Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

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 our last episode of 2024.  Happy New Year!     Timely Feedback: 1. Patron ES discusses spins 2. Patron JW gets the shortest email award with a question about contract towers 3. MJ may have met a fellow listener   Feedback 1. Patron BF sends a note about retirement 2. Patron SN asks about Air Taxis 3. Patron PA sent a poem!   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using Patreon or visiting our support page on the website.  Keep the feedback coming, it drives the show! Don’t be shy, use the “Send Audio to AG and RH” butto

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-policy-news/newark-air-traffic-control-shifted-to-philadelphia-tracon/#:~:text=The%20long%2Dplanned%20move%20shrinks,of%2085%25%20fully%20certified%20controllers.   Timely Feedback: 1. Listener IP sent an article about the issues at N90 and PHL approach. 2. SGAC Patron SE shared their driveway Christmas light redesign and RDU airspace redesign proposal. 3. Patron CL discusses spin training   Feedback 1. Patron JH talks about flight following vs advisory frequencies 2. Patron RJI shares about a recent trip to the local tower.   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at

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 expose them to the risk of killing their confidence?  We also discuss taxi procedures, transponders, and a ton of new ratings.  This is an aviation packed episode and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron SE shared a missed approach procedure with a phone number in the event of lost comms! 2. Patron JMR shared more about DVAs and where to find them.    Feedback: 1. Patron CV asked our thoughts on taking forever to taxi.  2. Patron RWD is taking his knowledge from Opposing Bases and applying it in the NAS! 3. Patron RN asked about transponder codes and how they appear

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?    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron KK shares some follow up about the nasty-gram from the airport authority regarding noise abatement. 2. SGAC Patron WC offers a compromise for noise abatement concerns. 3. Patron AMB shares a creative crew scheduling technique.  4. Patron MIK shares audio about Cowboy Delta visual approaches.   Feedback: 1. Patron SRD shared a story of getting locked out of their own flight deck while parked at the gate! 2. Patron SS shares a story of a friendly TRACON controller offering flight following.   Mentioned on the show:. AOPA Airport Support Network: https://www.aopa

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 complain about noise from the airport?  We also discuss the newest ATC dating app, reporting the airport in sight, and lost comms while VFR in a Class Bravo.  This episode is packed with aviation fun.  Enjoy!   Links: https://youtu.be/c3uo_dkTBt4   Timely Feedback: 1. City of 5 Smells: Revealed! 2. SGAC Patron DZ found a cool video of a PAR approach: https://youtu.be/c3uo_dkTBt4 3. Patron DM likens flight following light to an ATC dating app. 4. Patron HTB shares some timely ATC turkey calls.   Feedback   1. Patron PS wants out advice on lost comms while VFR inside a Class Bravo. 2. Patron DT asks

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 feedback.    Links: Technique: What's the frequency? By Tom LeCompte https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2018/january/pilot/technique-whats-the-frequency     Timely Feedback: 1. Patron RW shared an AOPA article about air to air frequencies https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2018/january/pilot/technique-whats-the-frequency 2. Patron RR gives a little more information about his pipeline flying days under the Charlies of America. 3. Patron 1DG used “We love ATC” in the flight plan remarks and shared the response.   Feedback   1. SGAC Patron SA shares his thoughts on the show and his situ

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 some information about no gyro approaches at TRIAD back in 1954. 2. SGAC Patron ED explains how you can get experience flying a PAR/ASR approach. 3. Patron SP points out that pilots need to trust but verify when it comes to terrain and radar services. https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-013.pdf 4. Patron MCB asks about treating an aircraft as an emergency without a specific request from the pilot. 5. Patron SW shares some cool EFB tips. https://notams.aim.faa.gov/fnsprintservice/cndServlet   Feedback   1. SCAG Patron AM asks the best way to file an IFR flight plan for a local f

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?  And most importantly, how do you become a better user of the NAS?  We also discuss creative center communication methods, a ground controller that loves his job, and more of your awesome feedback!  This is a fun episode and you don’t want to miss it!   Links: Help Bring Christmas Joy to NC Flood Victim Families https://www.gofundme.com/f/christmas-joy-to-nc-flood-victim-families       Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron AK shares a little more insight about diverse vector areas. 2. Patron YB shares their unique checkride story.   Feedback   1. Patron MA shares their recent currency flight and rec

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 and we want to reiterate the controller did a great job!  We had a lot of fun recording this episode and you don’t want to miss it!   Links: https://youtu.be/4vOySpGgEdY   https://ops.group/blog/400-increase-in-gps-spoofing-workgroup-established/   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron ES talks about a suggestion for putting on foggles if disoriented in IMC, very interesting! 2. Patron MK comments on the controller that assisted a pilot in trouble in IMC and talks about CYA culture. 3. SGAC TR says thanks and mentions DPE RH’s role in getting into OB   Feedback 1. SGAC AK has an ODP and diverse vector area que

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 approaches, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  This episode is packed and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback:   1. Patron WTF shares some fun facts about ADS-B capabilities. 2. SGAC Patron SE shares a tip about visual climbs over the aiport.   Feedback  1. Patron DZ wants to know more about contract towers. 2. Patron DD asks about VFR reporting points incorporated into a flight plan. 3. Patron SW wants to know more about survellience approaches. 4. Patron DF shares some audio that may have helped shape our introduction!   Mentioned on the show: Australian ATC job posting: https:/

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 feedback.   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron AMM adds some commentary on glider flights. 2. SGAC Patron DB shares a nice note after his supply flights to western North Carolina.   Feedback 1. Patron CL used the “OB card” during a checkride.  Did it help? 2. Patron SF shares some kind words about the show using audio.  Thank you! 3. Patron AF asks about our thoughts on practice area frequencies.    SGAC Patron Papa Golf set up a Christmas Joy GoFund Me for kids and families in NC affected by Hurricane Helene.  Please consider a donation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/christmas-joy-to-nc-flood-victim-families

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 impeccable podcast timing, a “curiosity mindset”, and “square your base to final” phraseology.    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron CL puts the Sport medical discussion to bed.  Thank you! 2. Patron CL shares a story of applying lessons learned on our podcast.   Feedback 1. Patron SS asks about “square your base to final” phraseology. 2. PayPaller Extraordinaire/Patron DF challenges us all to be better pilots by being curious.  3. Patron JTL was listening to the perfect episode while flying into NYC.      Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can suppor

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 pilots, the volunteer organizers, all those that donated time or supplies, the controllers working insane levels of traffic, and the volunteers at remote airports for supplying their communities with vital food, medicine, and clothing in the wake of Helene’s unprecedented destruction.  We are so thankful and proud to be a part of the general aviation community!    A special shout out to our Patrons and listeners for everything you’ve done to help our state.  We are so grateful for your generosity.      Links: https://mode-s.org/decode/content/mode-s/7-ehs.html https://skybrary.aero/articles/barometric-pressur

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 isolated due to flooding, mud slides, road closures, and power outages.    We need your help!  We have made a short list of local organizations where you can donate your time, supplies, money, or your airplane to help our community.  Thank you, everyone!   Operation Airdrop where you can help move supplies with your plane, volunteer your time, help raise funds, or donate supplies: https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene   “Mission and Objectives: Operation Helene is dedicated to providing immediate disaster relief in response to Hurricane Helene. Our primary mission is to deliver essential supplies,

Episode 351 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss more feedback about aviation medical exams, peer-to-peer support programs for general aviation pilots, and a real-life emergency that had a good outcome due to aviation training.  This episode is full of valuable aviation intel and you don’t want to miss it!   Links:   https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron JP sends feedback about AME’s and the medical process 2. Patron Dr IC gives us the AME reference we asked for! 3. Patron DDC sends a follow up to the show topic from 350 4. SGAC Patron SE shares a story about flight following lite 5. Patron LGT discusses creating a peer support system   Feedback 1. SGAC Patron MC sent audio about a recent emergency 2. Patron DS has flown to a LOT of airports in the PNW 3. Patron JH tells RH to never give up on getting to a gate on time. 4. Patron DD encourages others to go out and do a soft field landing with a CFI 5. Patron CC asks about an u

