Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 287 Show Notes   Topic of the show: 2023 AirVenture Notice with Bravo Kilo.  BK is a highly experienced team lead for air traffic controllers at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and shares his pro tips on how to safely fly the arrival, how to plan for your flight to OSH, and discusses what controllers expect from pilots participating in the best aviation gathering in the world!  If you’ve flown to Oshkosh ten times or if this is your first year flying the FISK arrival, this episode is for you!  *Disclaimer: BK is not speaking on behalf of the FAA, NATCA, or EAA and his comments are for entertainment purposes only (and he may teach you a thing or two).*  Enjoy this special episode and Happy 4th of July!   Timely Feedback: 1. Check out SimVenture 2023! 2. Patron Delta Papa shares a scary story about the arrival into OSH.   Mentioned on the show: SimVenture 2023: https://www.pilotedge.net/pages/simventure Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our

Episode 286 Show Notes   Topic of the show: If we had $1 for every time someone asked if our job was stressful, we’d be billionaires.   On this week’s show, we will discuss the elements of this profession that can lead to stress and medical issues along with the impact the schedule has on our personal lives outside of work.  This episode topic was brought to us by a long-time show supporter, Bravo Sierra.  Thank you for giving us the idea to discuss this topic and hopefully dispel some aspects of the myths surrounding air traffic controllers.    Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Mike Kilo shares thoughts on the lost comms episode and the AIM! 2. PATRON Sierra Sierra has some additional insight into the visual approach mixup we discussed a few weeks ago.   Feedback 1. Patron Sierra Hotel shares their lost communications checklist. 2. Kilo Mike Bravo shared a double emergency story with a fantastic outcome! Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support ou

Episode 285 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss a recent double go around and share our opinions on what caused the issue, how it could have been handled, and the red carpet rollout for go arounds in the TRIAD.  We also discuss unusual and temporary phraseology, altimeter setting confusion, and an urgent return from the practice area with an open airplane door.  We had a lot of fun recording this episode.  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Mike Charlie shares some kind words about the lost comms episode.  2. SGAC Patron Juliet Sierra sent audio with some cool code names and show feedback. 3. Patron Juliet Papa shares a really cool story about working with ATC for a release under a busy, windy city final.    Feedback 1. Patron Juliet Echo Charlie wonders how we handle temporary and unusual phraseology.  2. Patron Sierra Foxtrot Charlie asks about local altimeter setting changes. 3. Patron Charlie Mike shares a story of an open door on a solo flight.   Have a great week

Episode 284 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  Air traffic controllers rely on coordination between facilities to keep planes moving safely and expeditiously throughout the NAS.  On this week’s show, we break down a communication misstep and illustrate what happened, why it happened, and how the pilots and controllers worked together to safely solve the problem.  Whenever you’re in doubt or confused, speak up!  We also discuss amazing call signs, arrival rate calculations, and more of your aviation questions.  This episode is packed with nuggets of aviation gold and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron Juliet Bravo shared a good story using the best remarks in the flight plan. 2. Patron Foxtrot Charlie Bravo finished their private rating and moved right into instruments! 3. Patron and fellow controller Sierra India shares a flight following story. 4. Patron Whiskey Oscar shares his thoughts on the show using audio!  Thank you!   Feedback 1. Patron and fellow controller Juliet

Episode 283 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we clarify some points made about our lost comms episode a few weeks ago and respond to some negative feedback.  What if the scenario was flip flopped?  Why didn’t we address the minutia related to 91.185?  What about SIDS and ODPs?  Find out our thoughts on this episode.  We also answer questions about “over” and “break” phraseology, busy frequencies, and splitting into multiple sectors.  This episode is packed and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON AJS shares audio from a recent flight in an L-39 with amazing performance! 2. PATRON Bravo Zulu shares some kind words about the NORDO episode.  Thank you! 3. SGAC Juliet Juliet (The Village Idiot) shares a funny story about listening while running. 4. PATRON Sierra India sent a couple links about developing technology.  https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/pilot/ima and https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/pilot/cavs   Feedback 1. Sierra Papa as

