Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk - podcast cover

Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Air Traffic Talkwww.opposingbases.com
RH and AG are two experienced air traffic controllers and pilots that host a weekly show answering listener questions, breaking down complex aviation topics, and relating their experiences to everyday occurrences in the national airspace system. The hosts and guests do not represent the FAA or NATCA and express their own views and opinions.

Episodes

OB257: An IMC Work Hardening Plan

Episode 257 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss the filing of a flight plan to practice approaches at multiple airports in actual IMC weather. How does a pilot let ATC know what they want to do in the filed flight plan? What can the pilots do to maximize efficiency on a practice flight? We also discuss easing back in to work after some time off, navigating busy airspace VFR, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback. Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron Sierr...

Dec 05, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 257

OB256: Jupiter Jets

Episode 256 Show Notes Topic of the show: This week, AG and RH get into the details of transitioning from an IFR approach and circling maneuver to VMC while joining traffic at a non-towered airport. When should you cancel IFR? Should you remain IFR until reaching the ground? What other considerations should be made in determining when to cancel but remain safe. We also discuss straight in approach clearances and why an LPV can’t always be published. If you wanted to know something about the care...

Nov 28, 20221 hr 18 minSeason 1Ep. 256

OB255: Cancel All My Flight Plans

Episode 255 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show we discuss double IFR flight plans, handling in flight malfunctions expeditiously but safely, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback. Why was the controller trying to convince an inbound aircraft to a towered airport to cancel IFR? What happened to their outbound flight plan? And how can the pilot navigate the awkward moment on the downwind? This was another ad free, 100% Patron supported episode with all content cou...

Nov 21, 20221 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 255

OB254: Penguin Death NOTAMs

Episode 254 Show Notes Topic of the show: How can pilots avoid the pitfalls of expectation bias with regards to NOTAMs? We offer some easy tips to avoid some taxi instruction traps. We also discuss tower operational hours and flight following in no man’s land. RH ends the show with a rant about a rule change. Enjoy this episode made up entirely of Patron feedback! Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron MR shares his flight home story all the way back to California in his Cirrus! 2 . Patron MZ shares l...

Nov 14, 20221 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 254

OB253: Expect the ILS, Cleared for the RNAV

Episode 253 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we will discuss some of the intricacies of filing an IFR flight plan to an airport without an instrument approach procedure. What approach options exist? Do you need an alternate airport? And when you depart, what happens on the controller side of things when issuing your clearance? We also discuss checkrides, atypical phraseology, and more of your awesome aviation feedback! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron SC sent follow up to last week’...

Nov 07, 20221 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 253

OB252: MSAW Blender, Aerobatic Offender

Episode 252 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss a pilot’s decision to go missed on an instrument approach to avoid a midair collision. What did the pilot do right and what could they have done to help avoid the situation. We also discuss Class Delta transition clearances, passive flight following, and more of your aviation questions and feedback. This show is 100% Patron supported and this episode is composed entirely of Patron feedback. Thank you for supporting the sho...

Oct 31, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 252

OB251: Invisible Boundaries

Episode 251 Show Notes Topic of the show: We’ve talked about handoffs and airspace boundaries but today we discuss the finer points involved with transferring radar control to an adjacent sector or facility. How do we accomplish this task legally and what happens between a handoff and the boundary? We also discuss ways to safeguard against the normalization of risky behavior in your airplane. This episode is jam packed with air traffic and aviation information that can help you be a safer user o...

Oct 24, 20221 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 251

OB250: No SIDS, No STARS, No Service

250th Episode! Thanks for being a part of this big milestone! Please take the time to share the show with a friend and leave us a review and five star rating so everyone hears about the most fun you can have listening to a podcast! -RH and AG Topic of the show: On this week’s episode, AG and RH discuss the perfect amount of information for your next long VFR cross country flight. Which additional points are useful for ATC? Airport, navaids, fixes? We also discuss the bigger picture with SIDS, ST...

Oct 17, 20221 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 250

OB249: TRACON Dessert

Episode 249 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss ways flight schools can organize and plan their flights to help ATC and reduce unnecessary flying miles and extra back and forth exchanges of information. What techniques did our flight schools employ to keep everyone safely separated during practice missions and what did ATC do to help us reduce communications? This is a packed episode with tons of aviation gold. Enjoy! Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron CM sent audi...

Oct 10, 20221 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 249

OB248: I Can't Flash You Unless You Touch Me

Episode 248 Show Notes (updated audio file) Topic of the show: You’ve heard us mention automation and handoffs and flight plan updates but, in this episode, we try to explain it in a way that makes sense to everyone. Why is flight plan routing so critical for interfacility handoffs and what can the pilot do in order to increase efficiency during deviations. We also discuss ADS-B data feeds, updated aircraft technology, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback. This episode is 100...