Episode 350 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Medical Shouldn’t be Scary by Patron DDC On this week’s show, RH and AG read feedback from Patron DDC about why your FAA Flight Physical shouldn’t be as scary as we all make it out to be.  We also discuss RH’s ability to predict the future, global computer meltdowns, and more of your awesome aviation feedback! Enjoy!   Links: https://www.koin.com/news/federal-aviation-administration-take-on-mental-health-after-off-duty-pilot-diverts-plane/   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron TGM shares info on the Barbie Jet and speculates on Canadian controllers ability to see avionics info. 2. Patron EM recognizes that RH is in the groove with favorite restaurants at regular layovers. 3. Patron JM sent an audio feedback story about departing right during a tower closing. 4. Patron RC asks about controllers using aircraft callsigns when making traffic calls.   Feedback 1. Patron RR sent audio feedback about the CRJ flying no transponder 2. SGAC Patron AM wonders if

Episode 349 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Incorrect Altimeters by Patron SE On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss the findings of a report about an incident involving an incorrect altimeter setting and a near miss with terrain. We discuss techniques for controllers and pilots to prevent this from happening and illustrate how important altimeter inputs are for modern avionics.  We also discuss northeast ATC escape routes, altitude filing on zigzag flights, and more of your awesome feedback.  This episode is packed with important information and you don’t want to miss it!   Links:   Reason for Routing: https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_otherdis.jsp?advn=51&adv_date=05242024&facId=DCC&title=ATCSCC%26nbsp%3BADVZY%26nbsp%3B051%26nbsp%3BDCC%26nbsp%3B05%2F24%2F24%26nbsp%3BROUTE+RQD+%2FFL%3CBR%3ENAME%3A+SERMN_SOUTH_PARTIAL%3CBR%3ECONSTRAINED+AREA%3A+ZNY%3CBR%3EVALID%3A+ETD+241245+TO+241700&titleDate=05/24/24   More info on “weather” escape routes: Northbound: https://www.fly.faa.go

Episode 348 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Relief Briefings by Patron JEC On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss pilot and controller overlaps and the briefings involved in making a safe transition from one person to another.  What items are discussed?  When is the best time to do an overlap briefing?  What if something happens after the briefing; who is to blame?  We also discuss real life preparation for ATC at the Academy, intersection departure considerations, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback!  You don’t want to miss this fun episode!   Links: https://www.code7700.com https://code7700.com/pdfs/bca/bca_departure_obstacles_2016-05.pdf https://www.21fivepodcast.com   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron JS shows how Garmin Pilot has realized RH’s dreams of automated Notams 2. SGAC Patron AM asks about priority handling for public benefit flights 3. Patron ES sends a lost comms story   Feedback 1. Controller QZ encourages people to apply for ATC 2. Patron PV lays out the ne

Episode 347 Show Notes   Topic of the show: More on Universal FLIGHT FOLLOWING from Patrons JH and MB   Links: Flying Midwest Podcast episode 63 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-63-opposing-bases-parallel-approaches-with-ag/id1601680150?i=1000664300528   https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/flying-midwest-podcast-flying-midwest-media-mqBC8RWcH-4/#google_vignette   FAA Transponder Codes: (https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_JO_7110.66G_NBCAP.pdf).     Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron SE sends info on Canadian ATC and ADS-B and C 2. Patron RD sends great info on alternator failures 3. Patron JS makes a correction to the best and worst BBQ   Feedback 1. Patron AR sends an audio story about a checkride 2. Patron MRM sends audio about reroutes and when not to accept them.   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using Patreon or visiting our support page on the website.  Keep

Episode 346 Show Notes    Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss ADS-C and the information available to non-US controllers, busy tracon controller communication issues, and a mountain of Patron feedback.  We also share our views and opinions about a recent interaction between ATC and a pilot that should serve as a reminder we are all human, mistakes happen, and it’s our job to work through it professionally and with respect for the person on the other side of the microphone.    Feedback  1. SGAC Patron SA asks about ADS-C in Canada.  Check out this link to learn more about ADS-C. https://www.eurocontrol.int/service/automatic-dependent-surveillance-contract-ats-b2 2. Patron BAS got lost in frequency land but found his way out quickly! 3. Patron SVO shared FSDO follow up after a lost communication/emergency. 4. Patron DG asked about multiple runway crossing clearances in one transmission. 5. Patron WM took a diversion during a cross country flight and ATC made it happen! 6. Patron