Episode 282 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss ways students and instructors can get the most out of their flight lessons in areas with heavy training activity.  How can training teams prepare for each less and maximize their time in the airplane while fitting in with rest of the customers using ATC services?  We also discuss squeeze plays, strange spacing instructions, and the mighty Skyhawk!  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron Foxtrot Hotel shares a story of a communication issue with a trick on how to solve it quickly! 2. PATRON Whiskey Tango Foxtrot asks why RH decided to trade in the radar scope for the orange wands at Sun -n Fun.   Feedback 1. PATRON Hotel Tango Bravo asks about new spacing interval instructions. 2. PATRON Delta Juliet Sierra shares a suggestion on using a gentle ATC nudge. 3. PATRON Delta Lima shares a recent squeeze play with perfect teamwork and execution. 4. Delta Whiskey Romeo shares a squeeze play story in the mighty S

Episode 281 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Why can’t everyone fly over or through Class Bravo airspace?  What is the difference between VFR and IFR flights going to the same point in space?  On this week’s episode, we break down some important differences between VFR and IFR as they relate to Class Bravo airspace and discuss ways you can plan for the inevitable reroute.  We also talk a little more about lost communications and military gear checks.  This is a fun episode you won’t want to miss.     Mentioned: NORDO and Texting, it’s a thing:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNG-i5lMdxs   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROTcj9NkD7A&t=862s 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 send us comments or questions to feed

Episode 280 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss the difference between foreign and domestic separation responsibilities as they relate to uncontrolled airspace.  How do we do our job when aircraft may be passing into an area that is uncontrolled?  What responsibilities do we have to prevent a collision?  We also discuss IFR non towered cancellation etiquette, approach requests, and much more.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron SE spotted a Contact Approach in the wild! 2. SGAC Patron JS asks our opinion on non towered IFR cancelation etiquette. 3. Patron WTF shares some insider tips on PDC using an EFB. 4. Anonymous audio from a future ATCer and current pilot!  Congratulations!   Feedback 1. Patron SY asks about crossing runway squeeze plays. 2. Patron DW has some general questions about approaches in use. 3. Patron SL asks about IFR pickup struggles leaving AirVenture.   Mentioned on the show: The 2023 AirVenture NOTICE is

Episode 279 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Lost Communications follow up!  We will discuss some of the mountain of feedback we received about our lost communication episode (OB278).  Have you done a systems deep dive in your aircraft to determine how you would determine what to do in the event of lost comms?  What tools can you bring with you on your next flight to add a layer of safety?  We also discuss turns on final to build space and minimum runway separation for arrivals.    Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Echo Hotel shares thoughts on the lost communication scenario. 2. PATRON Charlie Kilo asks how far we can see a primary only target with no transponder. 3. SGAC PATRON Charlie Victor did a systems deep dive to prepare for lost communications. 4. PATRON Juliet Charlie has another classic rhyme to share with the OB community.   Feedback 1. PATRON Delta Papa asks what we would do in a crossing runway pinch? 2. PATRON “The Badger Pilot” shares a story of a recent encounter involving minimum runway

Episode 278 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH share their opinion on a recent lost communication scenario in the NAS.  What type of questions should a pilot expect to get after getting the airplane back on the ground safely?  What considerations should be made during flight planning to account for the possibility of an emergency enroute?  And what would ATC do in the case of lost communications with solid IMC in the surrounding area.  Find out on this week’s show!    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Golf Kilo shares some insider information on VHF radios in the F-16. 2. Patron Tango Sierra shared a poem with a question about “ident”.   Feedback 1. SGAC Patron Alpha Mike put her excited penguins to use and helped make a triple layered squeeze play work!  Good job! 2. Patron Alpha Whiskey asks why there was confusion at a triple parallel airport. 3. Patron Tango Sierra asks about ATC in the future. Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.

