Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 326 Show Notes    Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss ways a pilot can file and receive the right T route when flying near or around giant metroplex Class Bravo airspace. Why does it only work half the time? What constraints are the controllers under when issuing routing. And what can the pilot do after they’ve initially been denied their filed routing. We also discuss reporting unidentified objects, approaches with magnetic disparity, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback. This is a really fun episode and you don’t want to miss it!  Timely Feedback:   1. Patron SCS sends a couple of timely notes on recent episodes.  2. Patron JG has a manual transmission driving story.  3. Patron JH has a story about last minute runway change techniques in the cockpit  4. Patron DZ promotes the qualities of finding a local EAA chapter.  Feedback  1. Patron KA has a UFO question.   2. Patron JS has changed careers and has an international question  3.

Episode 325 Show Notes    Topic of the show: On this week's show, AG and RH discuss practice approaches, controller separation responsibility during the approaches, and how instructors can maximize efficiency while being a good user of the NAS.  We also answer listener questions about late tower handoffs, ADS-B callsign matching, controller training, and much more!  You don't want to miss this episode! We revisit some techniques and tips on VFR practice approaches.  Timely Feedback:   1. Patron RW provides an alternative to Angel Flight for lower time pilots.   2. Patron DF sent audio feedback about approaches to airports not intended for landing.  3. Patron KS agrees with the DIY timeline and also sent a link to a video that aired back in the 90s on PBS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSNzF-KSGiw  Feedback  1. Patron DC has a question about ATC training.  2. Patron GR has an ATC Anomaly question.  3. Patron AMM has feedback on stick shift driving.  4. Patron DC shares how the show

Episode 324 Show Notes    Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the risks associated with departing from a non towered airport without a published instrument approach procedure.  What should every pilot understand about the departure?  How will they maintain terrain and obstruction clearance?  Can ATC provide them with an IFR clearance if they depart VFR but are below the minimum vectoring altitude?  We discuss this complex issue and many more of your aviation questions and feedback.  You don’t want to miss this episode.   Timely Feedback:     1. The TERPS Elf sends feedback about feedback he already sent and we forgot about. Also sent a link to another related conversation:  https://stuckmicavcast.com/ifr/smac287-beyond-the-ifr-checkride-part-2/  2. Patron PD shares a technique on cold call procedures  3. Patron SG talk about NorCal flight following call ups  4. Patron AF asks about AI, German controllers and long feedback.  Feedback  1. Patron DW provides a DIYers timeline.

Episode 323 Show Notes  Topic of the show:  On this week’s show, AG and RH share more listener feedback on how to stay at the top of your game in aviation. Pilots have so many different opportunities to stay focused and continue learning and we highlight just a few ways you can enhance safety in your everyday flying. We also discuss pilot deviations, initial callups, and more of your aviation questions. This is a packed episode and you don’t want to miss it!  Timely Feedback:   1. SGAC Patron JS shares their methods for staying current and sharp.  2. Patron EM used some tips shared on this show to save a controller.  3. Patron SRD shared their continuing eduction plan for both GA and Part 121.  4. Patron DH reminds us to thank ATC!  Feedback  1. Patron DE shares advice on the FAA Wings Program.  2. Patron TK asks about foreign pilot deviations.   3. Patron SG shares a local procedure on initial callups.  4.  Patron SY asks about “words twice” usage.  Have a great week and thanks fo

Episode 322 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss a complicated missed approach procedure in mountainous terrain.  How can a pilot prepare to safely navigate terrain during a missed approach initiated beyond the missed approach point?  Can the pilot fly the obstacle departure procedure?  What happens if they are too low to speak to ATC?  We share our opinion on this complicated procedure and try our best to provide some tips on safely dealing with the scenario in real life.    Timely Feedback:   1. Patron DM sends feedback about airspace design.  2. Patron TC responds to PAO’s crazy taxi situation. (https://www.airnav.com/airport/kpao) 3. Patron VV discusses a STEM program they started.  4. Patron DG talks about staying sharp.  5. Patron GX talks about the frequency differences in Europe.  6. Patron TS talks about staying sharp.    Feedback  1. Patron DDC discusses staying sharp  2. Patron WCL asks about finding approach frequencies.  3. Patron SG sends feedbac

