Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

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 ATC regarding the best headset bag available. 2. Patron Mike Kilo sent in feedback about joining an approach awaiting a clearance. Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/5BkWJ0S0mNM   Feedback Patron Delta Zulu has a question about a visual approach clearance that takes them through Delta. Patron Juliet Charlie Charlie sent an audio question about dealing with a saturated controller. Patron India Mike has a tragic reminder for pilots flying below cloud decks in poor visibility at night. Patron Echo Charlie sent an audio question about transponders.   Mentioned on the show: https://aviationnewstalk.com/podcast

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 Alaska Airlines planes. 2. PATRON Hotel Tango Victor shares his thoughts on low level unlit tower NOTAMs. 3. Mike Delta shares a bird watching story. 4. Sierra Bravo shares a friendly tip on making ATC’s day. Patron SI left feedback about center controller’s knowledge of aircraft speed limitations.   Feedback PATRON Charlie Alpha highlights the heroic fire fighting pilots! Terps Elf shares input on a listener question about RNAV approaches.https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/ PATRON Mike Charlie asks for advice on avoiding early descents. Sierra Hotel asks about non radar towers and non RVSM e

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 figured out the real TRIAD. 3. Patron Juliet Golf shares a lunar story. #dusty   Feedback Patron Mike Charlie Mike shares a funny reminder of glitter hazards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZWUsQKbWTE Patron India Hotel has a question about squawk codes. Juliet Whiskey has comments about high approaches and contact approaches. Alpha Sierra offers some international feedback from Germany. Tango Charlie Mike shares a story about “resume own navigation”. Patron Golf Mike wants to learn more about landing judges and the perfect touch down.   Mentioned on the show: We referred EH to this article in IFR magazine “NA at nig

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!   Timely Feedback: 1. Charlie Hotel sent fantastic audio about the snowflake icon on IAPs. 2. Alpha Foxtrot has evidence from a check ride that the snowflake icon matters. 3. Patron JJ sent audio about a wildlife encounter. 4. Patron SH has an idea why weather directions are so confusing.   Feedback Patron India Mike shares a wild fire TFR experience. Sierra Lima has added some verbiage to vectors and it seems to be welcomed by pilots. Mike Alpha Charlie shares a story of great ATC service.   Mentioned on the show: https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/Cold_Temp_Airports.pdf   Have a great week and thanks for listening! 

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 on approach plates. PATRON Sierra Hotel encourages pilots to send in chart suggestions to the FAA. PATRON Charlie Hotel shares thoughts on NOTAMS depicted on the Garmin Pilot EFB. PATRON JG shares a ForeFlight tip for accessing and viewing chart legends.   Feedback PATRON Mike Tango wants to know if we have any cool ADS-B information on our old scopes. PATRON Echo Alpha wants to know if controllers know aircraft speed capabilities/limitations. PATRON Echo Alpha has a question about a go around. PATRON Juliet Delta wants our take on restricted low approaches. PATRON Juliet Hotel was denied a pop-up IFR. Why?   Me

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 discussion about his vector to final flight from another episode. 4. Patron JG shares historical evidence of helicopter superiority: airwolf - YouTube,  V-22 Osprey (globalsecurity.org)     Feedback Patron AMB asks about the origin of sector names at TRIAD ATC. Patron BN asks about VFR checkpoint additions. Try here: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/ Patron RK asks what happens after an accident. Patron BCJ shares an interesting piece of information about Apollo 10.   Question of the Week/Month  What is the snowflake and temperature found on some approach plates?  Send answers to feedback@opposingbases.

