EP158 - Dire Pragmatism with Absolute Lunacy

EP158 - Dire Pragmatism with Absolute Lunacy

1DullGeek casually announces he's signed a contract for a Czech-built TL Sparker and will spend a month in Prague building it – because apparently "24 cubic feet of cargo space" (more than his compact SUV!) justifies international aircraft construction. The only minor detail? He has absolutely nowhere to hangar this composite beauty that "costs more than his house." Cue the deep dive into "Hangar Hell" – where waiting lists stretch to 2038, car detailing businesses occupy hangars, and Mark realizes he's been "a wholesale menace in every capacity to an airport." Meanwhile, Brian's gone full on into written tests, knocking out instrument ground instructor and fundamentals of instruction in two weeks because "the sponginess of my brain is kind of working at the moment." Plus: heated seats, cup holders, and the eternal question of whether N633K (a.k.a. "N-GEEK") will ever see the inside of an actual hangar.


  • Upcoming Event:

    • The Thaden Invasion Fly-In - March 13-15, 2026, Bentonville, Arkansas (VBT)
    • RSVP at midlifepilotpodcast.com - "If half the RSVPs show up, we're gonna have a real good time. If more than half show up, it'll be a disaster."

    Support the Show:

    Mentioned on the show:

    * Mark's new plane, TL Sparker: https://tlsportaircraft.com/sparker/

    * Risen Aircraft: https://www.flyrisen.com/

    * Roy "Deacon" Qualls, Pilot's Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro: https://amazon.com/dp/B0FY26ZJJM

    * CGI, Cape Girardeau Regional Airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Girardeau_Regional_Airport

    * Garmin GNC355: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/689774/

    Episoder(173)

    EP118 - All Aboard the Pain Train: The Trials of Aircraft Ownership

    EP118 - All Aboard the Pain Train: The Trials of Aircraft Ownership

    "Freedom to go broke." The guys dive deep into the bittersweet reality of aircraft ownership—from the freedom it provides to the unique challenges it presents. Brian compares airplane ownership to mar...

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    EP117 - Park Bench vs. Swing Set: The High Wing-Low Wing Showdown

    EP117 - Park Bench vs. Swing Set: The High Wing-Low Wing Showdown

    "If you're tired of doing your yoga classes every morning, just buy a low wing." In this episode, the crew kicks off a playful aviation civil war, pitting high-wing and low-wing aircraft against each ...

    25 Feb 202552min

    EP116 - Got Lazy, Not Rusty: Navigating Pattern Entries

    EP116 - Got Lazy, Not Rusty: Navigating Pattern Entries

    Ben shares his unconventional left base entry at Daniel Field, admitting "Rusty is not the right word. Lazy, I think is the right word." This sparks a spirited debate as Brian responds " I'm coming in...

    18 Feb 20251h 2min

    EP115 - The $200 Time Machine: Flying GA For Business

    EP115 - The $200 Time Machine: Flying GA For Business

    From dodging Atlanta traffic to landing sweet courtesy car upgrades (hello, BHM Millionair FBO's Mercedes), Ben breaks down how flying personal aircraft can transform business travel. While Ted needs ...

    11 Feb 202554min

    EP114 - "This is a Checklist, Not a Do List" - Hustle and Flow(s)

    EP114 - "This is a Checklist, Not a Do List" - Hustle and Flow(s)

    In this episode, a perfectionist's quest for the perfect checklist leads to an unexpected business acquisition. Barry explains how his journey from "maybe I should get my pilot certificate" turned int...

    4 Feb 20251h 3min

    EP113 - Information Whiskey: Very Plane Shaped, That's As Far As It Goes

    EP113 - Information Whiskey: Very Plane Shaped, That's As Far As It Goes

    Come for the "sleep-deprived Ballyhoo," stay for the "bowling ball collectors who fly Cherokee 235s." In this episode, the crew reveals their "Ultimate Official Airplane of..." Guide where your aircra...

    28 Jan 202551min

    EP112 - 'Just Doing a Bombing Run Here We Go': Master CFI Nathan Ballard's Military Adventure

    EP112 - 'Just Doing a Bombing Run Here We Go': Master CFI Nathan Ballard's Military Adventure

    When a master CFII/ATP trades right rudder lessons for a seat in an Air Force T-38 Talon, you know it's going to be good. Nathan Ballard expected a polite tour of Sheppard Air Force Base but instead f...

    21 Jan 20251h 3min

    EP111 - It's ALWAYS Fuel (and Never for Skywriting)

    EP111 - It's ALWAYS Fuel (and Never for Skywriting)

    "Well honey, the engine's about to stop running..." is NOT a conversation you want to have at 5,000 feet. In this episode full of real-talk about fuel management, our midlife pilots share their close ...

    14 Jan 20251h 4min

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