Episode 321 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss ways to stay sharp in aviation. How do you make sure you’re engaged and always improving?  What methods do you use to stay on top of your game?  We also discuss STEM flights for young aviators, IFR flights at VFR altitudes, and tower/tracon point outs.  This episode was fun to record! Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron RW sent feedback about “this page intentionally left blank”  2. SGAC ED sent feedback about “this page intentionally left blank”  3. SGAC BS sent an announcement about Patron AJ and himself trying to skip straight to the airlines.    Feedback 1. Patron DJS talks about STEM flights  2. Patron MCB sent audio feedback about airspace shapes.  3. Patron TMH sent audio feedback about through clearances.  4. Patron AMM sent feedback about great service from center controllers and suggested taxi routes through non movement areas.  https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/public-works/palo-

Episode 320 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the danger in scud running as it relates to other traffic.  How can the IFR airplane safely navigate in airspace with other traffic that isn’t in contact with ATC or CTAF?  We also discuss a great way to introduce kids to ATC, traffic advisories, and more of you aviation questions and feedback.  This episode is packed and you don’t want to miss any of it!  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. Many Patrons sent feedback on closing tower airspace and why it reverts to E or G. Answered! 2. Patron NSC set up a flight sim at the career day at school!   Feedback 1. Patron TH asks about 75/76 type ratings 2. Patron MCB sent audio feedback about “suggested heading” 3. Patron TW also sent feedback about suggested heading 4. Patron JMW on “looking for traffic” and other such phraseology 5. Patron DB asks about handoffs between approach and tower   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can

Episode 319 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Kids in Aviation and ATC On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss their ideas on getting kids interested in careers in aviation. Do you have an aspiring young adult and you are trying to find ways to introduce them to aviation?  Does you kids stare out the window and wonder at the magic of aviation like we did when we were young?  We also discuss trip planning with important passengers, non-towered operations, and more of you aviation questions and feedback.  This was a really fun show.  Enjoy!  https://www.faa.gov/education/programs   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron ABM sent a story about an emergency and thanks to ATC after picking up their new plane 2. Patron JU sends feedback about listening to better understand her son’s job in the ARTCC. 3. Patron KA sends timely feedback about towered airports reverting to E/G airspace. 4. Patron JY sends timely feedback on towered airport airspace after closure. Feedback 1. Patron CV has a question about VFR targets not in con

Episode 318 Show Notes Topic of the show: Controller Recurrent Training What topics and scenarios do controllers train on annually or semi-annually?  And how does it compare to airline/commercial pilot recurrent training?  On this week’s episode, AG and RH will discuss the differences in training and how controllers and pilots benefit from regular interval training.  We also discuss AG’s Manual Transmission School, snarky tower controllers, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.    Timely Feedback:  1. SGAC DB talks about his son flying and his daughter requesting a spot at the RH and AG stick driving school. 2. Controller RL shares more info on how Center controllers enter flight following into the keyboard 3. Patron BM sends feedback about driving a stick in Europe. Feedback: 1. Patron MKI sent audio feedback about flight plan remarks. 2. Patron DS sent feedback about the ODP episodes 3. Patron OMH sends a question about surface based E vs G for part time D airports. 4. SGAC Sierra Hotel send

Episode 317 Show Notes Topic of the show: Finding Community in Aviation Listeners respond to our request for how they find community within aviation.   RH also shares updates on his training progression at Penguin Airlines.  If you want to learn more about the training and the checkride, head over to patreon.com/opposingbases   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Echo Sierra responded to our request in 316 2. BH responded to our request in 316 3. Patron AC sent a list of ideas for finding fellow fliers 4. Patron RW likes the idea of visiting many airports 5. Patron DE recommends public service flying   Feedback 1. Patron AM sent a question about entering controlled airspace. 2. APD sent feedback about driving a manual transmission. 3. SGAC SE sent a link to be your own Terps Elf https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/?event=directory&directory=1AB33CD90A9F40688549AB2B13B6EC50-AAF-NDBR&type=ndbr&nasrId=AAF 4. DH recommends finding an EAA chapter. 5. The TERPS Elf responds

