EP151 - 2nd Chances at 46: Motion Sickness, Legacy, and Finding the Right CFI

Listener Chris T. writes in with a powerful story about his WWII pilot grandfather, a 25-year-old discovery flight that ended in motion sickness, and the question: Is it too late to try again at 46? The crew tackles motion sickness remedies, finding the right CFI as a midlifer, and realistic training schedules for busy adults. Plus: Ben celebrates 28 years of marriage ("She's said 'You Are Right' twice—that's now a thing"), Ted does his first Special VFR, and the fly-in location may be shifting to Bentonville, Arkansas. In this episode: Chris T's story: His B-29 grandfather, motion sickness fears, and juggling four kids while chasing the aviation dream Motion sickness reality check: "Habituation remains the most effective non-pharmacological method" - it gets better with time The secret: "I get motion sickness when the CFI has the controls, but when I have the controls, I don't" - your stomach needs warning Finding the right CFI as a midlifer: Why assertiveness levels matter and how to take control of your own training Training schedules for busy adults: "Plan on one getting canceled every week" - fly 2-3 times weekly Ben's perfect weekend: Multi-engine training, fly fishing, charity golf tournament (came in 2nd!), and 28th anniversary Ted's first Special VFR: "Turn out whichever way you want" - getting the entire Delta to yourself Brian flies to Alabama, shows his friend how beautiful the state really is (including seaplane runways) International Day of the Air Traffic Controller: Community members dropping off donuts and $500 in pizzas Great wisdom: "Don't trust the CFI to guide you along—apply your midlife project management skills to your training" "We definitely prefer straight information. My communication style is bullet points and curse words" Nathan Ballard on veteran students: "They all want right to the point direct feedback" "That's not what we meant by power-off 180" - the compliment sandwich Ben's marriage secret: "If you can make each other laugh, that's a big part of it" Fly-in update: Tango 82 is looking tough - considering Bentonville, Arkansas (VBT) with Fly Oz backcountry, grass strip, Frank Lloyd Wright house, and James Beard Award-winning chefs! Mentioned on the Show: 8A1 - Guntersville Municipal Airport , Alabama - Seaplane base VBT - Bentonville Municipal Airport - Proposed fly-in location AR05 - Harris Field , Combs, Arkansas - 2,500' grass strip PDK - DeKalb-Peachtree Airport , Atlanta WDR - Barrow County Airport , Winder, GA XNA - Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport - Commercial airport near Bentonville Fly Oz - Backcountry flying experiences in Bentonville Gilbert Aviation - Erica Gilbert's IFR ground school Support the Show: Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - Discord access & exclusive content including checkride debriefs MidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch, feedback, and all things MLP Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast - Live Mondays 8PM ET 10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts Closing wisdom: "Simulated engine failures: The only time your instructor smiles and you don't." Have motion sickness tips or CFI insights? Send us feedback at MidlifePilotPodcast.com