Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

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...

Episode 183 Show Notes   Topic of the show: We are all over the map today.  We discuss through clearances, SIDs, terrain clearance, radio confidence, and non-towered airport pet peeves!  This was a fun show that you won't want to miss.  Congratulations to everyone that got new ratings, this was a huge week for listener announcements!   Timely Feedback: 1 . Juliet Oscar shares the metrics for a for...

Episode 182 Show Notes   Topic of the show: What happens when our squeeze play doesn't work out as we had imagined?  Are we guilty of the occasional snarky response on frequency?  Find out on this week's episode.    Timely Feedback: 1 . Juliet Foxtrot Sierra shares thoughts on top of descent planning. 2 . PATRON Juliet Bravo shares his thoughts on the Mayday Mayday Mayday episode. 3 . PATRON ABM s...

Episode 181 Show Notes   Topic of the show:   Required readbacks of instructions can be very confusing for new pilots.  On today's show, we break down some common exchanges between air traffic control and pilots and discuss what we need to hear and how you can be efficient in your readbacks.    Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Mike Kilo shares a non-radar story. 2 . Delta Charlie Papa passed the instru...

Episode 180 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Can ATC help expedite IFR traffic from non-towered airports?  What tools are available to controllers to help inbounds avoid the dreaded hold or outbounds avoid lengthy departure delays?  Find out on this week's episode!   Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON November Mike sends his flight plans to his Mom, too! 2 . PATRON Juliet Mike asked about headings for tra...

Episode 179 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Special guest co-host Max Trescott joins us today! Pilot in command (PIC) skills development begins with primary training and never ends.  What tips do AG, RH, and Max share to help pilots become better decision makers and safer aviators?  We also discuss runway changes, noise abatement responsibilities, and some ATC phraseology.    Sad news: Pik-n-Pig r...

Episode 178 Show Notes   Topic of the show: What does "Radar Contact" really mean?  What responsibilities does air traffic assume when a pilot hears those magical words?  How do controllers establish radar contact and how does the relationship end?  All this and more on another jam packed episode you don't want to miss!   Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Bravo Whiskey provides some very detailed inform...

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! RH got a chance to sit down with Bravo Foxtrot and discuss a recent emergency landing. We learn all about what happened, how Bravo Foxtrot made the decision to land in the nearby field, and how important his training was to a safe and successful outcome.

Episode 177 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Graduate level tips and tricks that will help pilots and instructors get the most out of ATC services.  We discuss land and hold short chaos, pop up IFR clearances, VFR altitude changes, and practice approaches to closed runways.  This episode is jam packed and you don't want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron Charlie Alpha has an idea for a new O...

Episode 176 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Can tower deny a go around?  Why would a controller prevent the go around?  What can instructors do to accomplish the lesson in a busy pattern and what information would have been helpful for the controller and the pilots? We also discuss a busy mountain airport's IFR flow, confusing clearances, and diversions.   Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Whiskey Bravo...

Episode 175 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss missed approaches to crossing runways and how controllers can mitigate the risks in simultaneous go arounds.  We also discuss the typical shift at TRIAD Tower, tower traffic management techniques, and clearances below the MVA.  Another fun episode you won't want to miss.   Timely Feedback: 1 . Zulu Bravo uses Opposing Bases to gently lu...

Topic of the show: Which air traffic instructions do we wish required mandatory readbacks?  Are there any instructions that must be confirmed but are not found in the regulations?  We also discuss a recent change at a towered airport which stopped allowing IFR departures off a runway that has been used safely for many years.    Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Tango Sierra shared our show with a couple...

Show Notes AG and RH give their opinions on how to bridge the gap between controllers and pilots on everyday flights.  Don't be shy.  Tell the controllers what you want or need and you might be surprised at the results.  We discuss incorrect assumptions and the use of plain English with ATC.  We also share some timely advice from a listener about degraded pilot skills with the onset of Spring.  Fl...

Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week we will address some of the pilot pet peeves.  What drives you crazy?  How can ATC limit the number of things that drive you crazy?  We also discuss ICAO codes, busy frequencies, and more of your awesome questions and feedback.      Timely Feedback: 1 . PATRON Mike Kilo shares audio on equipment suffixes. 2 . PATRON Juliet Kilo sent some audio about litiga...