Episode 316 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss ways for a newly minted private pilot to engage with the aviation community.   We also share our thoughts on safely expanding your skills while maintaining a safety first approach to flying.  This episode is packed with aviation gold and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC JAS asks about controller training timeline. 2. SGAC AM talks about wireless headsets and controller actions during an emergency. 3. NB has a question about IFR cancellation. 4. Patron TF has a new proposed FAR.   Feedback 1. Patron AD sent audio feedback. 2. SGAC JS sends feedback about Pireps 3. Patron JD sent feedback on maintaining SA 4. SGAC BS sent a terps question. 5. Patron CH sent timely feedback about OB 315 show topic   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

Episode 315 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Time to get pushed out of the nest!  On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the transition from trainee to certified controller and the stages of development as a professional controller.  We also share our thoughts on how a pilot should mature into a safe, risk reducing airman after they complete training.  The listener feedback on CPDLC and gliders is also discussed on this episode.  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Juliet Golf comments on actually old instrumentation 2. Controller CH responds to questions about the limits of CPDLC 3. Controller SI also responds about CPDLC   Feedback 1. Controller NP sends feedback about CPDLC. 2. Patron NB sent audio feedback about Squawking 7700. 3. Patrons GK and NB both sent articles about penguin naps. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/30/science/penguin-naps-sleep.html 4. Patron MRL asks about our push to talk switches 5. Patron GS shares audio about his retirement project.   Have a great week and thanks for listeni

Episode 314 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Reroutes in Troubled Airspace SGAC Patron JAS provides the show topic this week about getting routing around weather in difficult airspace.  How can pilots prepare for deviations in busy airspace?  We also discuss denied flight following and using flight plans to keep you safe.  This episode is packed, you don’t’ want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. Controller/Patron MK responded to questions about a capitol arrival being restricted. 2. Patron DC sent a follow up to the expanded Charlie airspace question https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/06/06/2023-11909/amendment-of-the-nashville-international-airport-class-c-airspace-nashville-tn-and-the-john-c-tune 3. Patron SG sent some taxi audio  Feedback 1. Patron SW asks about getting flight following that “sticks.” 2. Controller/Pilot/Patron from the North GF asks about cancelling IFR and alert services retention. 3. Patron JP asks about maxing out CPDLC 4. SGAC Patron KH likes the new intro/outro Have a

Episode 313 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss why some controllers cannot issue radar vectors. Why are they suggesting headings?  What should the pilot do in order to safely comply with the instructions?  We also discuss IFR shortcuts, an airport in desperate need of metering, and more aviation questions and feedback.   Timely Feedback: 1.  We set the record straight on altitude selection during an IFR departure near terrain. 2. Patron AMM wants to know when we are selling the Secret ATC Decoder Ring in our online store. https://i.imgur.com/HpyqX1Z.jpeg,   Feedback 1. SGAC Patron AM has a question about an unusual shortcut and interaction with ATC. 2. Patron MS shares a public service announcement to prevent pilot blindness. 3. Patron Delta Papa has a question about the new Class Charlie that could almost pass for Class B. 4. Patron MTB shares some kind words for air traffic controllers in a very busy and stressful facility.   Have a great week and thanks for li

Episode 312 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Santa's Glider Goes Missed On this year’s Christmas show, we dig deep into Santa’s bag of feedback and discuss gliders, weight and balance, flight following, missed approaches and much much more.  Merry Christmas!   Holiday/Christmas audio used during this special episode: Music: Deck the Halls – Jingle Punks (No Copyright Music)   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Juliet Golf sent a note about weight and balance. 2. SGAC Patron Bravo Sierra sent an announcement and feedback about his commercial check ride. 3. Patron Delta Delta has follow up feedback on ADSB out and TISB 4. Patron Mike Golf, a glider instructor, sent feedback about glider ops above 18000 feet, a recent trend on OB shows. Links for the show notes: https://www.pacificsoaring.org/articles/FAA/FAA-wave-windows.html https://www.pacificsoaring.org/documents/Wave-Window-Update-PASCO-2008.pdf   1. Controller and pilot AW comments on Center/Tracon relationships and flying as a controller. 2. Dispatcher and Pat

