Episode 374 Show Notes Topic of the show: The Opposing Bases Final Cross Maneuver, Sponsored by SGAC Patron AM On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss a parallel runway situation that involves opposing bases and crossing over a final. This scenario is very tricky for controllers and we will dissect what is happening here and the various options for both pilots and controllers. We also discuss “hidden” radar facilities near Taylor Swift’s Hometown Delta, LAX Special Flight Rules, and more of your ...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep 374•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 373 Show Notes Topic of the show: Archie League and His Award. On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss the Archie League Award for ATC, why it’s important and a quick rundown on Archie League himself, the first air traffic controller. We also play the pilot’s prayer, discuss visual approach backups, and answer more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback. Links: https://www.natca.org/2023/08/21/archie-league-and-the-genesis-of-federal-air-traffic-control/ https://creators.spotify....
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep 373•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 372 Show Notes Topic of the show: Wrong Runway Landing On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss a wrong surface landing event and the takeaways for users of the NAS. We also discuss non-towered operations very close to a Charlie surface area and more of your aviation questions and feedback. Links: https://www.avweb.com/features/when-brevity-leads-to-levity/ Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron BJS takes a trip down memory lane on ASR approaches, ADF and no GPS. Feedback 1. SGAC AMM shares a “br...
Feb 18, 2025•2 hr 34 min•Ep 372•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 371 Show Notes Topic of the show: Off-Field Emergency Landing and CAP Response On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss the excellent response of both ATC and Civil Air Patrol to an off-field emergency landing. What can controllers learn from this story that will help them be better prepared to respond to a pilot in distress? What can pilots learn from the event? We also discuss amazing glider records, European flight following, and more of your awesome feedback. Timely Feedback: 1. Patron...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep 371•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 370 Show Notes Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones in the tragedy over the Potomac. There are no words to describe the pain you’re suffering and while a thorough investigation may answer your questions, it won’t bring your loved ones back. We are so sorry for your loss and want you to know the aviation community is right beside you in your time of need. This accident will define the next generation responsible for maintaining the safest airspace in the wor...
Feb 04, 2025•2 hr 43 min•Ep 370•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 369 Show Notes Topic of the show: Flying Through Final On this week’s episode, RH and AG discuss the complexities of parallel visual approaches from both the pilot and controller perspectives. What separation requirements exist? What tools are available for the pilot and the controller when things don’t go as planned? We also discuss patience on frequency, super top secret airspace rules, and more of your aviation questions and feedback. This was a fun episode and you don’t want to miss ...
Jan 28, 2025•2 hr 33 min•Ep 369•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 368 Show Notes Topic of the show: Flying Through Fires, By SGAC Patron CB. RH and AG read feedback from CB about being a firefighting pilot. What type of training is involved? How do you get qualified to fly in this type of operation? How does this compare to military flying? We also discuss situational awareness near Class Bravo airspace, facility tours, and more of your awesome aviation feedback. This week’s episode is packed with nuggets of aviation gold. You don’t want to miss it! Li...
