Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 207 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss restricted low approaches, go-arounds, and denied IFR airborne pickups.  We also answer more of your aviation questions, discuss the ancient technology known as a VCR, and celebrate many new listener pilot ratings.  This was a really fun episode so hit play now!   Timely Feedback: JW2 answers the question of the week about the snowflake...

Episode 206 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss pop-up IFR requests from the controller and pilot perspective.  What happens behind the scenes to make this work?  And how can pilots help ATC reach a common goal?  We also discuss more of your awesome aviation questions.    Timely Feedback: 1 . Audio from Bravo Tango. 2 . Audio from Charlie Sierra. 3 . Golf Mike responds to our discuss...

Episode 205 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH answer a listener question about a poor setup for a visual approach.  What can controllers do in order to set the pilot up for success?  How can pilots get the most out of ATC?  We will also share some awesome listener feedback and get to some more of your aviation questions!   Timely Feedback: 1 . Delta Charlie sent follow up about the flight...

Episode 204 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH break down some audio of a medevac helicopter through flight clearance in the middle of the night.  The controller provided outstanding service and learned something new along the way.  We also discuss who to contact when entering busy Class Delta airspace and more of your awesome feedback!   Timely Feedback: 1 . Apache pilot Delta Romeo sends...

Episode 203 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's episode, we discuss a pilot's lengthy flight up and down the west side of the United States where they experienced several different air traffic control facilities' less than desirable practices like slam dunk visual approaches, poorly setup ILS approach clearances, and center reroutes.  AG and RH will add their perspective and share some...

Episode 202 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH are doing their best to catch up with all the questions.  We are all over the map this week: Magnetic vs. True wind direction, student pilot remarks, wake turbulence encounters, and pilot compliance with instructions in a timely manner.  You won't want to miss this fun episode.  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: Foxtrot Romeo provided last week's show...

Episode 201 Show Notes   Topic of the show: VFR practice approaches and local pop-up IFR clearances are not the same thing and do not afford the pilot the same separation standards or cloud clearance latitude.  RH and AG discuss why a pilot must be clear in their request to ATC and have an understanding of why these two clearances are different.    Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON MEH sent kind words a...

Episode 200 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Live from Killer Taco Truck Airport in Sanford, NC,  AG and RH answer audience questions, play some audio from listeners that couldn't make the show, and discuss the podcast's history.   We are humbled by the turnout and so thankful for our listeners and show supporters.    Thank you to our host: Wings of Carolina Flying Club and the delicious taco truck...

Episode 199 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Wake turbulence is a flight hazard for all aircraft but especially dangerous for small, light airplanes.  Do non-pilot controllers understand the implications of squeeze plays with regard to wake turbulence encounters?  On this week's show we will break down arrival to departure wake turbulence minimums and how pilots can play a role in risk mitigation. ...

Episode 198 Show Notes   Topic of the show: During an emergency, controllers have required information they must get from the pilots.  Sometimes that gets done repeatedly.  On this week's show, we will discuss why that happens and ways to reduce the redundant communications.    Timely Feedback: 1 . Bravo Zulu shares a new take on lost communications. 2 . PATRON Hotel Mike Bravo got his CFI rating!...

Episode 197 Show Notes   Topic of the show: What does ATC expect when a pilot experiences radio failure?  How closely do lost communication regulations match up with what happens in real life?  We discuss a common question that many instrument pilots have and give our take on what pilots can do to be more predictable.   Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Papa Victor shares an idea on a code name for the...

Episode 196 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss MEDEVAC flights, medical emergencies, and priority handling.  How do we expedite traffic with time sensitive cargo on board?  We also discuss tips and tricks for planning on weather reroutes, traffic avoidance, and international overflights.    Timely Feedback: 1 . Sierra Sierra offers some more insights into international overflights....

Episode 195 Show Notes   Topic of the show:   Low altitude alerts and collision alerts go off all the time.  How do we know when they are genuine safety alerts or nuisance alarms?  AG and RH explain the two safety alerts and how we process the information to keep the pilots safe!  This week, our show topic was inspired by SGAC Patron Mike Mike.  Thank you!   Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patron Juliet...