Oct 03, 20221 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 248

OB247: Speeding Inside Opposing Canyons

Episode 247 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s episode, we discuss aircraft speed limits and dig deep into the regulations to answer a listener question. Can ATC assign a speed greater than 200 knots below a Class Bravo shelf? We also discuss following a drone, resolution advisories, and more of your awesome questions. Timely Feedback: 1 . The Badger Pilot’s public apology for a vocabulary slip. 2 . Patron India Mike shares ADS-B stories from the canyons of the back country! 3 . RBB ha...

Sep 26, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 247

OB246: Three Levels of Inception

Episode 246 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we run down a list of operational questions and explain who is working during a normal shift, position responsibilities, and the impact of short bursts of traffic on the operation. We also discuss a radio failure in the tower, termination of radar services, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback. Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron Echo Delta shared a picture of their student preparing to enter a pattern. 2 . Patron BLJ sha...

Sep 19, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 246

OB245: Twice the Tower, Ten Times the Power

Episode 245 Show Notes Topic of the show: New tower at TRIAD is only a few weeks away! RH and AG talk about the training required to make the move to the new building and our thoughts on the new facility. This was a really fun episode! We also discuss VFR weather deviation tolerance and a missed approach without communication with the tower. Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron EH asked us to clarify on the “WHO” blinking on our radar scope. 2 . Patron AT has a question about VFR weather deviations . . ....

Sep 12, 20221 hr 23 minSeason 1Ep. 245

OB244: Constant State of Emergency

Episode 244 Show Notes Topic of the show: A student pilot sounds confused and disoriented on a cross country flight so we discuss ways an instructor and student can better prepare for flights to unfamiliar places. Cross country flights are one of the most important steps to becoming a safe pilot and should serve as confidence builders for the aspiring pilot. We also discuss some user tips on advising ATC of VFR altitude changes, flight following, and more awesome aviation questions. Timely Feedb...

Sep 05, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 244

OB243: Altitude Your Discretion

Episode 243 Show Notes Topic of the show: We regularly endorse the use of flight following to increase safety in the NAS and on this week’s show, we review the services provided by air traffic control when you are being watched by the ATC Gods. Why should you get flight following? Find out today! Timely Feedback: 1 . Alpha Charlie answers most of our glider tow questions from last week. 2 . Patron JG shares a story about misidentified aircraft types. 3 . JZ and his daughter are big fans of airpl...

Aug 29, 20221 hr 18 minSeason 1Ep. 243

OB242: Visions of Performance

Episode 242 Show Notes Topic of the show: A Cirrus Vision Jet pilot found a really creative, funny, and informative way to help controllers understand the SF50’s performance capabilities. On this week’s show, we will discuss some common misconceptions about jets versus turbo prop aircraft, performance considerations, and important information pilots can share with ATC so everyone is on the same page. Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON WTF shares a fun regulation fact about who can fly the plane. 2 . A ...

Aug 22, 20221 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 242

OB241: Schrödinger's Bravo

Episode 241 Show Notes Topic of the show: After a pilot receives their PDC, how do the tower and radar controllers know where they are going? On this week’s show, we revisit basic ATC procedures and the discuss the methods we use to track airplanes within our airspace. We also discuss a Class Bravo airspace bust, more feedback about missed approaches, and confusion over PIREPs. You don’t want to miss this episode! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron JEC asks how we would deal with a pilot that told us t...

Aug 15, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 241

OB240: Sleepless in Oshkosh

Episode 240 Show Notes Topic of the show: On today’s show, we are digging deep into the inbox. We discuss some more feedback on missed approach cockpit chaos, tricks on avoiding talking to centers altogether, and proper use of airports as part of a clearance route. This episode is packed with aviation information and entertainment! Enjoy! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron CP sent audio illustrating real callsign struggles. #alphabetsoup 2 . BC calls out RH for his slip of the tongue. 3 . SGAC Patron M...

Aug 08, 20221 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 240

Live at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022

Special live episode from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 ! RH and AG would like to thank AOPA for hosting our 3rd live show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 next to the AOPA Pavilion at the 39 Lounge. AOPA's mission is to ensure that the sky remains within reach of everyone who dreams of becoming a pilot. And our mission on the show is to share our passion for aviation while educating and entertaining our worldwide audience. And a special thanks to SGAC Sierra Echo for helping with this year's live p...

Aug 01, 20221 hr 8 min

OB239: Radio Calls Are Toll Free

Episode 239 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH give their opinion on a disagreement between pilots at a non-towered airport and discuss the importance of timely radio calls and announcing your position. We also discuss LPV approaches and get to more of your feedback regarding missed approach instructions. Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron CWS got a great tour! 2 . Patron TG shares some kind words about the show. Thank you! 3, 4, 5 . Patrons AW, GF, and CH share their thoughts on alternate missed ...