Jan 21, 2025•2 hr 35 min•Ep 368•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 367 Show Notes Topic of the show: Overcoming “Failures” on Checkrides By Patron DF On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss getting through mistakes on checkrides and what we can learn from DF’s experiences. How do you regroup after a mistake? Can ATC help? Is the examiner looking for your response to the mistake to determine if you pass or fail? We discuss our own checkride experiences so you can learn from our mistakes. We also review over water flight planning tools, fun interactions wi...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep 367•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 366 Show Notes Topic of the show: Flights of Firsts. RH and AG talk about why getting out of your comfort zone is important in GA flying, inspired by Patron CGS. We also discuss the lessons learned in night VFR flying, the pitfalls of an unfamiliar airplane at night, and more of your awesome aviation feedback. This episode is packed with aviation gold and you don't want to miss it! It's not too late to get OB MERCH: https://www.opposingbases.com/shop/ Nominations for the 2024 OBEY Awards...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep 366•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 365 Show Notes Topic of the show: Night VFR Flying From Patron TH On this week’s episode, RH and AG discuss the separate night VFR rating in Australia and what it means for us in the US. What should instructors emphasize in their student’s requisite night training to prepare them for the risks involved? We also discuss electric air taxis, contract towers, and spin training. This is our last episode of 2024. Happy New Year! Timely Feedback: 1. Patron ES discusses spins 2. Patron JW gets t...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 365•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 364 Show Notes Topic of the show: What is Your On-course Heading? From Patron AS On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss “on course heading”. What does it mean and why does ATC need to know? We also discuss our opinions on the latest developments in New York airspace, Class C redesigns, and more of your awesome aviation feedback. Merry Christmas! Links: https://reason.org/aviation-policy-news/newark-air-traffic-control-shifted-to-philadelphia-tracon/#:~:text=The%20long%2Dplanned%20move%20...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep 364•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 363 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss risk vs. reward in flight training and ATC on the job training. Can trainers prepare students for real life scenarios if they protect the trainee from difficult and challenging scenarios? Does the risk of spins outweigh the benefits of learning how to recover? Does watching a student work a complex/busy scenario expose them to the risk of killing their confidence? We also discuss taxi procedures, transponders, and a...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep 363•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 362 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the dreaded flashing red light from the control tower indicating it was unsafe to land. The pilot was experiencing an emergency and determined landing was the safest way to conclude the flight. Why would a tower controller deny a landing? What other options does the pilot have during a no-radio emergency? Timely Feedback: 1. Patron KK shares some follow up about the nasty-gram from the airport authority regarding no...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 362•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 361 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, RH and AG share their thoughts about an airport sending a letter of admonishment to a pilot for not following a voluntary noise abatement procedure. Are noise abatement procedures required or voluntary? How can an IFR pilot comply with a noise abatement procedure while complying with an ATC instruction? Why do neighbors complain about noise from the airport? We also discuss the newest ATC dating app, reporting the airport in sight, a...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep 361•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 360 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, RH and AG will make their pitch to the powers above to make Universal Flight Following Light a real safety feature in the NAS. Why would both pilots and controllers benefit from this product? How would we roll it out in the NAS? We also discuss how sectors are divided, traffic alerts, and more of your fantastic aviation feedback. Links: Technique: What's the frequency? By Tom LeCompte https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2018...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep 360•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 359 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss ASR/PAR approaches at TRIAD, filing instrument flight plans for local practice approaches, and best practices for VFR pilots that operate near any airport in the NAS. This episode is packed with important aviation tips and tricks to keep you safe! Timely Feedback: 1. TRIAD Vet/Cigarette Rookie Charles Delta shares some information about no gyro approaches at TRIAD back in 1954. 2. SGAC Patron ED explains how you can get ex...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep 359•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 358 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss a very well prepared pilot’s plan and his backup to the plan during questionable weather. What can pilot’s learn from this story that will help them better prepare for their next IFR flight? What considerations are the controllers making during inclement weather that can have a positive outcome on the flight? And most importantly, how do you become a better user of the NAS? We also discuss creative center communicat...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep 358•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 357 Show Notes Topic of the show: Not Getting Flight Following and Why It’s Bad. On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss how a flight following request would have prevented a near midair collision at a busy Class C airport. Why is remaining outside the Charlie legal but not necessarily safe? Can pilots get better service by simply calling ATC? This incident got a lot of attention and we want to reiterate the controller did a great job! We had a lot of fun recording this episode and you do...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep 357•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 356 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss a recent incident involving a taxiway collision between two airliners. We discuss what happened and try to add something new to the conversation as it relates to our experiences as controllers and pilots. There are many valuable lessons that can be learned from this event. We also discuss contract towers, ASR approaches, and more of your aviation questions and feedback. This episode is packed and you don’t want to m...