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 following question last week. 2.Mike Delta sent a tip on how to file a delay at an airport in your flight plan. https://www.foreflight.com/support/support-center/category/about-foreflight-mobile/218405138 3. Charlie Golf has an idea for new phraseology for an emergency pit stop. 4. Delta Hotel shares a through flight experience. 5. Bravo Foxtrot explains the autotune issue and our robotic tones. Thank you!   Feedback We got a lot of feedback about an ugly go around out West and share our thoughts. Patron Lima Quebec sent a very cool comparison of landmarks on standard charts vs. Jeppesen. Patron Romeo Echo asks a

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 follow up to last week’s feedback about Lakota training. 2. PATRON WTF shares the book definition of a contact approach. 3. PATRON Mike Zulu shares an addition to flight following requests that could help. 4. Sierra Papa Delta shares a new memory aid for requesting flight following. #TTA PATRON ZW shares a military flight confession.   Feedback PATRON Charlie Kilo shares his experience with a free EFB product and Domestic Notices. PATRON Charlie Alpha asks about contacting tower or tracon near Delta airspace. Victor Victor shares another way to stay current when you can’t fly. PATRON Juliet Golf shares very good ad

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 insights that may help you the next time you travel outside your normal local area.    Timely Feedback: 1. Delta Romeo shares his Army flight training experience. 2. PATRON Golf Kilo shared an inspiring story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc1SzgGhMKc 3. Whiskey Oscar sent a brief summary of the Cirrus de-icing system. https://wikiwings.com/heres-a-summary-of-cirrus-aircraft-tks-de-icing-systems/   Feedback PATRON Whiskey Oscar sent audio about contact approaches. Echo Yankee sent in audio feedback about this video: https://youtu.be/ZsSJqPdMpd4 (25:30 into the video for the audio described). PayPal contributor D

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 topic and responds to our discussion. 1. Bravo Papa has an idea for the next live show. #BQ1 2. Patron Romeo Mike heard a possible misstep in our explanation of magnetic variation. 3. Patron DRH shares a snippet about TAFs and wind direction. 4. Romeo Mike asked about deviation compared to boat headings. 5. Patron Juliet Charlie provides a pretty good summary of magnetic vs. true. Thank you! Patron Tango Delta Whiskey shares some audio congratulations and a question or two. Patron Bravo Charlie Juliet shares some kind words to keep us going for another 200 episodes.   Feedback Mike Mike asks about lost procedures

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 after flying home from Taco Truck Airport. Thank you! 2. PATRON DG couldn’t make the show but sends their best. 3. PATRON JJ tried to remember to record audio but sent this message instead. Thank you! 4. Alpha Charlie started lessons with Opposing Bases as his pseudo ground school. 5. PATRON Mike Kilo sends tips on picking up IFR near ATC boundaries. PATRON Bravo Sierra has a new addiction and the product is very hard to find.   Feedback PATRON Papa Mike has a question about what we see when a pilot squawks VFR. PATRON Charlie Alpha Whiskey has a bird activity question. PATRON Juliet Mike has a question about sugges

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: Taqueria El Azteca.  Captain Jeff drove all the way from Atlanta to watch today’s show and surprise AG and RH.  Check out his amazing podcast: Airline Pilot Guy! If you are in the Wilmington area and want to fly with the best flight instructor RH has ever had, ask for Kelli at the Cape Fear Flying Club.   We’d also like to thank:  Max Trescott at Aviation Newstalk podcast, BG at Podcasting on a Plane , Mike From Flying and Life podcast, Stuck Mic Avcast, Jason Miller at the Finer Points, DPE/CFI/and friend Ron Horton, AG’s Mom, RH1 (the announcer), our families, and of course, our Patrons and our loyal listeners.  

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.    Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Julie Echo Charlie shares some final thoughts on emergency operations and coordinations. 2. PATRON Charlie Hotel has a follow up on lost communications. 3. PATRON Juliet Juliet shares some final thoughts on flight following in near Bravo.   Feedback Juliet Foxtrot Sierra has a funny story about reviews/announcements. PATRON Delta Papa has a question about approach availability near a busy Bravo final. SGAC PATRON Juliet Sierra has a question about arrival gates. Sierra Foxtrot Charlie has a question about maneuvers during a visual approach.   200th Episode Live at TTA on October 23,