Episode 194 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Sometimes the most important NOTAMS are either buried in a stack of words or hidden in places pilots don't even know to look before making a flight.  AG and RH share some pilot feedback about the AirVenture NOTAM and discuss Domestic Notices on this week's episode.   Timely Feedback: 1 . Kilo Mike Charlie sent in hold for release audio. 2 . The Terps Elf...

Episode 193 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH go back to ATC basics and discuss a few of our local letters of agreement with surrounding facilities, how that changes your flight path, and how those reroutes relate to airspace.  We also discuss merging target procedures with a duplicate target, flight following, and more of your aviation questions.    Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Alpha Charl...

Episode 192 Show Notes   Topic of the show:   RH and AG heard from the listeners about techniques they use to resolve the RNAV vector to final issue with ATC.  We also discuss local flight following, emergency airspace, and clearances to unknown fixes.    Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Mike Kilo sent audio about unmonitored navaids. 2 . Dr. Kilo Bravo shares a medical opinion on the hypoxia case we s...

Revised addition Episode 191 Show Notes   Topic of the show: How much room below glideslope does a pilot have until they are too close to obstacles?  We hear from the Terps Elf about obstacle clearance on the ILS and the importance of maintaining your vertical path on the glideslope to avoid hitting the ground or obstacles.    Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC PATRON SE sent information about the dual tra...

Episode 190 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Hold for release phraseology is used every single day throughout the NAS at non-towered airports to expedite IFR clearances.  How should a pilot handle it when they run into a brick wall trying to get their IFR on the ground so they can load up the FMS/GPS?  We discuss our ideas and explain what it means when we use this technique.    Timely Feedback: 1...

Episode 189 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When pilots and controllers get into an argument on frequency, nobody wins.  It's a waste of time and can most likely be solved on the ground using a phone.  AG and RH explain what they consider before engaging in an argument or heated discussion on frequency.    Timely Feedback:   1 . PATRON Mike Bravo sent a video of his departure from AirVenture on Sa...

AG and RH are live at EAA AirVenture 2021! We discuss the origins of Opposing Bases, answer live questions from the audience, and hear feedback from our most valuable show supporters. The sounds of EAA AirVenture in the background will make you feel like you were at the live show! Thank you for attending and see you next year! To learn more about EAA, click here .  Thank you for allowing us to rec...

Episode 187 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When a pilot has the airport in sight, sometimes a visual approach clearance is delayed.  But when the controllers point out the airport and the pilot can't find the field, it can create problems for ATC.  Find out when super vision helps and when it hurts.  We also discuss law enforcement flights, hazardous missed approaches, and more of your awesome av...

Bonus Episode: 2021 EAA AirVenture NOTAM   On this week's episode, we will review some highlights of the 2021 EAA AirVenture NOTAM .  Print the NOTAM and follow along as Romeo Hotel and Mike from the Flying and Life podcast review important changes to this year's arrival procedures.  As always, fly safely and see you at AirVenture!   Helpful links:   RH and Mike's first NOTAM episode : https://tra...

Episode 186 Show Notes   Topic of the show: A recent video on the internet sparked a conversation about Class Delta air traffic services, a pilot's responsibility to see and avoid other traffic, and the primary job of air traffic controllers.  In this week's episode, we will add our thoughts to the conversation.  A link to the video can be found in the show notes.   Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC Patro...

Episode 185 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH and AG discuss the importance of controllers having a basic understanding of the GPS/RNAV approach and vectors versus initial fix usage.  We discuss some easy tips for pilots and controllers to avoid confusion when executing RNAV approaches and issuing clearances.   All feedback episode!   Feedback *moved to OB186* PATRON Echo Charlie wants to know wh...

Episode 184 Show Notes   Topic of the show: A pilot explains his decision-making process while experiencing an inflight emergency.  We learn how he dealt with air traffic control, flying the plane, and briefing his passengers.  Great job, Mike Bravo!  We also get an update on the "Mayday Mayday Mayday" episode from earlier this summer.    Timely Feedback: 1 . Charlie Charlie asked for an update on...