that others experience the lull or break in flying too. I had a 12 year break after getting my private and this podcast is keeping me motivated to get current. The podcast is wonderfully curated and produced. Ben keeps everything on-schedule. Brian uses phrases like “membrane of stasis”. Ted keeps everyone grounded. I love the dynamic. They have great guests and relevant topics. Thank you for creating and ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mikeyluvs2fly
    United States2 months ago
  • Finding the Centerline

    As a student pilot in his late 60’s this year, your podcast on the way home from flight lessons is the best possible thing I can do to stay centered and connected in this process. After one of those days where my ATC calls were about as clear as ordering a hamburger at an outside fast food microphone, your passion for flying and brutally honest approach to a lifetime of getting better is just what is needed. Can’t thank you enough for helping more than you know with this later in life journe... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GBRsker
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the welcoming, hangar-chat vibe and honesty about midlife flying
Audience values real-world topics, humor, and mentorship within a supportive community
Fans highlight practical tips on training, safety culture, and camaraderie with hosts and guests

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

EP168 - How The Turn Tables... Brian's Turn to Checkride Debrief
Q: Have you thought about personal minimums going forward for IFR?
Yes, I plan to set generous minimums and focus on gaining more training before flying IMC.
EP168 - How The Turn Tables... Brian's Turn to Checkride Debrief
Q: Was it as bad as you expected?
Yes, it was challenging and I didn't enjoy it, but I believe I will enjoy instrument flying now that I'm certified.
EP168 - How The Turn Tables... Brian's Turn to Checkride Debrief
Q: Why was it important for you to get your instrument rating?
To become a better pilot and to have the ability to fly in less than VFR conditions.
EP158 - Dire Pragmatism with Absolute Lunacy
Q: Can you tell us a little bit more about the airplane?
Mark describes his TL Sparker as a two-seat retractable airplane made of a composite airframe with carbon fiber.
EP159 - The Sky Was Angry That Day, My Friend
Q: What was the outside air temperature for this event?
The outside air temperature fluctuated between negative one and three degrees Celsius for the entire flight.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Midlife Pilot Podcast

What is Midlife Pilot Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on real-world flying experiences and midlife aviation journeys, blending personal stories with practical insights. Across episodes, listeners hear about checkrides, training mindset, instrument work, and community events, all delivered with humor, humility, and a focus on safe, enjoyable flight. Notable is the strong community aspect—live fly-ins, Discord engagement, and guest voices ranging from examiners and instructors to midlife students—creating a welcoming space for pilots at various stages of life to learn, stay motivated, and connect with peers.

A standout is the emphasis on data-informed training, safety habits, and the realities of balancing aviation with midlife responsibilities, making it helpful for anyone cur... more

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How many listeners does Midlife Pilot Podcast get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Midlife Pilot Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Midlife Pilot Podcast:

1. Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's
2. Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk
3. Hangar Talk - An Aviation News Podcast
4. The Finer Points - Aviation Podcast
5. I Learned About Flying From That

How many episodes of Midlife Pilot Podcast are there?

Midlife Pilot Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 182 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Midlife Pilot Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on Midlife Pilot Podcast?

Recent guests on Midlife Pilot Podcast include:

1. Ron Horton
2. Wendell Geek
3. Time Stap Teder
4. Comanche Sue
5. Seth Lake
6. Gita Brown
7. Paul A. Craig
8. Tim Lien

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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