Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 267 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Today’s show is jam packed with valuable information every pilot can take with them on their next flight.  We discuss a very complicated departure procedure and how to execute it safely considering how we would fly an ODP, managing flight plans and flight following, and lesson learned from a last second go around in IMC.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron ABM sent a cool picture of the Coffee Bravo area showing three airports in one shot!  Thank you!   Feedback 1. Patron JW sent a question about composite flight plans.  Check out how to file them here: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046551273-How-do-I-File-a-ZFR-Z-VFR-to-IFR-flight-plan-in-ForeFlight-Mobile- 2. Patron JOD shared a story of a last second go around in IMC after holding for an hour!   Mentioned on the show: TRIAD makes the list of best small airports: https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/the-best-small-airports-in-the-us/XvHyVpKgiwAG5a0u?utm_

Episode 266 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When approach issues a visual approach clearance to a Class Delta airport, what are the expectations when entering the flow of traffic at the towered airport?  What if the pilot thinks the assigned entry is unsafe?  On this week’s show, we will hear from a pilot that used their judgement to safely enter the airport traffic pattern, why ATC seemed upset, and how you can communicate with ATC to resolve the issue.  We also discuss radio etiquette when you are ready to go and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback!    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron BC shares some insight into the discussion about ADS-B coverage in the mountains. 2. SGAC Patron SE shares some local knowledge of busy airspace under a Class Bravo airport’s final. 3. Patron DL shares an unfortunate story of ATC canceling a clearance so they could get the updated weather.   Feedback Patron AS asks about etiquette on the radio when you are at the end ready to go. Patron JR wants to know about tra

Episode 265 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Alpha Golf toured three facilities in the greater Cowboy Bravo area and shares all of his observations like the high volume of traffic, the complexity of the airspace, and the workload on each controller.  We also discuss go arounds, ADS-B coverage and equipage, and magically making a VFR aircraft IFR.  This is a really fun episode you won’t want to miss!  Happy Monday!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron JEC shared some more thoughts about last week’s show. 2. SGAC Patron SE shared some details about ADS-B and the future of the technology.   Feedback Patron MC sent audio about a go around; does he have to do it? Patron JH wants to know if there is a better way to plan for reroutes. Patron EA wants to know why we nag them about the weather updates. Patron WTF sent audio about a funny exchange in a Bravo. You’re IFR now!   Mentioned on the show: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/equipadsb/research/airspace   https://www.faa.gov/tv/?mediaId=1207 Have a great we

Episode 264 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH explain why the arrivals and departures conflict, how we solve those issues at TRIAD, and why our airspace and traffic levels make the solution different than a larger Class Bravo airport.  We also discuss pop up IFR clearances and hear some audio of the world’s fastest controllers.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron HAB had their review producing device held hostage by a fake name. 2. Patron WTF shares a little background on Runway Status Lights.   Feedback Patron GG asks why ADS-B coverage didn’t save the day in the middle of nowhwere. Patron MC sent amazing audio and asked about pop up IFR requests. Patron BY shares a great clip of audio navigating some difficult airspace. #spinnyThing 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 263 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Visual approaches can be one of the most poorly understood procedures for a newly certified instrument pilot.  On this week’s show, AG and RH review some basic assumptions behind visual approaches, the timing of calling the field in sight, and understanding your position in relation to traffic off the airport.      Timely Feedback: 1. Patron RM shares a story about floppy disks. 2. SGAC Patron JAS shares some more details about the “no IFR departures” story from last week.   Feedback Patron JP asks how to check in with a Delta tower that knows he’s coming. Patron SN asks what AF1 squawks. Patron JR asks which is better: practice approaches VFR of filing an IFR flight plan. SGAC Patron JJ shares a story of nearly catching a jet on final. 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,

Episode 262 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On today’s show, we answer a question from a pilot that had a last second go-around with multiple aircraft in either direction.  What did ATC do right and what could they have done to improve the outcome of this traffic scenario?  What can the pilot do to prepare for an imminent go around and allow adequate time for ATC to formulate a backup plan?  We also discuss strange IFR taxi instructions, radio mistakes, and obstacle alerts for VFR pilots.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. Shared a clarifying picture regarding last week’s Class Bravo feedback. #coffeeBravo 2. Patron WTF shares a local Class Bravo procedure. 3. Patron TC says NO to double spaces after a period! 4. Patron AJ sent a reminder about “CMF” (Compassion) call signs.   Feedback SGAC Patron JAS asks why ATC sent him to a runway for an IFR departure that couldn’t be approved. SGAC Patron MS sent audio. Do we ever mess up and use fake names on frequency? Patron DD asks about V

Episode 261 Show Notes   Topic of the show: A student pilot is in busy airspace near a Class Bravo surface area without a Class B clearance.  What did the student say to get an immediate solution from ATC?  Find out on this episode.  We also discuss reroutes, listening skills, and the service provided by Angel Flight pilots.  This was a really fun way to start our 6th year doing weekly episodes.  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron DM actually did what we suggested and got MSAW processing on a VFR flight. 2. SGAC Patron Romeo Quebec shared some nice thoughts about the show.   Feedback Patron DL is an Angel Flight pilot. Thank you! Patron GK asked about an interesting set of skills. Patron AT asked what type of non instructional exchanges happen with ATC. Patron MK sent a reroute video and asked for our thoughts. https://youtu.be/ReNndBjFuWw   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 websit

Episode 260 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH and AG celebrate the last episode of 2022 and the completion of five full years of weekly episodes!  On this week’s show, we discuss visual approaches into busy Class D airports, the importance of alternate airport planning, approach request etiquette, approach plate nuances, and many more of your aviation questions.  We would like to wish the aviation community a Happy New Year!  See you in 2023!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron WTF points out the importance of alternates and why we have to file them. 2. Patron BY shares some thoughts on non radar vs. radar areas and the importance of procedures. 3. The TERPS Elf clears the air on the obvious mistake at Antenna airport!   Feedback SGAC Patron RQ asks about filing to a nearby airport and the controller perspective on approaches that overlap facility boundaries. Patron AK peppers us with some timely feedback and an approach question. Patron EL asks us to share the ATC perspective on a visual approach into a busy Cl

A fun collection of sound bites from 2022. Enjoy!

Episode 259 Show Notes   Topic of the show: We endorse flight following!  But what should you do if you can’t break the controller away long enough to initiate flight following?  We will discuss busy airspace, conflicting traffic, and tools to ensure you get flight following services as early as possible.  We also discuss lost communication, alternate airports, and more of your awesome aviation feedback.  Merry Christmas from RH and AG!  Fly safely and have a great week!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Sierra Mike shares some thoughts on how they teach their flight students about lost communications and alternate airports. 2. Patron Juliet Mike sent audio explaining the knowledge gap between ATC and the FARs. 3. We got some feedback about the student pilot quitting her flight training right after an encounter with a mean air traffic controller. Come on back! We promise that isn’t the normal type of interaction you should expect from air traffic.  Don’t set aside your flight training goals because of a radio mix

Episode 258 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we will talk about last minute ATC amended instructions, how to handle them, and why they may be happening.  We also discuss ILS Critical Areas, confusing ATC instructions, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback!    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron DR from Ireland shared some more friendly words about our American English. http://www.taytopark.ie/ 2. Patron CKA shared a multiple airport flight story where our advice worked!   Feedback Patron AF got a very misleading instruction from ATC. Patron MS asks about ILS Critical Areas. Patron CC sent audio about the GPS outages recently.   New Opposing Bases Merchandise Available now!   We have two new shirts, a car magnet, and 3 different color lanyards with secret flight following decoder cards: opposingbases.com/shop.  We now take Apple Pay for store merchandise and for a limited time only: free shipping in the United States on all orders over $35 with code “freeship22” Have a great w

Episode 257 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss the filing of a flight plan to practice approaches at multiple airports in actual IMC weather.  How does a pilot let ATC know what they want to do in the filed flight plan?  What can the pilots do to maximize efficiency on a practice flight?  We also discuss easing back in to work after some time off, navigating busy airspace VFR, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.    Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron Sierra Echo shares thoughts on circling versus maneuvering VFR. 2. Patron GRB explains the magical technology behind the cassette that played CDs.   Feedback SGAC Patron “The Original Mike Sierra” asks how we acclimate after vacation. Patron BS asks about “expect” altitudes issued during an IFR clearance. Patron AS navigated VFR through a busy corridor then got an IFR into their destination. Patron CM shares some great news and a story about a mean controller. Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit ou

Episode 256 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week, AG and RH get into the details of transitioning from an IFR approach and circling maneuver to VMC while joining traffic at a non-towered airport.  When should you cancel IFR?  Should you remain IFR until reaching the ground?  What other considerations should be made in determining when to cancel but remain safe.  We also discuss straight in approach clearances and why an LPV can’t always be published.  If you wanted to know something about the career paths of AG and RH before aviation, you won’t want to miss this episode!    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron India Hotel barely avoided a planetary collision one night. #Jupiter 2. Patron Delta Romeo sent some Irish candy and defended the English language: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/yoof     Feedback Patron Romeo Foxtrot asks about straight in approach clearances. Patron Mike Golf asked about LPV minimums on an interesting approach. We reached out to the Terps Elf. https://www.faa.gov/a

Episode 255 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show we discuss double IFR flight plans, handling in flight malfunctions expeditiously but safely, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.  Why was the controller trying to convince an inbound aircraft to a towered airport to cancel IFR?  What happened to their outbound flight plan?  And how can the pilot navigate the awkward moment on the downwind?  This was another ad free, 100% Patron supported episode with all content courtesy of show Patrons!  Thank you!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron WTF shared some insight into the world of ATC before radar was so common.   Feedback Patron AJS shared an inflight gear malfunction story. Great job! Patron JW asked what it would be like if our runway numbers changed. Patron BS shares a positive flight following story in busy Big Apple Bravo airspace. Patron JRP asked why transponders can’t just transmit the aircraft callsign.   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at Opp