Oct 29, 2024•2 hr 35 min•Ep 356•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 355 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss a recent flight in IMC where the pilot struggled and the controller kept his cool and offered the perfect mix of instruction and help which resulted in a safe landing. Great job! We also discuss invoking your OB Listener Card on a checkride, practice area frequencies, and more of your aviation questions and feedback. Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron AMM adds some commentary on glider flights. 2. SGAC Patron DB shares...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep 355•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 354 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH answer a tricky terrain question from a pilot departing a controlled airport. What can pilots do to prepare for performance issues in terrain? Does the issuance of a SID require any special consideration in high terrain? And what other options existed for the tower controller to reach a safe outcome? We also discuss impeccable podcast timing, a “curiosity mindset”, and “square your base to final” phraseology. Timely Feedbac...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep 354•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 353 Show Notes Topic of the show: More Helene Response Discussion from Patron AJ and Podcaster AC- On this week’s show, AG and RH share some first-hand stories of the hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina. Without general aviation and the volunteers on the ground, lifesaving supply delivery would have been delayed several days. Great job, GA! We want to thank all the volunteer pilots, the volunteer organizers, all those that donated time or supplies, the controllers working insane l...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep 353•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 352 Show Notes Topic of the show: Disaster Response by General Aviation with BK On this week’s show, we spend time speaking with Bravo Kilo and the response from general aviation during the most recent natural disaster. Hurricane Helene has devasted our home state and general aviation is playing a huge role in delivering critical supplies to a community that has been completely isolated due to flooding, mud slides, road closures, and power outages. We need your help! We have made a short...
Oct 01, 2024•2 hr 39 min•Ep 352•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 351 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss more feedback about aviation medical exams, peer-to-peer support programs for general aviation pilots, and a real-life emergency that had a good outcome due to aviation training. This episode is full of valuable aviation intel and you don’t want to miss it! Links: https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide Timely Feedback: 1. Patron JP sends feedback about AME’s and the medical process 2. Patron Dr IC gives us the AME reference ...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep 351•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 350 Show Notes Topic of the show: Medical Shouldn’t be Scary by Patron DDC On this week’s show, RH and AG read feedback from Patron DDC about why your FAA Flight Physical shouldn’t be as scary as we all make it out to be. We also discuss RH’s ability to predict the future, global computer meltdowns, and more of your awesome aviation feedback! Enjoy! Links: https://www.koin.com/news/federal-aviation-administration-take-on-mental-health-after-off-duty-pilot-diverts-plane/ Timely Feedback: ...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep 350•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 349 Show Notes Topic of the show: Incorrect Altimeters by Patron SE On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss the findings of a report about an incident involving an incorrect altimeter setting and a near miss with terrain. We discuss techniques for controllers and pilots to prevent this from happening and illustrate how important altimeter inputs are for modern avionics. We also discuss northeast ATC escape routes, altitude filing on zigzag flights, and more of your awesome feedback. This ...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep 349•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 348 Show Notes Topic of the show: Relief Briefings by Patron JEC On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss pilot and controller overlaps and the briefings involved in making a safe transition from one person to another. What items are discussed? When is the best time to do an overlap briefing? What if something happens after the briefing; who is to blame? We also discuss real life preparation for ATC at the Academy, intersection departure considerations, and more of your awesome aviation qu...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep 348•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 347 Show Notes Topic of the show: More on Universal FLIGHT FOLLOWING from Patrons JH and MB Links: Flying Midwest Podcast episode 63 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-63-opposing-bases-parallel-approaches-with-ag/id1601680150?i=1000664300528 https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/flying-midwest-podcast-flying-midwest-media-mqBC8RWcH-4/#google_vignette FAA Transponder Codes: ( https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_JO_7110.66G_NBCAP.pdf ). Timely Feedback: 1. ...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep 347•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 346 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss ADS-C and the information available to non-US controllers, busy tracon controller communication issues, and a mountain of Patron feedback. We also share our views and opinions about a recent interaction between ATC and a pilot that should serve as a reminder we are all human, mistakes happen, and it’s our job to work through it professionally and with respect for the person on the other side of the microphone. Feedb...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep 346•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 345 Show Notes Topic of the show: Putting “Proceed on Course” to Bed. On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the ambiguity of “proceed on course” for both VFR and IFR pilots. We also discuss clearances to join radials, electrical issues at night, and more of your aviation questions and feedback. This episode is packed with nuggets of aviation gold and you don’t want to miss it! Links: https://www.ifr-magazine.com/charts-plates/cutting-you-loose/ Timely Feedback: 1. Patron SPE sent a quic...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 345•Transcript available on Metacast 
