Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 254 Show Notes   Topic of the show: How can pilots avoid the pitfalls of expectation bias with regards to NOTAMs?  We offer some easy tips to avoid some taxi instruction traps.  We also discuss tower operational hours and flight following in no man's land.  RH ends the show with a rant about a rule change.  Enjoy this episode made up entirely of Patron feedback!   Timely Feedback: 1 . SGAC...

Episode 253 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, we will discuss some of the intricacies of filing an IFR flight plan to an airport without an instrument approach procedure.  What approach options exist?  Do you need an alternate airport?  And when you depart, what happens on the controller side of things when issuing your clearance?  We also discuss checkrides, atypical phraseolog...

Episode 252 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, we discuss a pilot's decision to go missed on an instrument approach to avoid a midair collision.  What did the pilot do right and what could they have done to help avoid the situation.  We also discuss Class Delta transition clearances, passive flight following, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  This show is 100% Pa...

Episode 251 Show Notes   Topic of the show: We've talked about handoffs and airspace boundaries but today we discuss the finer points involved with transferring radar control to an adjacent sector or facility.  How do we accomplish this task legally and what happens between a handoff and the boundary?  We also discuss ways to safeguard against the normalization of risky behavior in your airplane. ...

250th Episode!  Thanks for being a part of this big milestone!  Please take the time to share the show with a friend and leave us a review and five star rating so everyone hears about the most fun you can have listening to a podcast!  -RH and AG   Topic of the show: On this week's episode, AG and RH discuss the perfect amount of information for your next long VFR cross country flight.  Which addit...

Episode 249 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, RH and AG discuss ways flight schools can organize and plan their flights to help ATC and reduce unnecessary flying miles and extra back and forth exchanges of information.  What techniques did our flight schools employ to keep everyone safely separated during practice missions and what did ATC do to help us reduce communications?  T...

Episode 248 Show Notes (updated audio file)   Topic of the show: You've heard us mention automation and handoffs and flight plan updates but, in this episode, we try to explain it in a way that makes sense to everyone.  Why is flight plan routing so critical for interfacility handoffs and what can the pilot do in order to increase efficiency during deviations.  We also discuss ADS-B data feeds, up...

Episode 247 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's episode, we discuss aircraft speed limits and dig deep into the regulations to answer a listener question.  Can ATC assign a speed greater than 200 knots below a Class Bravo shelf?  We also discuss following a drone, resolution advisories, and more of your awesome questions.    Timely Feedback: 1 . The Badger Pilot's public apology for a v...

Episode 246 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week's show, we run down a list of operational questions and explain who is working during a normal shift, position responsibilities, and the impact of short bursts of traffic on the operation.  We also discuss a radio failure in the tower, termination of radar services, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.   Timely Feedback:...

Episode 245 Show Notes   Topic of the show: New tower at TRIAD is only a few weeks away!  RH and AG talk about the training required to make the move to the new building and our thoughts on the new facility.  This was a really fun episode!  We also discuss VFR weather deviation tolerance and a missed approach without communication with the tower.    Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron EH asked us to clari...

Episode 244 Show Notes   Topic of the show: A student pilot sounds confused and disoriented on a cross country flight so we discuss ways an instructor and student can better prepare for flights to unfamiliar places.  Cross country flights are one of the most important steps to becoming a safe pilot and should serve as confidence builders for the aspiring pilot.  We also discuss some user tips on a...

Episode 243 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  We regularly endorse the use of flight following to increase safety in the NAS and on this week's show, we review the services provided by air traffic control when you are being watched by the ATC Gods. Why should you get flight following?  Find out today!     Timely Feedback: 1 . Alpha Charlie answers most of our glider tow questions from last week. 2...

Episode 242 Show Notes   Topic of the show: A Cirrus Vision Jet pilot found a really creative, funny, and informative way to help controllers understand the SF50's performance capabilities.  On this week's show, we will discuss some common misconceptions about jets versus turbo prop aircraft, performance considerations, and important information pilots can share with ATC so everyone is on the same...

Episode 241 Show Notes   Topic of the show: After a pilot receives their PDC, how do the tower and radar controllers know where they are going?  On this week's show, we revisit basic ATC procedures and the discuss the methods we use to track airplanes within our airspace.  We also discuss a Class Bravo airspace bust, more feedback about missed approaches, and confusion over PIREPs.  You don't want...

Episode 240 Show Notes   Topic of the show:   On today's show, we are digging deep into the inbox.  We discuss some more feedback on missed approach cockpit chaos, tricks on avoiding talking to centers altogether, and proper use of airports as part of a clearance route.  This episode is packed with aviation information and entertainment!  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron CP sent audio illustra...

Special live episode from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 !  RH and AG would like to thank AOPA for hosting our 3rd live show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 next to the AOPA Pavilion at the 39 Lounge. AOPA's mission is to ensure that the sky remains within reach of everyone who dreams of becoming a pilot.  And our mission on the show is to share our passion for aviation while educating and entertainin...

Episode 239 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH give their opinion on a disagreement between pilots at a non-towered airport and discuss the importance of timely radio calls and announcing your position.  We also discuss LPV approaches and get to more of your feedback regarding missed approach instructions.    Timely Feedback: 1 . Patron CWS got a great tour! 2 . Patron TG shares some kind w...

Episode 238 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH answer a listener's question about when controllers should stay quiet or minimize instructions due to pilot workload and task saturation.  We also discuss ways a controller can combat workload increases with the help of another set of eyes.  This episode is packed with aviation gold, you don't want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1 . JW sent a f...

Episode 237 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH is joined by Dispatcher Mike to discuss the 2022 EAA AirVenture NOTICE.  We share our experiences flying into AirVenture so you can prepare for your arrival into the busiest airspace in the world.  Follow along with the 2022 AirVenture Notice and get answers to all your questions related to the NOTICE.     Timely Feedback: 1 . Juliet Sierra clarifies...

Episode 236 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When a pilot gets a low altitude alert, it should get their attention.  And when you're getting a low altitude alert in a climb, it can be very confusing.  On this week's show, we will discuss audio feedback about low altitude alerts.  When do we issue safety alerts?  Why does our judgement matter when we receive unusual alarms?  We also share some insig...

PilotEdge-SimVenture Oshkosh 2022   Topic of the show:   AG and RH sit down with Kevin from PilotEdge to discuss SimVenture Oshkosh 2022.  Do you want to practice the EAA AirVenture NOTICE before you fly to Oshkosh?  Why not master the procedures in the comfort of your own home on a flight simulator while talking to real, live Oshkosh air traffic controllers?   What is SimVenture? https://www.pilo...

Episode 235 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Inadvertent flight into IMC while operating under VFR rules can be deadly, especially for a pilot without an instrument rating.  On this week's episode we hear from a pilot that flew into the clouds and beat the odds.  We share our thoughts on what a pilot should do if this happens to them and what to say to ATC.  We also get to some more aviation questi...

Episode 234 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When a squeeze play looks like it can only get worse, a controller has to do something to stop it.  On this week's episode, we will break down an intersecting runway arrival/departure squeeze play that resulted in a canceled takeoff clearance instead of a go around.  Why did this happen? What types of things are being considered during a squeeze play lik...

Episode 233 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss procedures like Line Up and Wait (LUAW) and Land and Hold Short (LAHSO) that are not available at all towered airports.  Why aren't these procedures used everywhere and what type of considerations are made when using them to keep traffic moving efficiently?  We also discuss electronic flight bag routing suggestions, Class Bravo clearanc...

Episode 232 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week we discuss runway crossing clearances, VFR holding patterns, and a casual TCAS RA exchange.  Do you love aviation? Do you have a question about air traffic control or flying?  Are you interested in aviation or working on your ratings to become a pilot?  If you answered yes to any of those questions, this is the show for you!    Timely Feedback:...