Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 339 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss another legal interpretation about lost communications.   We offer our simple to follow advice on how to avoid this situation altogether and protect yourself in the event of an emergency deviation from the regulations.   We also discuss safety programs designed to protect pilots and controllers and enhance safety in...

Episode 338 Show Notes   Topic of the show: The End of Flight Following by Controller Charles Delta On this week's show, AG and RH discuss the differences between flight following and the perceived safety of ADS-B only flying.   We discuss the advantages of flight following and how they outweigh any perceived disadvantage of engaging in flight following with ATC.   We also discuss VFR through Clas...

Episode 337 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's episode, AG and RH try to figure out why a tower controller was issuing confusing VOR radial intercepts after takeoff.   What can the pilot do to prepare for this type of clearance?   And how do you practice the buttonology necessary to perform the task under pressure?   We also discuss a new term for opposite direction traffic, tricky Cla...

Episode 336 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Brashering Air Force 1: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss what would happen if Air Force One didn't follow ATC instructions.   Would we issue a brasher warning?   Why is this different than any other airplane?   We also discuss IFR filing tricks and tips, foreign airspace altimeter settings, and our advice for preparing for intersection departures....

Episode 333 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Responding to Emergencies, OB Style  On this week's show, AG and RH discuss a pilot's emergency when they lost all electrical power.  The pilot was prepared and took all the right steps to solve the problem safely!  Well done!  We also discuss "proceed on course", waffle house's ninja level ordering system, and more of your awesome aviation feedback and...

Episode 334 Show Notes Topic of the show: The Sky Police Patron DG sponsors this weeks show topic about ATC policing the skies. RH and AG discuss what ATC actually does and cares about in maintaining order in the wild blue yonder.   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron AM asks about checking in with a controller working multiple frequencies 2. Patron JR responds to our feedback on his feedback from 333 and...

Episode 333 Show Notes Topic of the show: Frequency Tips and Tricks On this week's show, RH and AG discuss feedback from Center Controller NP about tips and tricks for pilots on using ATC frequencies.  Pilots of all experience levels can benefit from these lessons.  We also discuss forced IFR cancelation, clearance limits, and keeping up with others in aviation.     Timely Feedback: 1. Patron SB s...

Episode 332 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On today's show, AG and RH discuss the missed approach from both the pilot and controller side.   What can each side learn about the other to maximize efficiency and safety when a missed approach or go around is required?   We also discuss holding phraseology, safely executing missed approaches, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.   This ep...

Episode 331 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Weather RH and AG discuss weather as it relates to ATC. Patron EG sent feedback about a resource she has created for increasing pilot safety! Bravo! https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe   Timely Feedback: 1.   Patron AW tells us tales of center superiority and flight data flight plan restoration. 2.   Patron CM from the frozen north sent audio feedback abou...

Episode 330 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week AG and RH discuss IFR departures off of non towered airports near airspace boundaries.  Does it make sense to call the adjacent facility airborne instead of the facility overlying the departure airport?  What is happening on the controller side of the equation with respect to your flight plan?  And what can the pilot do to facilitate a smooth t...

Episode 329 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week AG and RH discuss Single Engine Escape maneuvers and making your own missed approaches. This show topic brought to us by Patron JEC.    Timely Feedback:    1. SGAC Patron SE discusses frequency changes to the same controller.   2. Patron TC talks about other uses for circling approaches in float planes.   Feedback   1. PayPaler CK send feedback...

Episode 328 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week AG and RH discuss etiquette for checking in on a new frequency, how long to wait, what things to listen for and what info ATC is looking for. Brought to you by Patron JF.  We also discuss some solar eclipse flying, ADSB mismatch rules, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback! Enjoy!   Timely Feedback:    1. Patron DWH sent the...

Episode 327 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week AG and RH discuss visiting your local facility, the things to look for, the questions to ask, who to call, and the overall benefits of why you should bring donuts. Or pizza.  We also discuss timed out flight plans, TERPS and charting delays, true north, and many more of your aviation questions.   Timely Feedback:    1. RW The Terps Elf sends fe...

Episode 326 Show Notes     Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss ways a pilot can file and receive the right T route when flying near or around giant metroplex Class Bravo airspace. Why does it only work half the time? What constraints are the controllers under when issuing routing. And what can the pilot do after they've initially been denied their filed routing. We also discu...

Episode 325 Show Notes     Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss practice approaches, controller separation responsibility during the approaches, and how instructors can maximize efficiency while being a good user of the NAS.  We also answer listener questions about late tower handoffs, ADS-B callsign matching, controller training, and much more!  You don't want to miss this ep...

Episode 324 Show Notes     Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss the risks associated with departing from a non towered airport without a published instrument approach procedure.   What should every pilot understand about the departure?   How will they maintain terrain and obstruction clearance?   Can ATC provide them with an IFR clearance if they depart VFR but are below the m...

Episode 323 Show Notes   Topic of the show :  On this week's show, AG and RH share more listener feedback on how to stay at the top of your game in aviation. Pilots have so many different opportunities to stay focused and continue learning and we highlight just a few ways you can enhance safety in your everyday flying. We also discuss pilot deviations, initial callups, and more of your aviation qu...

Episode 322 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss a complicated missed approach procedure in mountainous terrain.   How can a pilot prepare to safely navigate terrain during a missed approach initiated beyond the missed approach point?   Can the pilot fly the obstacle departure procedure?   What happens if they are too low to speak to ATC?   We share our opinion on...

Episode 321 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss ways to stay sharp in aviation. How do you make sure you're engaged and always improving?   What methods do you use to stay on top of your game?   We also discuss STEM flights for young aviators, IFR flights at VFR altitudes, and tower/tracon point outs.   This episode was fun to record! Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1....

Episode 320 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss the danger in scud running as it relates to other traffic.   How can the IFR airplane safely navigate in airspace with other traffic that isn't in contact with ATC or CTAF?   We also discuss a great way to introduce kids to ATC, traffic advisories, and more of you aviation questions and feedback.   This episode is p...

Episode 319 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Kids in Aviation and ATC On this week's show, AG and RH discuss their ideas on getting kids interested in careers in aviation. Do you have an aspiring young adult and you are trying to find ways to introduce them to aviation?   Does you kids stare out the window and wonder at the magic of aviation like we did when we were young?   We also discuss trip pl...

Episode 318 Show Notes Topic of the show: Controller Recurrent Training What topics and scenarios do controllers train on annually or semi-annually?   And how does it compare to airline/commercial pilot recurrent training?   On this week's episode, AG and RH will discuss the differences in training and how controllers and pilots benefit from regular interval training.   We also discuss AG's Manual...

Episode 317 Show Notes Topic of the show: Finding Community in Aviation Listeners respond to our request for how they find community within aviation.   RH also shares updates on his training progression at Penguin Airlines.  If you want to learn more about the training and the checkride, head over to patreon.com/opposingbases   Timely Feedback : 1. Patron Echo Sierra responded to our request in 31...

Episode 316 Show Notes   Topic of the show:   On this week's show, AG and RH discuss ways for a newly minted private pilot to engage with the aviation community.   We also share our thoughts on safely expanding your skills while maintaining a safety first approach to flying.   This episode is packed with aviation gold and you don't want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC JAS asks about control...

Episode 315 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Time to get pushed out of the nest!   On this week's show, AG and RH discuss the transition from trainee to certified controller and the stages of development as a professional controller.   We also share our thoughts on how a pilot should mature into a safe, risk reducing airman after they complete training.   The listener feedback on CPDLC and gliders...