Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 230 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss routing additions to flight following, obstacle departure changes, reroutes, filing IFR with ATC on the ground, and much, much more!  This week’s episode is based entirely on listener questions about the NAS, flying, and ATC!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron PV has some follow up questions on block altitudes and controller visual memory aids.   Feedback Patron CKA sent a link about ODPs:(https://pilotworkshop.com/win-sim-ifrm-0921/ TB sent a question about emergency declaration. Patron JC sent audio about cool fix names. Patron MK asks about filing IFR with ATC on the ground. Patron OG sent in a question about adding fixes/VORs in your VFR flight following routing. “Badger Pilot” sent some audio. Can we see victor airways on our maps? Local JCS asks about flight following in the practice area.   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

Episode 229 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  Did the controller say the magic words and clear you into the Bravo airspace?  AG and RH offer their opinions on implied Bravo clearances and how you can handle the situation.  We also discuss safe and effective means of allowing your student to make mistakes along the way.      Timely Feedback: 1. Patron CA sent some great suggestions regarding CTAF congestion. 2. Patron EH shares some background on the GPS approach under the Devil Bravo. 3. Patron SC shared a story about navigation pride! 4. JZ sent an update about her first flight with the baby.   Feedback Patron MR reminds IFR pilots trying to sneak out VFR isn’t always a good plan. Patron MG shared a great ATC service story from out West. Patron MK adds some phraseology to his goodbye to IFR aircraft at non-towered airports. DN wants our thoughts on safe ways to let your student make mistakes.   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show usi

Episode 228 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When does a botched approach cross the line into a possible pilot deviation?  We will discuss our opinions on the use of automation during an approach, proper monitoring of the autopilot, and how to best comply with controller instructions.  We also discuss speed restrictions, setting up for the runway in use on a windy day, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron CM missed the meeting . . . and it’s RH’s fault! 2. Patron SMH shares information about an inflight text receiving device that is surprisingly affordable. https://goairtext.com/ 3. Lima Oscar shares a fun tip on audio ducking in a Garmin product. 4. SGAC Patron Golf Whiskey shares some kind words about the show.   Feedback Patron Charlie Hotel explains the amazing 4th line stored on a center controller’s data block. Patron Hotel Yankee has a windy runway story from his trip to TRIAD. Patron Echo Alpha asks about minimum speed assignments.       Have a

Episode 227 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH talk about life before GPS, stray visual approach paths, and forced IFR cancellation.  We also hear from a couple pilots that overflew Bravo and didn’t realize they were in the worst spot possible.  This episode is packed with aviation gold, you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron Sierra Bravo want to know if “cookies for cancellations” is a real thing or just a myth? 2. The Terps Elf heard our call for a change to “N/A at Night” RNAV approaches! 3. Mike Kilo has a message for all pilots in the interest of aviation safety! 4. Patron Golf Kilo heard a proposal while getting flight following.   Feedback Patron Juliet Mike sent an audio question about busy CTAF frequencies. See link below! Patron Golf Kilo sent a question about overflying a towered airport on a visual approach. Mike Kilo has a question about a local IFR cancellation policy.   Mentioned on the show: Aeronautical Charting Meeting - Instrument Procedures Group https://ww

Episode 226 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss a listener’s text message exchange when ATC thought his radios were not working.  What do we suggest with using cell phones and having a backup communication device when flying in the NAS?  We also discuss impossible ATC instructions, check in delays, priority for ground stops, and closely situated airspaces that place pilots close or inside of adjacent airspace.    Timely Feedback: 1. Romeo Mike brags about his amazing car from 1982. 2. Patron Echo Golf shares his new love of flying and spending money! 3. Mike Alpha suggests using 1-800-WX BRIEF to get the ATC phone numbers.   Feedback SGAC Patron Mike Charlie shares a story about an impossible ATC instruction and funny exchange. Patron Alpha Hotel shares a story about a short delay checking in and an impatient controller. Patron Alpha Sierra asks who gets priority for delays. Juliet Bravo talks about adjacent airspaces and instructions that placed him in someone else’s airspace.   Mentioned o