Episode 277 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH and AG discuss the assignment of VFR flight following codes in busy Class Bravo airspace and how the services can be streamlined going in and out of an underlying Class Delta airport.  Why do some controllers issue codes and some do not?  Why is it so hard to get flight following when leaving certain Class Delta airports?  We answer these questions and many more on another fun and entertaining episode.  Thank you to all our new supporters!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON India Juliet Mike reminds us of the value of lifelong CFIs! 2. PayPal Supporter Delta Foxtrot says it’s never too late to learn to fly!   Feedback 1. Juliet Echo Tango shares a story about not closing a VFR flight plan in a timely manner. 2. PATRON Sierra Hotel asks about Line Up and Wait (LUAW) at a big airport. 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 f

Episode 276 Show Notes (revised)   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, RH and AG describe ways pilots can utilize the tools in their airplane to set up and fly a visual approach.  Can you follow the ILS glideslope or RNAV glideslope while you fly the visual approach?  Where is the fix ATC just cleared me to and why are they using it?  Find out some more tricks of the trade to be the best pilot you can!  We also discuss the use of “over” in ATC communication, takeoff clearance checklist items, and much, much more!  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Charlie Mike almost made the show schedule at SnF and uses tactical dehydration techniques now! 2. PATRON Papa Sierra shares the Australian background of CAVOK. 3. PATRON Charlie Victor shares some Navy insight into use of call signs.   Feedback 1. PATRON Juliet Whiskey shares a story of being in the ATC doghouse. 2. PATRON Bravo Yankee wants to know if we use a flow or checklist before clearing an aircraft for takeoff.

Episode 275 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When you’re being vectored on the downwind over cold and unwelcoming waters, why can’t the controller turn you in closer to the final approach fix?  When is it legal to give you a shortcut to keep you closer to the shore?  On this week’s episode, we discuss the legality of close in vectors, the use of a visual or contract approach, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Sierra Bravo flew 19 hours to Sun ‘n Fun in a gyroplane! 2. PATRON Mike Charlie Mike shares some Lobster Bravo general aviation stats. 3. SGAC PATRON Romeo Bravo shares a story about a busy airport with a closed runway.   Feedback 1. PATRON Romeo Victor has made a family activity out of flight training. 2. PATRON Whiskey Tango Foxtrot shares some thoughts about Y fixes and approach plates. 3. PATRON Charlie Kilo Alpha has a question about automation and radar contracts.   Mentioned on the show: https://cirruspi

Episode 274 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Sun ‘n Fun 2023: RH’s rookie year!  What an awesome week working arrivals, departures, and wanding with gusto!  RH breaks down each ATC spot with a little sample audio on each talking position.  If you’ve ever wondered how the air traffic side of things work at Sun ‘n Fun, this is the episode for you!  “Team 1, you guys were the best team a rookie could ask for and I appreciate all your help guiding me through my first year.  I learned a ton from you and I can’t wait for next year’s family reunion!” -RH   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron Kilo November Golf needs Penguin Management Training!   Feedback 1. Patron Whiskey Mike has a closely spaced runway wake turbulence question. 2. Patron Alpha Sierra asks about an approach controller that bullied him into a cancelation. 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 comin

Episode 273 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week’s show is about radar patterns.  What can you expect when you arrive from the departure side of the airport? How can you plan your descent when you are being sequenced to the airport under VFR?  Why do controllers keep you so far away from the field before placing you on final?  We answer all these questions and also discuss ELTs, flight service, and using VFR/IFR flight plans depending on the complexity of the airspace.  This is a really fun episode and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron Sierra Echo shares some fun facts about Metroplex relevant to last week’s discussion. 2. Patron Charlie Kilo shares some fun facts about traffic counts in the NAS.   Feedback 1. SGAC Patron Romeo Bravo asks if other pilots have specific examples of when VFR was advantageous versus IFR.   2. Patron Echo Delta asks about lonely flight service station personnel.  Where are they? 3. Patron Juliet Echo Charlie wants to know what supervisors

