Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 248 Show Notes (updated audio file)   Topic of the show: You’ve heard us mention automation and handoffs and flight plan updates but, in this episode, we try to explain it in a way that makes sense to everyone.  Why is flight plan routing so critical for interfacility handoffs and what can the pilot do in order to increase efficiency during deviations.  We also discuss ADS-B data feeds, updated aircraft technology, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.  This episode is 100% PATRON FEEDBACK!  Thank you for supporting our show!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron SI asks about radar associates and has some drone experience. 2. Patron CM sent a very cool audio update about Alaskan Opposing Bases! 3. We try to sum up the feedback we got about speed restrictions below Class Bravo airspace. 4. Patron SE shares some interesting information about Canadian ADS-B data feeds.   Feedback Patron DZ exercised some PIC decision making skills to stay safe! Patron MM asked if we distinguish between med

Episode 247 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s episode, we discuss aircraft speed limits and dig deep into the regulations to answer a listener question.  Can ATC assign a speed greater than 200 knots below a Class Bravo shelf?  We also discuss following a drone, resolution advisories, and more of your awesome questions.    Timely Feedback: 1. The Badger Pilot’s public apology for a vocabulary slip. 2. Patron India Mike shares ADS-B stories from the canyons of the back country! 3. RBB had a stuck mic and figured it out before takeoff. 4. Patron Alpha India provides some evidence of nice center controller behavior.   Feedback Patron DW was told to follow a Reaper drone! Uniform Hotel Charlie shares his techniques for teaching students to mix with traffic after an approach. Patron TJM asked about an RA and what happens on the controller side of things afterwords. Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using Patreon or visiting

Episode 246 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we run down a list of operational questions and explain who is working during a normal shift, position responsibilities, and the impact of short bursts of traffic on the operation.  We also discuss a radio failure in the tower, termination of radar services, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Echo Delta shared a picture of their student preparing to enter a pattern. 2. Patron BLJ shares some career news and also got a tower of TRIAD. 3. Charlie Golf has a theory on the placement of static discharge chains on our new tower chairs. 4. Kilo Hotel sent a great site to find out if a MOA/SUA is hot.   Feedback Patron Alpha Foxtrot asks about the CIC’s role in the pit. Patron Kilo Whiskey asks about a tower radio failure. The Badger Pilot shares a story about termination of radar services going into a towered airport with cookies.   Mentioned on the show: www.sua.faa.gov Have a great week and than

Episode 245 Show Notes   Topic of the show: New tower at TRIAD is only a few weeks away!  RH and AG talk about the training required to make the move to the new building and our thoughts on the new facility.  This was a really fun episode!  We also discuss VFR weather deviation tolerance and a missed approach without communication with the tower.    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron EH asked us to clarify on the “WHO” blinking on our radar scope. 2. Patron AT has a question about VFR weather deviations . . . when do we start to care? 3. Patron JS figured out how to upset the simulator instructor and cause multiple system failures.   Feedback Patron GB shares a story about a missed approach with the wrong frequency keyed up. Charlie Sierra from the mitten state shares some stories about yesteryear. Patron JKT shares thoughts about the show and a story about planning a mission with ATC. Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using Patreon or vis

Episode 244 Show Notes   Topic of the show: A student pilot sounds confused and disoriented on a cross country flight so we discuss ways an instructor and student can better prepare for flights to unfamiliar places.  Cross country flights are one of the most important steps to becoming a safe pilot and should serve as confidence builders for the aspiring pilot.  We also discuss some user tips on advising ATC of VFR altitude changes, flight following, and more awesome aviation questions.    Timely Feedback: 1. AC shares on more piece of the glider puzzle. 2. SGAC Patron SE found a fun piece of ATC trivia about circling approach clearances. 3. Patron DRH shares some tips on advising ATC of VFR altitude changes.   Feedback Patron JKG is a flight following believer now! Patron WTF wonders if certain equipment allows flight following codes from Delta airports. 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

