The spotted cow tradition lives on as the crew discusses building instrument flows (Wendy's "source-morse-course" wisdom), why updating flows is harder than you think (law of primacy), and the great EFB pricing debate (Sky Demon €120 vs ForeFlight $370+ in Europe). Plus: celebrating no-go decisions as bigger accomplishments than completing flights, Ted's minimalist wedding where the Uber driver waited outside, and why being in aviation has made Ted realize there's a countable number of summers left in his life—a perspective his 18-year-old brain never understood.
In this episode:
- "Source-Morse-Course" - Wendy's instrument flow (identify source, check morse code, set course)"I need more flow, not more to-do lists" - Brian's IFR strugglesLaw of primacy: How hard is it to update flows once you've learned them?Ben's multi flow stuck in his head: "Mixtures forward, props forward, throttles forward, identify, feather, verify"Building the helmet fire muscle through repeated exposureSky Demon €120 vs ForeFlight $370+ in Germany (3 more hours of flying time difference)Richard Yankee88: Flew to New Orleans, drove to Texas instead of flying - "That's a bigger accomplishment"Doug F: "I loved my private checkride. Someone wanted to ask me aviation questions!""Maybe I'm overthinking this" - The most midlife phrase in Discord
Great moments:
- Ted's minimalist wedding: "The Uber driver was waiting. That's how long my ceremony took" (5 people total)"We have a 50% success rate for anything we talk about" / "We're like a broken clock—right twice a day"Notice of Disapproval pads: New merch idea Garmin sponsorship dreams: "Everybody has a price" / "Refurb 430s for everybody!"Alternative sponsors: "Icy Hot? That's more realistic"
Thaden Invasion: March 13-15, 2026 at VBT, Bentonville, Arkansas - RSVP at midlifepilotpodcast.com (parking limited!)
Mentioned on the Show:
- EP114 with Checkmate BarryCheckMate IFR ChecklistGarmin PilotNew Glarus Spotted Cow Beerblancolirio on the N2345R PA-23 Montana icing crashASN entry on the crash
Support the Show:
- Patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast - Discord access & checkride debriefsMidlifePilotPodcast.com - Merch & Thaden Invasion RSVPyoutube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast - Live Mondays 8PM ET
10% of Patreon proceeds support Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts
Closing wisdom: "A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures."