Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 157 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Echo Hotel wants our thoughts and opinions on handling a pilot that forgets to cancel his/her IFR flight plan at a non-towered airport.  Is a Brasher Warning and possible pilot deviation/violation necessary?  What do we suggest to avoid this issue and prevent the discussion from even happening?  A special thanks to PATRON Max Trescott, host of Aviation News Talk podcast for producing such an amazing show.  If you’d like to hear the episode in question, check it out here! Thank you, PATRON Echo Charlie for the show title idea!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON RWK offers his input on departing IFR/VFR from a Class D when it’s busy or they are delayed. 2. PATRON Mike Kilo offers some context to the “cleared straight-in” phraseology. 3. PATRON Sierra Bravo answer the Question of the Week about ODPs. Please refer to FAR 14 CFR 91.123 Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions. We will follow up on items in this feedback in a future show.  Stay tuned. 4. November Hotel

Episode 156 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week, we discuss the technique of picking up an IFR clearance in the air.  What are the pitfalls?  Why doesn’t this always work?  What can pilots do to increase efficiency and remain safe under IFR?   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Mike Romeo/controller explains the balloons: https://loon.com/ 2. PATRON Juliet Hotel clarifies the reroute altitude from OB155. 3. PATRON Delta Mike sent his answer to the question of the week (NA ODP). 4. PATRON Oscar Charlie sent his answer to the question of the week (NA ODP). 5. PATRON Golf Mike sent a selfie in the new hoodie. Merry Christmas!   Feedback Kilo Quebec sent audio about reporting points in Class Bravo. PATRON Mike November sent a story about a controller’s technique for increasing safety in a chaotic session. PATRON Golf Down Under sent in audio about his first balloon solo! Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using Patreon or visiting our sup

Episode 155 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH dig deep into the feedback and discuss straight-in approach phraseology requirements, reroutes, ODP requirements, and much, much more.  This week is packed with information you won’t want to miss.   Timely Feedback:   1. PATRON Romeo Charlie has a good reason to use “in sequence” phraseology. 2. PATRON Golf Mike and the six degrees of separation with Antarctica. 3. PATRON Juliet Hotel went from NJ to NC via West Virginia. 4. PATRON Juliet Hotel said HAF is getting a new ODP for Runway 30!   https://www.faa.gov/aero_docs/acifp/2017071023410701005-HAF/CA_KHAF_ODP_HALF%20MOON%20BAY_ONE_S.pdf   https://www.faa.gov/aero_docs/acifp/2017071023410701005-HAF/CA_KHAF_ODP_HALF%20MOON%20BAY_ONE_F.pdf   https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/?event=directory&directory=2017071023410701005-HAF&type=acifp&nasrId=HAF   https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/?event=directory&direct

Episode 154 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week, we discuss how pilots can plan ahead for the inevitable routing complexity when operating on the east coast through various Class Bravo airports.  What tools are available in electronic flight bags to help you plan ahead? How can you safely expedite departure and be prepared for enroute changes?   Timely Feedback: PATRON Bravo Charlie sent in some information about the amphibian ratings question. https://www.seaplanepilotsassociation.org/resources/faq/airman-issues/ PATRON Mike Echo Delta thanks us for the video explaining the TEB circling maneuver. PATRON Sierra Echo sends his thoughts on “in sequence”. PATRON Romeo Whiskey Kilo has an airport layout that makes “in sequence” relevant. PATRON Alpha Kilo has glider feedback. PATRON Kilo Whiskey has a amphibian/seaplane story.   Feedback PATRON Oscar Charlie had a question for the TERPS Elf and we got an answer! Links mentioned: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/

Episode 153 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  AG and RH continue the conversation about circling approaches.  We discuss circling for sea planes, large jets into TEB, and airplanes without GPS.  Mentioned in the discussion: https://news.aviation-safety.net/2019/03/13/ntsb-continuation-of-unstabilized-approach-stall-caused-learjet-crash-near-teterboro/  What does this approach look like from the flight deck when flown properly?  Check this video out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UZG3sjeYgI&t=211s    Timely Feedback: PATRON Juliet Mike encountered a busy controller in the SFRA. PATRON Tango Sierra Charlie clarifies some points about our discussion of circling approaches. PATRON November Tango and Papa Tango are helping solve our Antarctica issue. Thank you! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_LC-130 PATRON Oscar Charlie sent in some circling feedback. PATRON Tango Mike sent in an article about establishing new towers. https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/missi

Episode 152 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss the differences between circling maneuvers at a towered airport and a non-towered airport, circling maneuvers for seaplanes, and circling maneuvers designed to keep a safe distance from surrounding airports.  Articles mentioned: http://code7700.com/pdfs/bca/bca_non-circle_circling_2017-09.pdf, https://code7700.com/kteb_circling_conundrum.htm, https://code7700.com/rot_vdp.htm     Timely Feedback: PATRON Bravo Charlie and former resident of Latvia tells us a little about aviation in that country. PATRON Mike Romeo has something to add to proper radio frequency change etiquette.   Feedback Sierra Bravo offers insight into the difficulty finding airports at night. PATRON Charlie Mike from the Frozen North asks about “N/A at Night” on local approach plates. Check out these articles from AOPA: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/june/20/not-authorized-at-night and https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/june/27/ifr-fix   wri

Episode 151 Show Notes   Topic of the show: What are you required to do in the event of an equipment malfunction?  Can you prepare for this event with the use of electronic flight bags?  RH and AG give their tips on avoiding confusion when your equipment quits and you need ATC to help out.   Timely Feedback: Sierra Hotel sent in audio of RH on the mid. PATRON Echo Hotel wants filing advice for the Big Apple Iron Triangle flight plan. Juliet Alpha Lima has a question about our intro phraseology. PATRON Juliet Mike sent in audio about his bucket list. PATRON Alpha Whiskey sent in real life, actual circling to land examples. PATRON Mike Kilo sent in audio with a reference for correct pilot callsign phraseology.   Feedback   PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie sent in audio about an unusual pilot request. Bravo Romeo asks about weather deviations. PATRON Oscar Charlie sent an audio exchange regarding survey work with radar services. PATRON Charlie Alpha shares a fatigue story for the record books. #greencat Have a gre

Episode 150 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week we discuss a technique for getting faster flight following and help from ATC when navigating in the NAS.  We also get to more of your great questions about phraseology, strange requests from pilots, tracks vs. headings, and a short list of things we wish center controllers knew about low level TRACONS.   Timely Feedback: PATRON Romeo Lima Hotel shares and article from http://www.mastery-flight-training.com/ PATRON Mike Foxtrot shared a pirep about a screaming passenger. PATRON Mike Foxtrot shared his thoughts on the Army! PATRON Bravo Charlie Tango got his commercial rating! Congratulations! PATRON Mike Kilo shared some great articles about straight in approaches and the traffic pattern.  https://www.ifr-magazine.com/technique/which-way-to-turn/ and https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac_90-66b.pdf PATRON Alpha Lima wants to know if every facility gives out IFR cookies.   Feedback Papa Tango has a question about numerical phras

Episode 149 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week we spend some time answering your aviation and air traffic questions about airspace, point outs, emergencies, large consolidated tracons, departure procedures, callsign abbreviations, and radar displays.  This episode has a little of everything!    Timely Feedback: PATRON Hotel Golf sent audio about his first solo! PATRON Whiskey Charlie tells his scary transponder/first solo story! PATRON Mike Echo Delta sent in a first solo video and a scary story about a follow up solo. PATRON November Tango sent in audio feedback about large tracons.   Feedback PATRON Juliet Mike sent an audio question about callsign abbreviations. Juliet Papa Charlie sent a story about a missed line on the SID. Sierra Bravo has a Delta/Delta transition question. Mike Sierra sent in feedback about the KC-10 dual launch dream. PATRON Bravo Foxtrot sent a link to a video about an unconscious crew member and asked about emergency display on our scope. Juliet Whisky want to get our tak

Episode 148 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week we revisit the Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area, some more solo stories, and more of our listener’s awesome feedback and questions.    Timely Feedback: PATRON Echo Bravo has a question about transponders and ADS-B. PATRON Local Mike Bravo sent audio proof of his amazing call to ATC. PATRON November Romeo has some pre-solo questions. Whiskey Bravo presents another tale about shirt tails. Romeo Hotel Mike wants to know why they call it a Brasher Warning? Check out this article.   Feedback PATRON Hotel Golf sent audio about the DC SFRA and we got answers from the experts that work that airspace. Thank you, PCT! We really appreciate your answers and your help educating the pilots that listen to our show! Alpha Hotel asks about overnight cargo operations and staffing. PATRON Romeo Juliet Mick asks about readback of VFR departure instructions. Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our sh

Episode 147 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Tell us about your first solo!  Were you ready?   Did you instructor adequately prepare you for the unknown?  Did you have fun?  Were you scared?  AG and RH share some listener stories and get to some more great questions and feedback.  Enjoy the show!   Timely Feedback: Captain Dana and RH met for dinner in the TRIAD. PATRON Juliet Hotel sent in some information about non-towered airport traffic count. PATRON Bravo Sierra sent this link about filing NASA and ASRS Reports. https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/regulations/how-to-file-a-nasa-asrs-report/ Looking for the most terrifying marriage proposal ever accomplished by a pilot? Check this out:https://youtu.be/kxTAjVGN4CE?t=114   Feedback November Sierra explains and awkward exchange between ATC and the PIC. “OPS 2” shares their opinion on NOTAMs. PATRON Whiskey Charlie wants to know who crushed the fun ATCer’s soul? PATRON Juliet Hotel wants to know why Class C controllers sometimes send pattern work packi

Episode 146 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH catch up on a variety of questions from listeners: HIWAS, Radio Checks, Student Pilot Solos, Fatigue, and many more.    Timely Feedback: PATRON Kilo Kilo sent the rest of the open door story! #Latch SGAC PATRON Bravo Sierra  sent in his solo story.  PATRON Mike Kilo sent audio from TRIAD airspace. PATRON Tango Papa sends his thoughts about the lessons learned from the stuck mic. PATRONs Juliet Echo Charlie and Bravo Sierra sent in audio from their flying meet-up!   Feedback Romeo Juliet Whisky has a question about facility identifiers. PATRON Delta Tango Whiskey sent a link to Fly Girl Kelly’s emergency landing story. https://youtu.be/HaeOHWxs6tY 3. Romeo Bravo Bravo, local pilot from TCAS Harbor, sends his thoughts. 3.5. PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie sent in an audio questions about wind readouts on takeoff. 4. TERPS Elf RW has a comment and question about HIWAS. 5. Hotel Bravo shares a general aviation fatigue story. 6. PATRON Charlie Alpha Whiskey sha

Lifelong Commitment to Aviation with Ron Horton   -CFII, Designated Pilot Examiner (Single Engine Private, Commercial, and CFI Add-Ons) -Volunteer Pilot for Angel Flight and Airlift Hope -Cirrus Training Center Instructor (TCI) -Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award Recipient -AOPA Distinguished Flight Instructor -Instructor at Aerowood Aviation in Monroe, NC (KEQY) -Find Ron on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or PlaneVisions.com   AG and RH sit down with Ron Horton, a local CFII and Designated Pilot Examiner.  Ron has an aviation background spanning nearly six decades and he has been recognized for his safe flying and outstanding flight instruction. Ron currently instructs at Aerowood Aviation in Monroe, NC at the EQY airport and conducts checkrides as a DPE.  We discussed checkride preparation, ground and oral scenarios, common pitfalls on the flight portion, and Ron’s advice on how to set students up for success on their next examination.  Ron discusses what he thinks are the two biggest changes in general aviat

Episode 145 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On today’s show, we have a special guest: Ron Horton, CFI and Designated Pilot Examiner for the FAA.  We will discuss student pilot solo sign offs, going missed on a visual approach, and more of your great questions and feedback.  Welcome to the show, Ron!  Full interview with Ron will be available later this week, stay tuned!   You can learn more about our guest co-host by visiting his website, or visiting the flight school where he instructs: Aerowood Aviation located in Monroe, NC at the EQY airport.  If you’d like to email Ron, click here.  You can find Ron on Instagram @skyhawk328 and on YouTube under “Leo Horton”.   Timely Feedback: Mike Victor Romeo sent in some data about Florida mountain ranges. Mike Romeo asks about getting into the ATC career path. Start here: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/students/schools/ PATRON Sierra Echo asks about the missed approach on a visual approach clearance. PATRON Mike Kilo is one step closer to his instrument rating. Congratul

Episode 144 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week, we hear from an airline pilot, a general aviation pilot, and a dispatcher that works nights.  Each of them has valuable feedback regarding fatigue.  Thank you for sending us your stories!   Timely Feedback: Guglielmo Marconi PATRON Hotel Mike Bravo passed his checkride! Congratulations! PATRON Mike Kilo sent in feedback about visual approaches. Link to AC 90-66B. 91.126 and 91.127. Delta Hotel sent in details about a gear incident at a local airport.     Feedback PATRON Echo Golf asked the Terps Elf a very good question about wording on an approach plate. Thank you for your help, Mr. Terps Elf! http://cfiruss.blogspot.com/2018/05/goodbye-dme-hello-equipment.html Juliet Oscar asked about continuous authorization in closed traffic. PATRON Echo Hotel has taxiway confusion and name recognition. Mike Sierra has a question about Class Bravo and Class C instructions that aim them right at it. Whiskey Whiskey sent in a correction to RH’s blunder. PATRON Tang