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! 3. Whiskey Bravo reminds us we missed the DaVinci reference! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo%27s_aerial_screw 4. Juliet Zulu says thanks for the tips and tricks for staying current while on the sidelines.   Feedback SGAC PATRON Sierra Echo shares some fun information about ForeFlight. PATRON Bravo Mike passed his MEI checkride! Juliet Hotel wants to know why a controller asked him to squawk 1200 arriving into a Delta. PATRON Juliet Juliet wants to know our thoughts on VFR flight following under Bravo in a practice area. Charlie Foxtrot wants to know how he can get air traffic services if he is without a tr

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 Fly-In airport. 2. removed 3. PATRON Juliet Golf asked Foreflight for their thoughts on the AirVenture NOTAM. https://foreflight.com/support/support-center/category/about-foreflight-mobile/360008758574) 4. PATRON Charlie Alpha shares some wise helicopter advice.     Feedback PATRON Alpha Hotel wants our thoughts on an IFR pilot/controller interaction. PATRON November Mike has a tip on buying time during the vector to final chaos. Alpha Charlie wants to know about short range clearances. PATRON Mike Sierra shares a bit about some phraseology used in Europe:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9curit%C3%A9?wprov=sfti1

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. 2. Juliet Kilo responds to our discussion about Class B shelf speed limits. 3. SGAC Patron Sierra Echo shares a pro tip for planning your route around weather.   Feedback Terps Elf shares a traffic avoidance story. Charlie Foxtrot has a question about confusing phraseology. Patron Delta Zulu shares a feature of an EFB.   Mentioned in the show: https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/how-creedence-clearwater-revival-became-the-soundtrack-to-every-vietnam-movie/   https://www.opposingbases.com/200th-episode-fly-in-at-tta/ Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our

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 Sierra sent audio about updated TFR information using ADS-B In. 2. PATRON Tango Sierra sent feedback about FIS-B.   Feedback SGAC Patron Juliet Sierra sent audio about flight following leaving a VFR Class Delta tower. SGAC Patron Romeo Bravo has a question about IFR clearances near Bravo. Charlie Hotel wants to know about the most famous helicopter theme song of all time. Juliet Kilo wants to know why he has to slow down under Class Bravo. Patron Golf Mike has a question about ELTs.   Mentioned on the Show:   Opposing Bases TTA Fly-In on October 23, 2021.  If you plan on coming, let us know!   Airline Pilot Guy/Op

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 got the secret sign from Mike Kilo and has answers! 3.Bravo Tango shared kind words about episode 56 “Miracle on the Hudson” https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/opposingbases/927872-ob056-miracle-on-the-hudson.mp3 4. Patron Alpha Yankee passed his checkride! 5. Patron India India from ATC Saks. COM sent some center audio feedback.   Feedback   SGAC Patron Juliet Sierra sent flight following audio. Patron Mike November Kilo sent audio and has RH going down memory lane. Patron Whiskey Charlie sent a weather reroute question. Patron Echo Mike shares some great advice that applies to ATC too. Patron Mike Kilo shares hi

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 Charlie shares an audio example of “hold for release”. 2. PATRON Delta Tango gives us an update on private pilot training. 3. PATRON RWK shares some clarifications on vector to final chat. 4. PATRON Mike Kilo shares his thoughts on the GPS/Vector to final discussion.   Feedback SGAC Patron Juliet Sierra sent audio feedback about graphical TFRs. PATRON Golf Mike sent questions about re establishing comms. PATRON India Hotel got flip flopped so many times it made him dizzy. PATRON Alpha Alpha Charlie has a question about internation overflights. PATRON Juliet Bravo sent audio about a traffic alert (of himself).   Have a

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 spoke about. 3. PATRON Joe the Airbus Guy sent some awesome audio.   Feedback Long lost PATRON Captain Nick shares some audio about emergency airspace. PATRON Charlie Hotel shared audio about his painful push to talk button. PATRON Whiskey Oscar shared some audio about a local flight. PATRON Juliet Bravo has a question about a local pop up IFR. PATRON November Hotel asks about local flight following to and from same airport. PATRON Juliet Golf sheds light on a confusing clearance.   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using Patreon or visiting o