Episode 269 Show Notes Topic of the show: When you are a newly certified pilot, air traffic controllers can be intimidating and the system can make new private pilots apprehensive about using the services available to them. In this week’s episode, we dive deep into a pilot’s first real interaction with ATC after getting a rating; what went wrong and how can they improve or better understand what’s happening in the background to make their next experience better? We give our opinions on the inter...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 269
Episode 268 Show Notes Topic of the show: On Today’s show we break down more details about visual approaches, dissect the soup sandwich departure near the Oracle Database Airport, and hear from a very aware student pilot on their first solo! We are working with a new audio setup so our voices may sound a little different. Enjoy the show! Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron SE shares some insight into the Oracle Database Airport departure procedure. http://www.sancarlosairport.org/Departure-Guidance...
Feb 20, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 268
Episode 267 Show Notes Topic of the show: Today’s show is jam packed with valuable information every pilot can take with them on their next flight. We discuss a very complicated departure procedure and how to execute it safely considering how we would fly an ODP, managing flight plans and flight following, and lesson learned from a last second go around in IMC. You don’t want to miss this episode! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron ABM sent a cool picture of the Coffee Bravo area showing three airports...
Feb 13, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 267
Episode 266 Show Notes Topic of the show: When approach issues a visual approach clearance to a Class Delta airport, what are the expectations when entering the flow of traffic at the towered airport? What if the pilot thinks the assigned entry is unsafe? On this week’s show, we will hear from a pilot that used their judgement to safely enter the airport traffic pattern, why ATC seemed upset, and how you can communicate with ATC to resolve the issue. We also discuss radio etiquette when you are ...
Feb 06, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 266
Episode 265 Show Notes Topic of the show: Alpha Golf toured three facilities in the greater Cowboy Bravo area and shares all of his observations like the high volume of traffic, the complexity of the airspace, and the workload on each controller. We also discuss go arounds, ADS-B coverage and equipage, and magically making a VFR aircraft IFR. This is a really fun episode you won’t want to miss! Happy Monday! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron JEC shared some more thoughts about last week’s show. 2 . SG...
Jan 30, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 265
Episode 264 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH explain why the arrivals and departures conflict, how we solve those issues at TRIAD, and why our airspace and traffic levels make the solution different than a larger Class Bravo airport. We also discuss pop up IFR clearances and hear some audio of the world’s fastest controllers. You don’t want to miss this episode! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron HAB had their review producing device held hostage by a fake name. 2 . Patron W...
Jan 23, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 264
Episode 263 Show Notes Topic of the show: Visual approaches can be one of the most poorly understood procedures for a newly certified instrument pilot. On this week’s show, AG and RH review some basic assumptions behind visual approaches, the timing of calling the field in sight, and understanding your position in relation to traffic off the airport. Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron RM shares a story about floppy disks. 2 . SGAC Patron JAS shares some more details about the “no IFR departures” story ...
Jan 16, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 263
Episode 262 Show Notes Topic of the show: On today’s show, we answer a question from a pilot that had a last second go-around with multiple aircraft in either direction. What did ATC do right and what could they have done to improve the outcome of this traffic scenario? What can the pilot do to prepare for an imminent go around and allow adequate time for ATC to formulate a backup plan? We also discuss strange IFR taxi instructions, radio mistakes, and obstacle alerts for VFR pilots. You don’t w...
Jan 09, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 262
Episode 261 Show Notes Topic of the show: A student pilot is in busy airspace near a Class Bravo surface area without a Class B clearance. What did the student say to get an immediate solution from ATC? Find out on this episode. We also discuss reroutes, listening skills, and the service provided by Angel Flight pilots. This was a really fun way to start our 6th year doing weekly episodes. Enjoy! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron DM actually did what we suggested and got MSAW processing on a VFR fligh...
Jan 02, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 261
Episode 260 Show Notes Topic of the show: RH and AG celebrate the last episode of 2022 and the completion of five full years of weekly episodes! On this week’s show, we discuss visual approaches into busy Class D airports, the importance of alternate airport planning, approach request etiquette, approach plate nuances, and many more of your aviation questions. We would like to wish the aviation community a Happy New Year! See you in 2023! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron WTF points out the importance...
Dec 29, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 260
A fun collection of sound bites from 2022. Enjoy!
Dec 26, 2022•1 hr 44 min
Episode 259 Show Notes Topic of the show: We endorse flight following! But what should you do if you can’t break the controller away long enough to initiate flight following? We will discuss busy airspace, conflicting traffic, and tools to ensure you get flight following services as early as possible. We also discuss lost communication, alternate airports, and more of your awesome aviation feedback. Merry Christmas from RH and AG! Fly safely and have a great week! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron Sie...
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 259
Episode 258 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we will talk about last minute ATC amended instructions, how to handle them, and why they may be happening. We also discuss ILS Critical Areas, confusing ATC instructions, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback! Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron DR from Ireland shared some more friendly words about our American English. http://www.taytopark.ie/ 2 . Patron CKA shared a multiple airport flight story where our advice worked!...
Dec 12, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 258
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, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 257
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, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 256
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, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 255
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, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 254
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, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 253
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, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 252
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, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 251
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, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 250
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, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 249
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, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 248
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, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 247
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, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 246
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, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 245
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, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 244
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, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 243
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, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 242
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, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 241
