Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

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!  ...

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...