Episode 143 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Fatigue is an insidious danger in aviation.  AG and RH discuss fatigue as it relates to some listener stories.  Are you monitoring your level of fitness for flight?  Are you taking a much-needed break when your brain is telling you to stop?  Plus more of the listener’s awesome feedback!    Timely Feedback: PATRON Bravo Charlie Juliet flew with the Terps Elf! 2. Charlie Mike Sierra sent a story about a gas stop on a highway followed by a police escorted departure. http://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/police-escort-for-tennessee-takeoff/ Mike Victor Romeo shares his story about the water equivalent of landing at a military bases unannounced. Also, this great video about RH  like robots:https://youtu.be/fJrw6imp7f8     Feedback PATRON Alpha Whiskey asked about maneuvering during a visual approach. PATRON Delta Mike sent a story about a Delta tower getting some new radar capabilities thanks to ADS-B. https://truckeetahoeairport.com/aviation/ads-b Alpha Hotel asks abou

Episode 142 Show Notes   Topic of the show: What happens when the emergency is over?  Is the pilot detained, questioned, and forced to fill out endless paperwork?  We hear from several pilots about their post-emergency paperwork and we think our listeners will like what they learn.  Also, what does law enforcement dispatch do with a laser report?   Timely Feedback: PATRON Echo Golf (and fellow ATCer in the U.S.) shares his comments about a local Class Delta and VFR codes. PATRON Alpha Bravo Mike gives props to Romeo Hotel for his amazing pronunciation of hard words. PATRON Delta Mike shares his thoughts on NorCal Class Delta and VFR codes.   Feedback PATRON Tango Mike the Fire Truck Guy shares audio about laser events. PATRON Bravo Charlie Juliet asks about “option radar” phraseology. Lima Foxtrot asks our advice on what to do when reception is terrible. PATRON Bravo Whiskey asks about TFRs over empty stadiums. Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can sup

Episode 141 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week we will get the details of a middle of the night incident in TRIAD airspace and discuss the troubleshooting procedures of a solo Pilatus pilot.  We also discuss the differences throughout the NAS regarding the issuance of VFR codes at Class D airports.   Timely Feedback: PATRON Mike Kilo sent in fantastic audio feedback about Class D VFR flight following codes. PATRON Bravo Sierra discusses Class D codes under a busy Bravo on the East Coast. PATRON Juliet Sierra discusses Class D codes under a busy Bravo on the West Coast. PATRON Delta Charlie discusses his experience with VFR codes at his busy Class D airport.   Feedback PATRON Charlie Hotel asks about the pilot death penalty and offers insights into the best trainers. PATRON Charlie Hotel loves the P3 Orion! PATRON Charlie Mike sent in a picture of the APG crew showing off their OB Swag! PATRON Romeo Whiskey Kilo wants to know what we mean when we say “splat T”. Have a great week and thanks for liste

Episode 140 Show Notes   Topic of the show: What’s going on in the radar room when a pilot declares and emergency and can’t make it back to an airport?  AG and RH will offer their opinions on what you don’t’ hear on frequency.  Links to the story: link to kathryn's report http://www.kathrynsreport.com/search?q=n4092d flight radar24 https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/n4092d https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/238465     Timely Feedback: Juliet Whiskey wrote in after hearing us talk about his gear issue in TRIAD airspace last week. Unnamed PATRON shares some more details about the Class Bravo bust including ways to reduce the chances of that ever happening again. PATRON Echo Hotel wants to thank two awesome contributors to the show for their detailed and curious questions.     Feedback PATRON Delta Zulu shares a flight following experience and handoff issues. Papa Bravo asked about visual approaches and sent this link to a video: See link—-https://youtu.be/2baIwgGlZ5c. Juliet Sierra shares his thoug

Episode 139 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week on Opposing Bases, we discuss a listener’s story when he busted Bravo accidentally.  Why did it happen? What did they do to solve the issue with ATC?  What can we learn from his story?  This and more feedback and questions from the listeners.    Timely Feedback: PATRON Mike Kilo shares his thoughts on the show and the names of his cats. PATRON Charlie Alpha is sad AG didn’t sing the ATC Sak jingle. PATRON Tango Whiskey’s brush with fame in the TRIAD airspace.     Feedback PATRON Charlie Alpha asks about conflicting departures and missed approaches. PATRON Foxtrot Kilo shared some information about fatigue and degrading performance. PATRON Mike Kilo shares his thoughts on TAA RNAV clearances. Tango Sierra shares an update on his airport and final B747 flights. Check it out: https://www.bne.com.au/blog/behind-scenes/runway-begins Tango Mike asks about RNAV vs GNSS equipped planes. PATRON Local Mike Bravo shares a story about flight following. Charlie Brav