Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

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...

Episode 219 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss the finer points of departing a non-towered airport with an IFR clearance.  Why can't you just depart in VMC and skip the release?  What could this pilot have done differently to avoid upsetting the controllers and possibly violating a regulation?  We will share our thoughts and get to many more aviation questions.   Timely Feedback: 1...

Episode 218 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss a pilot's denied deviation requests, Class Bravo clearances, and VFR flight following with electrical problems.  We cover a lot in this episode so you won't want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: PATRON Mike Kilo shares his tips on getting what you need from ATC and shared this great article about Brasher Warnings: https://www.ifr-magazine...

Episode 217 Show Notes   Topic of the show: What if the controller denies your request for a weather related course deviation?  How can the pilot stay safe but comply with air traffic instructions?  We will offer our tips on how to negotiate and communicate when you're flying towards imminent danger!  We also discuss snow and ice, preparation for a shift, and super low LPV minimums.  You don't wan...

Episode 216 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On last week's episode, we discussed wake turbulence separation from a controller perspective.  This week we will share some practical advice on what to say to the controller when you're asked to follow a large or heavy aircraft.    Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Juliet Mike's world was shaken when he realized who was who on the live stream. 2 . PATRON Juli...

Episode 215 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss wake turbulence avoidance from a controller's perspective.  How can you stay away from the dangerous wake of a larger aircraft but still get the safest and most efficient service from air traffic control?   You may be surprised how we feel about wake turbulence so don't miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1 . The Terps Elf shares some...

Episode 214 Show Notes   Topic of the show: We are going to discuss what happens when a pilot terminates an IFR flight plan before being handed off on an approach to a Class Delta tower.  What happened to "cookies for cancellations"?  This and much more on another fun episode you won't want to miss!   Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON EW shares some kind words about a TRIAD controller. Thank you! 2 . PA...

Episode 213 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH vectored the overflight and shares his story to save another controller from issuing the most embarrassing control instructions ever given.  We also discuss an interpretation regarding flight following instructions and answer more of your aviation questions.  Enjoy the show!   Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie shares the video that inspi...

Episode 212 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's episode, AG and RH discuss how they determine when they've reached their maximum capacity.  How do we deal sudden task saturation?  What tools do we have available to safely work our way out of a busy session?  This episode was a lot of fun to record and you won't want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron Sierra Echo brings up a...

Episode 211 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss what could cause a controller to deny a pilot's request to cancel VFR flight following.  Oftentimes pilot's think since they are clear of Class B, C, or D airspace, they are safe to fly wherever they want.  On this week's show, we will discuss why that is not always true.      Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron CW shares an audio exchange with...

Episode 210 Show Notes   Topic of the show: The Terps Elf is back!  Another week of awesome feedback and aviation questions covering unlit towers, early descents from fuel savings land, fire fighting heroes, and non-RVSM airplanes above flight level 290.  You don't want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Delta Whiskey Sierra didn't think it was Abraham Lincoln on the tail of Alask...

Episode 209 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH and AG discuss a pilot's options when they encounter IMC at night and the approach they want to shoot says "N/A at night".  We also go deep into the inbox with more of your awesome aviation related questions and feedback.    Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron WTF shares some PIC advice for frustrated students. 2 . Tango Juliet Hotel followed the map and figu...

Episode 208 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH answer a listener question regarding the magic words to listen for in an approach clearance.  Are you being instructed to join the final approach course or are you being cleared for the approach?  Find out what to listen for and how to make sure you are on the same page as ATC.  This week is full of great questions, you don't want to miss it!  ...