Episode 243 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  We regularly endorse the use of flight following to increase safety in the NAS and on this week’s show, we review the services provided by air traffic control when you are being watched by the ATC Gods. Why should you get flight following?  Find out today!     Timely Feedback: 1. Alpha Charlie answers most of our glider tow questions from last week. 2. Patron JG shares a story about misidentified aircraft types. 3. JZ and his daughter are big fans of airplane livery and Abraham Lincoln. 4. Patron JEF shares the audio from AG’s ATC Birthday Party.   Feedback Patron WTF shares some ADS-B insight. Patron JEC sent in a great audio question about a mysterious aircraft in our airspace. Patron BS shares a story from a long solo cross country. 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 242 Show Notes   Topic of the show: A Cirrus Vision Jet pilot found a really creative, funny, and informative way to help controllers understand the SF50’s performance capabilities.  On this week’s show, we will discuss some common misconceptions about jets versus turbo prop aircraft, performance considerations, and important information pilots can share with ATC so everyone is on the same page.    Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON WTF shares a fun regulation fact about who can fly the plane. 2. A Center Controller shares information about what information is displayed on their fancy screen.   Feedback SD wants to know our thoughts on how a pilot should respond when ATC asks them to do an unusual maneuver to land quickly. PATRON GK shares audio about a glider tow operation. PATRON AW has a question about pilot discretion descents. LIH is ready to move into a flying career!   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using Patreon or visit

Episode 241 Show Notes   Topic of the show: After a pilot receives their PDC, how do the tower and radar controllers know where they are going?  On this week’s show, we revisit basic ATC procedures and the discuss the methods we use to track airplanes within our airspace.  We also discuss a Class Bravo airspace bust, more feedback about missed approaches, and confusion over PIREPs.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron JEC asks how we would deal with a pilot that told us to standby. 2. Juliet Sierra got his podcast ATP rating. 3. Patron CK shares thoughts on managing a missed approach. 4. Patron CH shares what center controllers can see on their magical data screens.   Feedback PJ want to know about inadvertent IMC for a helicopter: what would we do? BF shares audio about a recent PIREP mixup. JP shares a story of a Class Bravo bust.   Mentioned on the show: https://www.thepilotsguidetoairtrafficcontrol.com/ Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at Opp

Episode 240 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  On today’s show, we are digging deep into the inbox.  We discuss some more feedback on missed approach cockpit chaos, tricks on avoiding talking to centers altogether, and proper use of airports as part of a clearance route.  This episode is packed with aviation information and entertainment!  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron CP sent audio illustrating real callsign struggles. #alphabetsoup 2. BC calls out RH for his slip of the tongue. 3. SGAC Patron MB shares a story about a missed approach in a B767. 4. Patron JM wants to know what happens if the missed approach loses radios? (moved to next week, sorry JEC) Patron MN shares some audio feedback about the live show and the Penguin shirt. Patron MEH wants to know how we got the radio red carpet at FISK. SGAC MS caught RH and AG in the wild!   Feedback SD shares a tip about calm wind runway information in the Chart Supplement Patron JM put his phone number in the remarks but ATC couldn’t see it. Why? Patron EA

Special live episode from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022!  RH and AG would like to thank AOPA for hosting our 3rd live show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 next to the AOPA Pavilion at the 39 Lounge. AOPA's mission is to ensure that the sky remains within reach of everyone who dreams of becoming a pilot.  And our mission on the show is to share our passion for aviation while educating and entertaining our worldwide audience.   And a special thanks to SGAC Sierra Echo for helping with this year's live production! Another special shout out to Bravo Kilo, the ATC controller that watched us during the arrival and gave us a very special "Rock Your Wings" over FISK!  That audio is a special memory.  Thank you! And finally, thank you to our fantastic network of supporters on Patreon.  Our community of show supporters is what made this trip to AirVenture possible and without our Patrons, this show would never have made it this far with such a strong listener base.  Thank you! Enjoy this special live episode for bios, bac