Episode 311 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH answer a question about filed and expected altitudes while flying an ODP.  What is the safest way to navigate a lost comms scenario while executing the ODP?  How can you plan ahead to be a safer and more prepared pilot?  We also discuss shift work, opposite direction operation rules, and more of your awesome aviation questions.  This is a packed episode and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback:   1. Patron EF comments on the changes to the show and asks about Air Traffic schedules. 2. Patron WTF sent feedback about the ongoing glider topic. 3. Patron MK sent a link to an article he wrote about IFR approaches.
https://www.ifr-magazine.com/training-sims/gettin-down/   Feedback 1. Patron NB sent a link to his video with an OB shoutout, go check it out here: https://youtu.be/POyHMCXWWnM link to his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying 2. Patron MF asks RH a question about getting his ATC fix. 3. SGAC

Episode 310 Show Notes   Bears Need Not Apply   Patron Romeo Sierra returns to the airlines after a long absence.  RH answers some questions on how he landed at Penguin Airlines, what stars aligned to make the move possible, and advice for up-and-coming aviators that want to be an airline pilot.  We also discuss airport wildlife stories, Alaska flight service, and more of your awesome aviation feedback.  This was a really fun episode, you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback:   1. Patron Romeo Delta shares the exact wording that NorCal Tracon uses to have aircraft join final on visual approaches. 2. Patron DD has a question about airline weight and balance. 3. Patron DZ talks about ADSB beaconator buttons and radar identification.   Feedback:   1. Patron MRM sent audio feedback about groundhogs on the airport 2. Patron JP sent feedback about flying the Hudson River VFR cooridor 3. SGAC Patron SE sent a link about how transponder codes are allocated. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_transpo

Episode 309 Show Notes Topic of the show: ODP altitude selection by Patron NS NS asks about the best altitude to file on an ODP with the knowledge that ATC may stop you below that anyway. Timely Feedback:  1. Patron JB sent an advisory circular that defines short approaches. 2. Patron TS tells us that once again we put our feet in our mouths about the experimental remarks remarks we made. 3. Patron BC has a question about speed reduction on final 4. SGAC Patron RF adds to the theme of his 5 star review and talks penguins, icebergs, and listening to live ATC. Feedback 1. Patron JJ reminds us of our first episodes on ADSB. 2. Patron Patron AM with another great question about practice approaches and going lost comms during the clearance. 3. Patron NS sent a question about ODPs and altitudes to file. 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!

Episode 308 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Tricky Go-Arounds by Patron Oscar Golf: A completely made up, fictitious event having no connection to any real events that ever happened before. . . .AG and RH discuss a squeeze play that went terribly wrong resulting in a double go around and at least one pilot responding to a TCAS Resolution Advisory.  Find out what the pilot could have done to prepare for a possible go around and increase their situational awareness in a tricky environment.  We also discuss VFR on top, experimental remarks, and more of your aviation questions.  This was a fun episode and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron HTV asks about using VFR on top as a way to depart and make it easier on controllers. 2. Patron DF discusses techniques for getting clearances from non towered airports in tricky airspace. 3. MLR flies gliders in Canada and was excited to hear that someone else flies gliders, just maybe not to 18000 feet! 4. Patron HS exposes a SignaTurd secret on FA

Episode 307 Show Notes Topic of the show: More Feedback! 1. Patron BY discusses a proposed FAR for OB Listeners 2. Patron MTW talks about glider ops near the Triad      https://www.piedmontsoaring.net/   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron SE discusses a great technique using contact approaches. 2. Patron BE gives us the history of descents on airways for approaches. 3. CG finds a CFR about descending on airways for approaches   Feedback 1. Patron CM on how the 737 descends so beautifully. 2. Patron LR sent audio feedback on TRACON maps. 3. Patron SG asks about switching the localizer around. 4. Patron FC asks about controllers asking about notams.   Mentioned on the show: USA Tracon Map   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” button on the website and record an audio message. Or you can