EP131 - 4% Gain to Go Pants Less - Cross Country Cockpit Organization

The crew tackles long cross-country cockpit organization after Ted's epic 5,400-mile journey reveals that going "pants-free" provides a "4% gain" in performance (wheel pants, people!). From the critical importance of blue shop towels to strategic snack placement and lumbar support, Ben, Brian, and Ted share hard-earned tips for setting up your cockpit for extended flights. Ben also achieves peak self-awareness by making "the quantum leap of berating myself behind my own back" on frequency, proving that even our radio calls need better cockpit organization.

Mentioned on the show:

• Midlife Pilot Podcast: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com
• Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcast
• Watch live on YouTube: Mondays 8 PM Eastern - https://youtube.com/@MidlifePilotPodcast
• Manzanita Oregon: https://visittheoregoncoast.com/cities/manzanita/
• PlanePlaces' second T82 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVlRgni9ynw
• Wilhelm scream: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_scream
• OWB - Owensboro Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/OWB
• Garmin 430, yellow "NO GPS" warning: https://vansairforce.net/threads/garmin-430-message-no-gps.49119/
• Twin Oaks airpark, Oregon: https://www.flytwinoaks.com/
• Chris Moran, Midlife Pilot, "I'm Back" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIDq2sCmxsU
• EP100, live in West Virginia with OG Chris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc5acX35DKE
• George Costanza's wallet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TYuGe7JaX4
• Checkmate Aviation (Barry's custom checklists): https://checkmateav.com
• Flying Eyes Eyewear (discount code: SISKIND): https://flyingeyes.com
• Ted's 3D printed holder/flying eyes organizer: https://www.printables.com/model/1316551-flying-eyes-airplane-organizer
• Blackstone Labs (oil analysis): https://www.blackstone-labs.com/
• Bordo sandwiches, Marfa, Texas: https://www.instagram.com/bordo.tx/
• West Virginia pepperoni rolls: https://wvtourism.com/state-food-pepperoni-roll/

• Freedom Aviation Network (anti-human trafficking): https://freedomaviation.network

Airports Mentioned:

• John Tune Airport (JWN) - Nashville, TN
• Owensboro-Daviess County Airport (OWB) - Owensboro, KY
• Independence State Airport (S36) - Independence, OR
• Twin Oaks Airpark (7S3) - Hillsboro, OR
• Fairmont Regional Airport (4G7) - Fairmont, WV
• T82 (Gillespie County Airport) - Fredericksburg, TX

Equipment Mentioned:

• Garmin 530 GPS
• GoPro cameras
• Flight Design CTLS aircraft
• Cessna 180/182 aircraft
• Cherokee 180 aircraft

10% of our monthly Patreon pledge total goes directly to support the Freedom Aviation Network