Episode 225 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Today’s show is all about going “down the tubes”.  What is going on in the tracon to create the feeling that you are behind, unable to get a second to think, and too busy to do even one more thing?  AG and RH discuss the tasks that make us feel like we are slammed in the radar room.  We also discuss a recent laser light illumination police encounter, an approach minimums response from the Terps Elf, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback!  This episode is packed, don’t skip it!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron HTV sent in fantastic context for our discussion about “IFR qualified but not IMC capable”. Patron CKA sent a link to an awesome episode of “I Learned About Flying From That”: Close Encounter with Wake Turbulence. Check it out! 3. Patron DE wants all his club members to listen to our ODP episodes: Obstacle Departure Procedures and ODP’s, Part 2. Thanks for the invite to speak at your club!   Feedback The Badger Pilot asked if he can fly an “AD

Episode 224 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH revisit wake turbulence avoidance and interactions with control towers that may be placing pilots in a tight spot behind a larger, wake producing aircraft.  What can pilots do to prevent inadvertent wake encounters and more importantly, how can they safely convey their needs to ATC?  Sometimes telling ATC “unable” is the start of a valuable exchange of information that can keep the plane safe!  We also discuss low altitude warnings, helicopter white outs, using cell phones in flight, and what happens if a controller can’t give a briefing.  You don’t want to miss this week’s episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. Juliet Sierra asks about how we differentiate flight following and traffic advisories out of the Charlie. 2.Patron Charlie Mike won’t see night time until September in Alaska!   Feedback Patron November Bravo wants to know if using a cell phone during lost communication is good advice. Patron Delta Zulu wants to know what happens if a controller can’t giv

Episode 223 Show Notes   Topic of the show: How do we stay off the landline and why is it an important controller skill?  On this week’s show, RH goes off on a rant about the misuse of landlines and the lessons he learned as a trainee to use them sparingly.  We also talk about “landing assured”, a busy flight school pattern, and LPV approaches.  This is a packed episode and you don’t want to miss a minute!  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. Sierra Golf shares some feedback about small GA aircraft going to Metroplex. 2. PATRON Juliet Charlie reminds us of another phone book nuance. 3. SGAC PATRON Charlie Mike has a request of the show and the Terps Elf. 4. PATRON Mike Golf enjoyed us having Captain Dana as a guest co-host. 5. PATRON Sierra Echo offers a pro tip on hitting a gap on final.   Feedback Sierra Papa Delta has some comments about wake turbulence and callsign mishaps. PATRON Whiskey Tango Foxtrot shares some information on equipage and approaches. PATRON JEC has a question about “landing assured”. PATRO

Episode 222 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When a pilot calls up for an airborne IFR clearance and is dangerously close to an unidentified target on our scopes, when do our separation responsibility begin?  How do we protect against a midair collision when we are not talking to both aircraft?  We share our thoughts on this great question and we also discuss forced flight following, controller mistakes, and more of your awesome aviation questions!  Special “Charlie Alpha” segment included in this week’s show!   Timely Feedback: 1. Bravo Charlie Mike shares some more clues about the unclosed flight plan mystery. 2. Patron Sierra Charlie shares some thoughts on the overused land line! 3. Patron Mike India Kilo shares some local Triad news: https://boomsupersonic.com/news/post/boom-supersonic-first-supersonic-airliner-manufacturing-facility 4. Patron Echo Alpha has some wild wake turbulence experience.   Feedback Patron Juliet Sierra shares a story about his forced flight following in a Class Bravo. Sierra Go

Episode 221 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  AG and RH often refer to the landlines.  What do we use them for and why are they such an important part of our job?  We also discuss military round robin flights, airport approach path obstructions, and the Boeing 737.  This week is jam packed with valuable aviation information and a special guest co-host: Captain Dana!  Captain Dana flies the Boeing 737 and shares his thoughts about the aircraft and adds some great insight from the professional pilot side of things.  Thank you for joining us today!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Mike Kilo shared an article relevant to our conversation lately: .  https://www.ifr-magazine.com/avionics/aim-is-non-regulatory/ 2. PATRON Sierra India sent audio about vectoring the overflight. 3. PATRON Delta Kilo sent more fun facts about a local flight school. 4. PATRON Tango Charlie sent audio about manual, crank down gear.   Feedback Tango Foxtrot asks about the order of items for an effective flight following request. Alpha Charli

AG and RH offer this fun compilation of some of our favorite moments on the show.  Enjoy the mix from several previously recorded episodes!

