Episode 167 tackles the challenge of cockpit organization with real solutions from three very different flying setups.

Brian's still battling the conspiracy to prevent his instrument checkride (spoiler: UPS trucks and snow banks are involved), while Ted shares wisdom from his Miata-sized cockpit about 3D-printed organizers, strategic cup holder placement, and why everything needs "ONE home." Ben discovers that big game hunting expos are surprisingly good aviation networking venues.

From Pivot cases and pulse oximeters to the life-or-death importance of proper seatbelt clipping, plus listener feedback that sparks a deeper discussion about test scores and aviation's competitive culture. Because when you're hand-flying an approach in the clouds and ATC changes your clearance, you need to be flying the airplane, not managing your mess.

Features the guys' real-world tips for everything from "hard-wired" Stratus installations to keeping cash hidden in baggage organizers for emergency out-calls. Plus: why Ted went from zero flight hours to helping rewrite aviation regulations in under five years.

Mentioned on the show:

* Dallas Safari Club: https://www.biggame.org/convention/

* Georgia World Congress Center: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_World_Congress_Center

* Nicholas Air: https://www.nicholasair.com/

* ASTM F37 committee: https://www.astm.org/membership-participation/technical-committees/committee-f37

* DPE and educator Seth Lake: https://vsl.aero/

* Seth's ACE guide: https://vslaviation.myshopify.com/

* TL Sparker: https://tlsportaircraft.com/sparker/

* BRS Parachutes: https://brsaerospace.com/

* Ted's "purse", holds the iPad Mini: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZL4TZP

* Pivot case: https://pivotcase.com/products/a35a

* Calm Cockpit Podcast: https://calmcockpit.com/

* Flyfisherman Lefty Kreh: The Greatest of All Time: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/lefty-greatest-of-all-time/516098

Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast

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Time to kick back and catch up with the gang in our first "information whiskey" episode of the year. After starting 2026 with our Ultimate Guide series and that marathon session with Dr. Paul Craig, we're taking a breather to hang out, share some flying stories, and tackle your feedback.

Ben kicks things off with a tale of terrible timing - how a flat nose tire and an MD-88 pilot who was "stuck" (but not really stuck) turned a simple night cross-country into an evening of airport ground operations. Meanwhile, Brian's been surviving Nashville's ice apocalypse while grinding through the final stages of instrument training, complete with shoulder harnesses and a healthy dose of reality about how IFR actually works versus how it's taught.

We dive deep into Brian's theory that instrument flying is "interpretive dance" rather than the precise, procedural flying it's marketed to be. Spoiler alert: holds aren't what you think they are, and ATC doesn't care about your perfect entry technique.

Plus, we celebrate some amazing listener accomplishments - from glider add-ons to ice runway landings to solo cross-countries - and address the burning question: do non-flying spouses actually listen to aviation podcasts? (Spoiler: some do, and we want to hear from them!)

Featuring Thaden Invasion updates, washing machine turbulence scales, and why sometimes the best thing to do is just wait 15 minutes for the weather to change.

Mentioned on the show:

* RYY - Cobb/McCollum Field: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RYY

* FAA WINGS program: https://www.faasafety.gov/

* CCO - Coweta County Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KCCO

* PUJ - Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KPUJ

* Flight Insight, Going Missed on a Circling Approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJiEuHWF5B8

* Flight Insight, the VOR Flower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm7XxyzZFh0

* Columbia Cascade 99's winter raffle: https://www.columbiacascade99s.org/store/p/2025-2026-winter-raffle

* IFR6 - accelerated IFR training, Charleston SC: https://ifr6.com/

* TOA - Torrance California: https://www.airnav.com/airport/KOTA

* EP46 - Flying With Your Spouse: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep46-flying-with-your-spouse/id1591463789?i=1000632568750

Visit midlifepilotpodcast.com for more content, merch, and our free Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot. Support the show and join our community at patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast - 10% of proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-trafficking efforts.

Aviation legend, educator, instructor, and author Dr. Paul Craig joins the gang to discuss the highly anticipated third edition of The Killing Zone - the book that's basically scripture for midlife pilots everywhere.

With new publisher ASA, Paul's back with fresh data from 12,406 general aviation accidents proving that yes, the 50-350 hour zone still has significantly higher accident rates.

We dive deep into his data-driven approach to accident analysis, explore how technology is creating pilot-induced distractions like GoPro fiddling and selfie-taking, and discover why mental health conversations have finally evolved beyond just "pilot stress." Paul explains how HIMS AMEs are changing the game for pilots needing help, and why scenario-based training beats practicing basketball fundamentals all day.

Whether you're climbing Mount Stupid or think you've conquered it, Paul reminds us that every flight is different and deserves your full attention. Plus, hear his scariest moment involving recruiting football players, hydraulic failure, and emergency gear extension that sounded like the airplane was coming apart.

Featuring abnormal contact with the ground, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving accident curse, and why Paul never tells ATC how an approach will terminate.

Mentioned on the show:

* ASA, The Killing Zone third edition: https://asa2fly.com/the-killing-zone-softcover/

* Wingnuts Aviation, M91 Springfield Tenn: https://wingnutsaviation.net/

* About ASA: https://asa2fly.com/about-us/

* The Vegas Bravo Buster on VASAviation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUSUXnr4dSo

* New York Times Presents 'Lie to Fly': https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/23/NYT-Presents/lie-to-fly-joseph-emerson-pilot.html

* AOPA, Mike Busch, Quantifying Maintenance Risk: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/november/pilot/savvy-maintenance-opinion-quantifying-maintenance-risk

* Scarpazza, Quantifying the Risk of Accidents and Serious Incidents Due to Maintenance in General Aviation: https://www.savvyaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Risks-of-maintenance-to-GA.pdf

* Paul Craig, Flight Times: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685642306

Visit www.midlifepilotpodcast.com to support the show, get merch, and download the free 23 page PDF "The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Midlife Pilot".