Episode 272 Show Notes   Topic of the show: How can some airports run aggressive squeeze plays and compressed finals when some airports operate with much large gaps on a very slow final?  On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the major differences in airports that effect flow, efficiency, departure and arrival separation, and passenger experience.  We also discuss how you can prepare for training in air traffic control.  This is a packed episode and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC PATRON Charlie Mike from the Frozen North asks about altitude deviation rules. 2. SGAC PATRON Sierra Echo shared a great story of standard phraseology for a busy controller. 3. SGAC PATRON India Mike shares some audio from the nicest controller on the west coast.   Feedback 1. PATRON AJS asked about night versus day runway separation. 2. PATRON WC brings up a very good point about the number of departures at a busy airport. 3. PATRON WB asks what he can do to prepare for air traffic training. Have

Episode 271Show Notes   Topic of the show: What type of decision making and planning is involved when a controller takes decisive action to run a squeeze play?  What is a squeeze play?  Why is the anatomy of a squeeze play important when evaluating a given traffic scenario?  This week’s show answers all those questions and dives deep into the parts of air traffic you don’t hear on the news.  As always, we keep things general and hope our listeners learn something to be better users of the NAS.    Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron SE shares some more insight into a unique and challenging missed approach procedure. 2. Patron BS loved our episode last week and shares some thoughts on reading the room. 3. SGAC Patron MS and BW share audio with local perspective on the previously discussed missed approach.   Feedback 1. Patron AD asks about supersonic flight at TRIAD. 2. Patron MC asks UHF vs VFH and using slang on the radio to identify a tower. 3. Patron BG asks about the printers and Class Bravo clips,

Episode 270 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s episode we discuss air traffic controller tone, delivery, and pilot perception.  Why do we sound grumpy sometimes?  What factors contribute to the controller’s mood?  We also discuss flight following, the importance of filing a VFR flight plan, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.  This was a really fun episode that you don’t want to miss!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron WTF told us about a local procedure to differentiate between IFR/VFR departures. 2. Patron AJS sent audio from another ATC robot.   Feedback 1. Patron IJM sent a bonus question about a missed approach under a busy Bravo.  2. Patron SC asks about separation standards at a non towered airport with an inbound IFR. 3. Patron JW was used and immediately discarded by ATC.    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 c

Episode 269 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When you are a newly certified pilot, air traffic controllers can be intimidating and the system can make new private pilots apprehensive about using the services available to them.  In this week’s episode, we dive deep into a pilot’s first real interaction with ATC after getting a rating; what went wrong and how can they improve or better understand what’s happening in the background to make their next experience better?  We give our opinions on the interaction and explain all the details that may have led to the exchange.  This episode is packed with aviation gold and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1.  Patron AC shares more insight into the complex informal, formal departure procedure under Sourdough Bravo. 2. PayPal contributor EF shares some background on the procedure we spoke about last week.   Feedback 1. Patron JDG flies a triple seven and loves the show.  Thanks! 2. Patron JC shared some real life stories of using our advice in the

Episode 268 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On Today’s show we break down more details about visual approaches, dissect the soup sandwich departure near the Oracle Database Airport, and hear from a very aware student pilot on their first solo!  We are working with a new audio setup so our voices may sound a little different.  Enjoy the show!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron SE shares some insight into the Oracle Database Airport departure procedure. http://www.sancarlosairport.org/Departure-Guidance-030222.pdf 2. Patron BY sent in the unofficial guidance on the infamous departure with some local knowledge. 3. Patron AK shares some local stories about training underneath the Sourdough Bravo   Feedback 1. Patron DW asked why some clearances are abbreviated. 2. Patron DGM wasn’t afraid to key up and ask questions of ATC!   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 fe