Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

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...

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 illustra...

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 entertainin...

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 w...

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 f...

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...

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 insig...

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.pilo...

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 questi...

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 lik...

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 clearanc...

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:...

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 Patr...

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 ai...

Episode 229 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  Did the controller say the magic words and clear you into the Bravo airspace?  AG and RH offer their opinions on implied Bravo clearances and how you can handle the situation.  We also discuss safe and effective means of allowing your student to make mistakes along the way.      Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron CA sent some great suggestions regarding CTAF c...

Episode 228 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When does a botched approach cross the line into a possible pilot deviation?  We will discuss our opinions on the use of automation during an approach, proper monitoring of the autopilot, and how to best comply with controller instructions.  We also discuss speed restrictions, setting up for the runway in use on a windy day, and more of your awesome avia...

Episode 227 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH talk about life before GPS, stray visual approach paths, and forced IFR cancellation.  We also hear from a couple pilots that overflew Bravo and didn't realize they were in the worst spot possible.  This episode is packed with aviation gold, you don't want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron Sierra Bravo want to know if "cookies for...

Episode 226 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss a listener's text message exchange when ATC thought his radios were not working.  What do we suggest with using cell phones and having a backup communication device when flying in the NAS?  We also discuss impossible ATC instructions, check in delays, priority for ground stops, and closely situated airspaces that place pilots close or i...

Episode 225 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Today's show is all about going "down the tubes".  What is going on in the tracon to create the feeling that you are behind, unable to get a second to think, and too busy to do even one more thing?  AG and RH discuss the tasks that make us feel like we are slammed in the radar room.  We also discuss a recent laser light illumination police encounter, an...

Episode 224 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH revisit wake turbulence avoidance and interactions with control towers that may be placing pilots in a tight spot behind a larger, wake producing aircraft.  What can pilots do to prevent inadvertent wake encounters and more importantly, how can they safely convey their needs to ATC?  Sometimes telling ATC "unable" is the start of a valuable exc...

Episode 223 Show Notes   Topic of the show: How do we stay off the landline and why is it an important controller skill?  On this week's show, RH goes off on a rant about the misuse of landlines and the lessons he learned as a trainee to use them sparingly.  We also talk about "landing assured", a busy flight school pattern, and LPV approaches.  This is a packed episode and you don't want to miss...

Episode 222 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When a pilot calls up for an airborne IFR clearance and is dangerously close to an unidentified target on our scopes, when do our separation responsibility begin?  How do we protect against a midair collision when we are not talking to both aircraft?  We share our thoughts on this great question and we also discuss forced flight following, controller mis...

Episode 221 Show Notes   Topic of the show:   AG and RH often refer to the landlines.  What do we use them for and why are they such an important part of our job?  We also discuss military round robin flights, airport approach path obstructions, and the Boeing 737.  This week is jam packed with valuable aviation information and a special guest co-host: Captain Dana!  Captain Dana flies the Boeing...

AG and RH offer this fun compilation of some of our favorite moments on the show.  Enjoy the mix from several previously recorded episodes!

Episode 220 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss what it means when we block airspace near an adjacent sector or facility.  How do we keep up with all our control instructions and what memory aids are available to keep things straight?  We answer a ton of aviation questions this week so you don't want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Papa Victor shares another fun c...