Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 375 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Runway Change and Approach Selection RH and AG discuss who makes the decision to change landing direction, what coordination gets accomplished, and the factors that play into this change.   We also discuss an exchange with an F-15 having landing gear issues, the current ATC hiring window, and more of you aviation questions and feedback.     Links:   http...

Episode 374 Show Notes Topic of the show: The Opposing Bases Final Cross Maneuver, Sponsored by SGAC Patron AM On this week's show, RH and AG discuss a parallel runway situation that involves opposing bases and crossing over a final. This scenario is very tricky for controllers and we will dissect what is happening here and the various options for both pilots and controllers.   We also discuss "hi...

Episode 373 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Archie League and His Award. On this week's show,   RH and AG discuss the Archie League Award for ATC, why it's important and a quick rundown on Archie League himself, the first air traffic controller.   We also play the pilot's prayer, discuss visual approach backups, and answer more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.     Links: https://ww...

Episode 372 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Wrong Runway Landing On this week's show, RH and AG discuss a wrong surface landing event and the takeaways for users of the NAS.   We also discuss non-towered operations very close to a Charlie surface area and more of your aviation questions and feedback.     Links: https://www.avweb.com/features/when-brevity-leads-to-levity/   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC...

Episode 371 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Off-Field Emergency Landing and CAP Response On this week's show, RH and AG discuss the excellent response of both ATC and Civil Air Patrol to an off-field emergency landing.   What can controllers learn from this story that will help them be better prepared to respond to a pilot in distress?   What can pilots learn from the event?   We also discuss amaz...

Episode 370 Show Notes   Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones in the tragedy over the Potomac.   There are no words to describe the pain you're suffering and while a thorough investigation may answer your questions, it won't bring your loved ones back. We are so sorry for your loss and want you to know the aviation community is right beside you in your time of need....

Episode 369 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Flying Through Final On this week's episode, RH and AG discuss the complexities of parallel visual approaches from both the pilot and controller perspectives.   What separation requirements exist?   What tools are available for the pilot and the controller when things don't go as planned?   We also discuss patience on frequency, super top secret airspace...

Episode 368 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Flying Through Fires, By SGAC Patron CB. RH and AG read feedback from CB about being a firefighting pilot.   What type of training is involved?   How do you get qualified to fly in this type of operation?   How does this compare to military flying? We also discuss situational awareness near Class Bravo airspace, facility tours, and more of your awesome a...

Episode 367 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Overcoming "Failures" on Checkrides By Patron DF   On this week's show, RH and AG discuss getting through mistakes on checkrides and what we can learn from DF's experiences.   How do you regroup after a mistake?   Can ATC help?   Is the examiner looking for your response to the mistake to determine if you pass or fail?   We discuss our own checkride expe...

Episode 366 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Flights of Firsts. RH and AG talk about why getting out of your comfort zone is important in GA flying, inspired by Patron CGS.  We also discuss the lessons learned in night VFR flying, the pitfalls of an unfamiliar airplane at night, and more of your awesome aviation feedback.  This episode is packed with aviation gold and you don't want to miss it!  It...

Episode 365 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Night VFR Flying From Patron TH On this week's episode, RH and AG discuss the separate night VFR rating in Australia and what it means for us in the US.   What should instructors emphasize in their student's requisite night training to prepare them for the risks involved?   We also discuss electric air taxis, contract towers, and spin training.   This is...

Episode 364 Show Notes   Topic of the show: What is Your On-course Heading? From Patron AS On this week's show, AG and RH discuss "on course heading".   What does it mean and why does ATC need to know?   We also discuss our opinions on the latest developments in New York airspace, Class C redesigns, and more of your awesome aviation feedback.   Merry Christmas!   Links: https://reason.org/aviation...

Episode 363 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss risk vs. reward in flight training and ATC on the job training. Can trainers prepare students for real life scenarios if they protect the trainee from difficult and challenging scenarios?   Does the risk of spins outweigh the benefits of learning how to recover?   Does watching a student work a complex/busy scenario...

Episode 362 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss the dreaded flashing red light from the control tower indicating it was unsafe to land.   The pilot was experiencing an emergency and determined landing was the safest way to conclude the flight.   Why would a tower controller deny a landing?   What other options does the pilot have during a no-radio emergency?    ...

Episode 361 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, RH and AG share their thoughts about an airport sending a letter of admonishment to a pilot for not following a voluntary noise abatement procedure.   Are noise abatement procedures required or voluntary?   How can an IFR pilot comply with a noise abatement procedure while complying with an ATC instruction?   Why do neighbors complai...

Episode 360 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, RH and AG will make their pitch to the powers above to make Universal Flight Following Light a real safety feature in the NAS.   Why would both pilots and controllers benefit from this product?   How would we roll it out in the NAS?   We also discuss how sectors are divided, traffic alerts, and more of your fantastic aviation feedbac...

Episode 359 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, we discuss ASR/PAR approaches at TRIAD, filing instrument flight plans for local practice approaches, and best practices for VFR pilots that operate near any airport in the NAS.   This episode is packed with important aviation tips and tricks to keep you safe!     Timely Feedback: 1. TRIAD Vet/Cigarette Rookie Charles Delta shares so...

Episode 358 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss a very well prepared pilot's plan and his backup to the plan during questionable weather.   What can pilot's learn from this story that will help them better prepare for their next IFR flight?   What considerations are the controllers making during inclement weather that can have a positive outcome on the flight?  ...

Episode 357 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Not Getting Flight Following and Why It's Bad. On this week's show, AG and RH discuss how a flight following request would have prevented a near midair collision at a busy Class C airport.   Why is remaining outside the Charlie legal but not necessarily safe?   Can pilots get better service by simply calling ATC?   This incident got a lot of attention an...

Episode 356 Show Notes     Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss a recent incident involving a taxiway collision between two airliners.   We discuss what happened and try to add something new to the conversation as it relates to our experiences as controllers and pilots.   There are many valuable lessons that can be learned from this event. We also discuss contract towers, ASR...

Episode 355 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss a recent flight in IMC where the pilot struggled and the controller kept his cool and offered the perfect mix of instruction and help which resulted in a safe landing.   Great job!   We also discuss invoking your OB Listener Card on a checkride, practice area frequencies, and more of your aviation questions and feed...

Episode 354 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH answer a tricky terrain question from a pilot departing a controlled airport.   What can pilots do to prepare for performance issues in terrain?   Does the issuance of a SID require any special consideration in high terrain?   And what other options existed for the tower controller to reach a safe outcome?   We also discuss...

Episode 353 Show Notes Topic of the show: More Helene Response Discussion from Patron AJ and Podcaster AC- On this week's show, AG and RH share some first-hand stories of the hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina.   Without general aviation and the volunteers on the ground, lifesaving supply delivery would have been delayed several days.   Great job, GA! We want to thank all the volunteer pil...

Episode 352 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Disaster Response by General Aviation with BK On this week's show, we spend time speaking with Bravo Kilo and the response from general aviation during the most recent natural disaster.   Hurricane Helene has devasted our home state and general aviation is playing a huge role in delivering critical supplies to a community that has been completely isolate...