Episode 239 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH give their opinion on a disagreement between pilots at a non-towered airport and discuss the importance of timely radio calls and announcing your position.  We also discuss LPV approaches and get to more of your feedback regarding missed approach instructions.    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron CWS got a great tour! 2. Patron TG shares some kind words about the show. Thank you! 3, 4, 5. Patrons AW, GF, and CH share their thoughts on alternate missed approach instructions. KG got to send his first student to solo and watch from the tower!   Feedback Patron DW asked about LPV approaches in Hawaii and we got some feedback from the Terps Elf!https://www.nstb.tc.faa.gov/RT_VerticalProtectionLevel.htm MN shares her thoughs on the show using audio feedback! #savethepenguins Patron SH asks about active MOAs and how to plan for them along your route of flight. Check this article out: https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/airspace/flying-through-military-operation

Episode 238 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH answer a listener’s question about when controllers should stay quiet or minimize instructions due to pilot workload and task saturation.  We also discuss ways a controller can combat workload increases with the help of another set of eyes.  This episode is packed with aviation gold, you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. JW sent a fun EFB trick where you can add pattern entry to your flight path for situational awareness. 2. Patron WO shares some safety advice for all pilots: set personal minimums.      3.Bravo Kilo (a real life Oshkosh AirVenture controller) sent    some tips and comments about flying into the busiest airport in the world.   Feedback Patron JY asks about temporary controllers during staffing challenges. JC wants to know if we can Brasher Warning a cat? 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 237 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH is joined by Dispatcher Mike to discuss the 2022 EAA AirVenture NOTICE.  We share our experiences flying into AirVenture so you can prepare for your arrival into the busiest airspace in the world.  Follow along with the 2022 AirVenture Notice and get answers to all your questions related to the NOTICE.     Timely Feedback: 1. Juliet Sierra clarifies the runway crossing phraseology. 2. Patron MEH shares kind words about the show. Thank you!   Find the 2022 FAA/EAA AirVenture NOTICE: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/airventure-news-releases/2022-05-25-airventure-2022-notice-released   You still have time to prepare with live ATC on your home flight simulator: https://www.pilotedge.net/pages/simventure   Find Mike: http://flyingandlife.com/   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

Episode 236 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When a pilot gets a low altitude alert, it should get their attention.  And when you’re getting a low altitude alert in a climb, it can be very confusing.  On this week’s show, we will discuss audio feedback about low altitude alerts.  When do we issue safety alerts?  Why does our judgement matter when we receive unusual alarms?  We also share some insight into why some tower controllers can’t issue vectors.   Timely Feedback: 1. SB wants to give a shout out to ATC for getting through a rough patch of staffing. 2. BE shares the origin of “Tally Ho”. 3. Patron MG wants to know how we handle low flying aircraft with radio reception challenges.   Feedback RL wants to know what a “VFR Tower” is and why they can’t issue vectors. Patron MC has a question about low altitude alerts. Patron TZ got his PPL! Why do we keep violating that poor Canadian pilot? Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using P

PilotEdge-SimVenture Oshkosh 2022   Topic of the show:  AG and RH sit down with Kevin from PilotEdge to discuss SimVenture Oshkosh 2022.  Do you want to practice the EAA AirVenture NOTICE before you fly to Oshkosh?  Why not master the procedures in the comfort of your own home on a flight simulator while talking to real, live Oshkosh air traffic controllers?   What is SimVenture? https://www.pilotedge.net/pages/simventure   Check out the 2022 PilotEdge SimVenture 2022 video: https://youtu.be/OMSoaUbERSU   When is SimVenture 2022?  PilotEdge will operate SimVenture Oshkosh 2022 during the following times: Thursday July 14: 3pm-6pm Pacific Time (2200-0100 Zulu) Friday July 15: 2pm-5pm Pacific Time (2100-0000 Zulu) Saturday July 16: 8am-11am Pacific Time (1500-1800 Zulu) Sunday July 17: 10am-2pm Pacific Time (1700-2100 Zulu)   What do you need to Participate in SimVenture? A working computer flight simulator (X-Plane 11 or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020) Need help getting set up with a flight simulator? Clic