Jul 25, 20221 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 239

OB238: Standby Me

Episode 238 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH answer a listener’s question about when controllers should stay quiet or minimize instructions due to pilot workload and task saturation. We also discuss ways a controller can combat workload increases with the help of another set of eyes. This episode is packed with aviation gold, you don’t want to miss it! Timely Feedback: 1 . JW sent a fun EFB trick where you can add pattern entry to your flight path for situational awareness. 2 . Patron WO ...

Jul 18, 20221 hr 21 minSeason 1Ep. 238

OB237: 2022 AirVenture Notice-Rock Your Wings!

Episode 237 Show Notes Topic of the show: RH is joined by Dispatcher Mike to discuss the 2022 EAA AirVenture NOTICE. We share our experiences flying into AirVenture so you can prepare for your arrival into the busiest airspace in the world. Follow along with the 2022 AirVenture Notice and get answers to all your questions related to the NOTICE. Timely Feedback: 1 . Juliet Sierra clarifies the runway crossing phraseology. 2 . Patron MEH shares kind words about the show. Thank you! Find the 2022 F...

Jul 12, 20222 hr 47 minSeason 1Ep. 237

OB236: High Alert False Alarm

Episode 236 Show Notes Topic of the show: When a pilot gets a low altitude alert, it should get their attention. And when you’re getting a low altitude alert in a climb, it can be very confusing. On this week’s show, we will discuss audio feedback about low altitude alerts. When do we issue safety alerts? Why does our judgement matter when we receive unusual alarms? We also share some insight into why some tower controllers can’t issue vectors. Timely Feedback: 1 . SB wants to give a shout out t...

Jul 11, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 236

SimVenture 2022-Master the EAA AirVenture NOTICE

PilotEdge-SimVenture Oshkosh 2022 Topic of the show: AG and RH sit down with Kevin from PilotEdge to discuss SimVenture Oshkosh 2022. Do you want to practice the EAA AirVenture NOTICE before you fly to Oshkosh? Why not master the procedures in the comfort of your own home on a flight simulator while talking to real, live Oshkosh air traffic controllers? What is SimVenture? https://www.pilotedge.net/pages/simventure Check out the 2022 PilotEdge SimVenture 2022 video : https://youtu.be/OMSoaUbERSU...

Jul 07, 20221 hr 12 min

OB235: Inadvertent VFR Flight Into IMC

Episode 235 Show Notes Topic of the show: Inadvertent flight into IMC while operating under VFR rules can be deadly, especially for a pilot without an instrument rating. On this week’s episode we hear from a pilot that flew into the clouds and beat the odds. We share our thoughts on what a pilot should do if this happens to them and what to say to ATC. We also get to some more aviation questions and awesome feedback! Happy 4th of July, America! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron JW shares a picture of ...

Jul 04, 20221 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 235

OB234: Slightly Squeezed, Not Mashed

Episode 234 Show Notes Topic of the show: When a squeeze play looks like it can only get worse, a controller has to do something to stop it. On this week’s episode, we will break down an intersecting runway arrival/departure squeeze play that resulted in a canceled takeoff clearance instead of a go around. Why did this happen? What types of things are being considered during a squeeze play like this one? We also discuss situational awareness on a cross country flight to an unfamiliar airport, ap...

Jun 27, 20221 hr 23 minSeason 1Ep. 234

OB233: Because . . . Chinook

Episode 233 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss procedures like Line Up and Wait (LUAW) and Land and Hold Short (LAHSO) that are not available at all towered airports. Why aren’t these procedures used everywhere and what type of considerations are made when using them to keep traffic moving efficiently? We also discuss electronic flight bag routing suggestions, Class Bravo clearances, runway crossing instructions, and more of your awesome aviation comments/feedback. Timely Feedback: ...

Jun 20, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 233

OB232: One Touch Wonder

Episode 232 Show Notes Topic of the show: This week we discuss runway crossing clearances, VFR holding patterns, and a casual TCAS RA exchange. Do you love aviation? Do you have a question about air traffic control or flying? Are you interested in aviation or working on your ratings to become a pilot? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this is the show for you! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron JEC sent clarification audio regarding “track runway heading”. 2 . Patron RM shares a fun fact a...

Jun 13, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 232

OB231: Wings Do Things

Episode 231 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s installment of Opposing Bases, AG and RH discuss what triggers a mandatory report, why we file them, and what happens with the data that's collected. We also discuss being taken out to sea too far, flight following items to include in your callup to ATC, and much more. You don’t want to miss this episode! Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron SE sent a pro tip about TEC routes used out West. Thank you! 2 . Patron PWK shared his experience with ...

Jun 06, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 231

OB230: Caveman ATC

Episode 230 Show Notes Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss routing additions to flight following, obstacle departure changes, reroutes, filing IFR with ATC on the ground, and much, much more! This week’s episode is based entirely on listener questions about the NAS, flying, and ATC! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron PV has some follow up questions on block altitudes and controller visual memory aids. Feedback Patron CKA sent a link about ODPs:( https://pilotworkshop.com/win-sim-ifrm-0921/ TB sent a q...

May 30, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 230