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 dreamMotion sickness reality check: "Habituation remains the most effective non-pharmacological method" - it gets better with timeThe secret: "I get motion sickness when the CFI has the controls, but when I have the controls, I don't" - your stomach needs warningFinding the right CFI as a midlifer: Why assertiveness levels matter and how to take control of your own trainingTraining schedules for busy adults: "Plan on one getting canceled every week" - fly 2-3 times weeklyBen's perfect weekend: Multi-engine training, fly fishing, charity golf tournament (came in 2nd!), and 28th anniversaryTed's first Special VFR: "Turn out whichever way you want" - getting the entire Delta to yourselfBrian 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 pizzasGreat 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 sandwichBen'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 baseVBT - Bentonville Municipal Airport - Proposed fly-in locationAR05 - Harris Field, Combs, Arkansas - 2,500' grass stripPDK - DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, AtlantaWDR - Barrow County Airport, Winder, GAXNA - Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport - Commercial airport near BentonvilleFly Oz - Backcountry flying experiences in BentonvilleGilbert Aviation - Erica Gilbert's IFR ground schoolSupport the Show:Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - Discord access & exclusive content including checkride debriefsMidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch, feedback, and all things MLPLeave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or email: [email protected]/@midlifepilotpodcast - Live Mondays 8PM ET10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking effortsClosing 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