Episode 235 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Inadvertent flight into IMC while operating under VFR rules can be deadly, especially for a pilot without an instrument rating.  On this week’s episode we hear from a pilot that flew into the clouds and beat the odds.  We share our thoughts on what a pilot should do if this happens to them and what to say to ATC.  We also get to some more aviation questions and awesome feedback!  Happy 4th of July, America!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron JW shares a picture of an old Road Atlas. 2. Patron JS shares some more information about the runway configuration in last week’s confusing feedback. 3. SGAC Patron Darth Pilot shares some progress on infamous bird NOTAMS. 4. TBA helps us with the mysterious text message we discussed on a previous episode.   Feedback Patron JEF shares audio about a flight when ATC seemed to be in the dark on the flight plan. Why? Patron CM shares a story about the local controller’s familiarization flights. JCS sent an unnecessary apology for makin

Episode 234 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When a squeeze play looks like it can only get worse, a controller has to do something to stop it.  On this week’s episode, we will break down an intersecting runway arrival/departure squeeze play that resulted in a canceled takeoff clearance instead of a go around.  Why did this happen? What types of things are being considered during a squeeze play like this one?  We also discuss situational awareness on a cross country flight to an unfamiliar airport, approach lighting, and weird radar identification practices.  This episode is packed with aviation gold nuggets.  Don’t miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron SE shares an experience with CPDLC. Cool! 2. JS dug deep into the fine print regarding runway crossing and hold short instructions. Thank you! 3. Patron JH shares a small correction to our discussion on WAAS and GPS units. Thank you!   Feedback Patron WTF asks about a very unusual radar identification practice. Patron MG asked our opinion on approach li

Episode 233 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss procedures like Line Up and Wait (LUAW) and Land and Hold Short (LAHSO) that are not available at all towered airports.  Why aren’t these procedures used everywhere and what type of considerations are made when using them to keep traffic moving efficiently?  We also discuss electronic flight bag routing suggestions, Class Bravo clearances, runway crossing instructions, and more of your awesome aviation comments/feedback.    Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron SE shares very positive feedback about centers and the “DOVE” operation. Great job, centers! 2. Patron MIK shared a story about receiving clearance to cross a runway while taxiing on another runway. 3. Patron EM sent audio about a doozy of a route in the northeast. 4. MB shares a reroute story even after doing everything right. 5. JG shares an embarrassing Class Bravo exchange while flying IFR. Patron MK sent audio about an interaction with a busy Class Bravo controller.   Feedback Patron AD fl

Episode 232 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week we discuss runway crossing clearances, VFR holding patterns, and a casual TCAS RA exchange.  Do you love aviation? Do you have a question about air traffic control or flying?  Are you interested in aviation or working on your ratings to become a pilot?  If you answered yes to any of those questions, this is the show for you!    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron JEC sent clarification audio regarding “track runway heading”. 2. Patron RM shares a fun fact about the new Top Gun Maverick movie.   Feedback Patron EM has a question about crossing runways while taxiing on another runway. Patron India Hotel is proficient in VFR holding patterns and wants our opinion on how to handle it. Patron SEM is back in the flying world and has a question about an RA received recently. 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, i

Episode 231 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s installment of Opposing Bases, AG and RH discuss what triggers a mandatory report, why we file them, and what happens with the data that's collected.  We also discuss being taken out to sea too far, flight following items to include in your callup to ATC, and much more.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron SE sent a pro tip about TEC routes used out West. Thank you! 2. Patron PWK shared his experience with TEC routes. 3. OC thinks there is room to improve EFB recommended routes.   Feedback GB has learned a thing about wake turbulence landing behind big heavies! Patron AV wants to know our thoughts on a recent go around at a busy airport which led to an RA. Patron JR doesn’t want to hope for the best while flying in a single engine aircraft over water. Help! Patron OS wants to know which technique is best when calling ATC. Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can