Episode 254 Show Notes   Topic of the show: How can pilots avoid the pitfalls of expectation bias with regards to NOTAMs?  We offer some easy tips to avoid some taxi instruction traps.  We also discuss tower operational hours and flight following in no man’s land.  RH ends the show with a rant about a rule change.  Enjoy this episode made up entirely of Patron feedback!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron MR shares his flight home story all the way back to California in his Cirrus! 2. Patron MZ shares local tower equipment issues.   Feedback Patron RK asks about tower closing times and how that changes emergency response. Patron TSC shares some flight following audio. Patron BK shares a flight following story with a question.   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

Episode 253 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we will discuss some of the intricacies of filing an IFR flight plan to an airport without an instrument approach procedure.  What approach options exist?  Do you need an alternate airport?  And when you depart, what happens on the controller side of things when issuing your clearance?  We also discuss checkrides, atypical phraseology, and more of your awesome aviation feedback!    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron SC sent follow up to last week’s episode topic. 2. Towers without FDIO can sometimes give you VFR codes.   Feedback Patron WM sent in a check ride story. Patron AD sent an audio question about phraseology he had never heard. Patron JM wants to know if they can change to a visual approach after starting an RNAV?   Mentioned: FOD Kills (links courtesy of SGAC Patron RB, thank you!) https://youtu.be/C-nALYF73hU https://youtu.be/8Oi8ZO-2Kvc   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support

Episode 252 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss a pilot’s decision to go missed on an instrument approach to avoid a midair collision.  What did the pilot do right and what could they have done to help avoid the situation.  We also discuss Class Delta transition clearances, passive flight following, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  This show is 100% Patron supported and this episode is composed entirely of Patron feedback.  Thank you for supporting the show!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron KNG sent some kind words about the show. Thank you! 2. Patron JRP would like to file an official complaint. #horns 3. Patron MK shares some first hand experience with pilots struggling to enter controlled traffic patterns.   Feedback Patron SW asked about the best way to get flight following with an odd route and Class D clearances. Patron CC is listening and helping ATC but not really getting true flight following. Patron TG sent audio and asked about MSAW processing for a

Episode 251 Show Notes   Topic of the show: We’ve talked about handoffs and airspace boundaries but today we discuss the finer points involved with transferring radar control to an adjacent sector or facility.  How do we accomplish this task legally and what happens between a handoff and the boundary?  We also discuss ways to safeguard against the normalization of risky behavior in your airplane.  This episode is jam packed with air traffic and aviation information that can help you be a safer user of the NAS.    Timely Feedback: 1. JS has some tips and tricks for providing MSAW to VFR pilots. Thank you! 2. Patron EM has a good example of MSAW for VFR pilots that would be practical and timely. 3. JD sent an audio story about FOD on the taxiway. 4. Patron DBC shares an opinion on the normalization of risk.   Feedback SGAC Patron AK asks about IFR airborne pickups. Patron EM sent audio about subtle ways ATC can help a pilot find the right altitude. Patron NS asks what to do if an instruction places the aircr

250th Episode!  Thanks for being a part of this big milestone!  Please take the time to share the show with a friend and leave us a review and five star rating so everyone hears about the most fun you can have listening to a podcast!  -RH and AG   Topic of the show: On this week’s episode, AG and RH discuss the perfect amount of information for your next long VFR cross country flight.  Which additional points are useful for ATC?  Airport, navaids, fixes?  We also discuss the bigger picture with SIDS, STARS, and navigating near busy airspace.  This episode is packed with aviation information that can help you be a better user of the NAS and contribute to overall aviation safety.  Thanks for keeping this show at the top of the charts for 250 episodes!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron SAW sent some cool links about flying weather balloons: You can view AMDAR Soundings here https://wxster.com/acars Some additional helpful info from the NOAA https://amdar.noaa.gov 2. Patron WTF sent some awesome commentary on SIDS &a

Episode 249 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss ways flight schools can organize and plan their flights to help ATC and reduce unnecessary flying miles and extra back and forth exchanges of information.  What techniques did our flight schools employ to keep everyone safely separated during practice missions and what did ATC do to help us reduce communications?  This is a packed episode with tons of aviation gold.  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron CM sent audio about a drone at his home airport! 2. Patron MK breaks down the rule on aircraft speed. Thank you! 3. Patron JH shared a way to leave a PIREP: https://www.aviationweather.gov/pirep/submit 4. Patron TV shared metric and imperial dimensions of the Sectional chart.   Feedback SGAC Patron MB shares a story of poor phraseology and we explain the confusion. Patron GR doesn’t want to clog the frequency with too much information, what do they say? Patron DW asks about “pilot discretion” descents. Patron EM asked abo