New 56 year old beginning pilot.....

56 is not that unusual to start. Welcome to our addiction.

Seems like everybody has one piece of the puzzle that's harder than the rest. Communications is a common place. Ultimately it's easy, it's just now a mix of unknown terms in an unknown context in an unknown environment, spoken fast :) It'll fall into place with practice. Play with the apps mentioned or maybe listen to liveatc.net in your free time a bit.

Yes, ATC is patient with student pilots as long as you listen and do what they ask. "student pilot, say again" works well.

The redbird is great for what it does but I'm not sure it will be much use in the PP lessons. Check with your CFI.

Where are you flying at?
 
I received my PPL at age 61 last September. Took my discovery flight 11 months earlier. I took my instruction from a Class C airport so I got used to talking to ATC pretty quickly. Some of the ATC guys also rented from the school, so I also got to know them and speak with them (and got to visit the tower). Don't be afraid to advise them that you're a student (they'll keep an eye out for you, and for others too). It's never too late to follow your dreams. Enjoy!
 
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