Episode 220 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss what it means when we block airspace near an adjacent sector or facility.  How do we keep up with all our control instructions and what memory aids are available to keep things straight?  We answer a ton of aviation questions this week so you don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Papa Victor shares another fun car feature from the 80’s. 2. PATRON Sierra Charlie reminds us how awesome a Yugo was to drive! 3. PATRON Kilo Alpha shares some insight into the center shout line questions from last week. 4. PATRON Golf Mike shares some important details about TAAs and complex aircraft. 5. PATRON Mike Alpha Charlie shares a nice note about the show. Thank you!   Feedback Alpha November asks “Why is Duke always trying to catch up with TRIAD?” PATRON Sierra Charlie asks about the timing of IFR and search and rescue. PATRON Golf Kilo reminds us how pilots on different frequencies can be confusing. Sierra Lima shares awesome audio abo

Episode 219 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss the finer points of departing a non-towered airport with an IFR clearance.  Why can't you just depart in VMC and skip the release?  What could this pilot have done differently to avoid upsetting the controllers and possibly violating a regulation?  We will share our thoughts and get to many more aviation questions.   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Bravo Sierra shares details about his Class Delta/Bravo transition from last week’s show. 2. Echo Bravo shares his background and explains some of his famous audio of landing and talking to himself. 3. Patron Whiskey Tango Foxtrot explains the origin of facility IDs with numbers. 4. Patron India India shares local insight into an MVA/ODP question.   Feedback Patron Charlie Tango wants to know the best way to say hello and introduce yourself to ATC. Patron Juliet Mike shares an audio question about pireps. Charlie Alpha Mike wants some explanation on how we transition to IFR when weather deteriorates. Patro

Episode 218 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss a pilot’s denied deviation requests, Class Bravo clearances, and VFR flight following with electrical problems.  We cover a lot in this episode so you won’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: PATRON Mike Kilo shares his tips on getting what you need from ATC and shared this great article about Brasher Warnings: https://www.ifr-magazine.com/technique/dude-youre-busted/ 2. Charlie Golf shares the regulation on night landings. 3. Tango Charlie Mike shares some night landing currency information. 4. Delta November has been very busy getting all his ratings. 5. SGAC Patron Darth Pilot shares the AIM requirement for a pilot to report vacating an altitude.   Feedback Patron CWS is a CFI! Congratulations! Patron Golf Kilo wants to set the record straight on pronunciations. Patron Bravo Sierra wants to know if the Bravo clearance is gone when he goes to a Delta. Patron Papa Sierra asks about traffic calls and maintaining visual separation. Patron Mike B

Episode 217 Show Notes   Topic of the show: What if the controller denies your request for a weather related course deviation?  How can the pilot stay safe but comply with air traffic instructions?  We will offer our tips on how to negotiate and communicate when you’re flying towards imminent danger!  We also discuss snow and ice, preparation for a shift, and super low LPV minimums.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Juliet Mike sent in awesome audio about wake turbulence avoidance. 2. The Terps Elf shares a site to help instructors find creative ways to teach their students: https://flyguycfi.com/instrument-approach-map/ 3. PATRON Charlie Hotel shared a fun fact about temporary towers. Check out the links: https://www.natca.org/2021/08/26/natca-members-work-fire-towers%EF%BB%BF-amid-heavy-wildfire-season/   https://www.idahocountyfreepress.com/news/faa-temporary-tower-handles-airport-traffic/article_dc19c262-d79e-5d34-8df6-60e673bda9b5.html   Feedback PATRON Bravo Yankee wa

Episode 216 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On last week’s episode, we discussed wake turbulence separation from a controller perspective.  This week we will share some practical advice on what to say to the controller when you’re asked to follow a large or heavy aircraft.    Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Juliet Mike’s world was shaken when he realized who was who on the live stream. 2. PATRON Juliet Hotel recommended a local back course approach. #fun   Feedback Papa Whiskey shared a recent story where using the remarks saved time with ATC. PATRON Sierra India found a cool trick in his EFB related to visual checkpoints. Delta Whiskey wants to know if non radar towers can use EFBs to see ADS-B traffic. Mike Tango has some phraseology questions related to altitudes and check ins. PATRON Golf Echo wants to know the best way to give a pirep.   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.  K

Episode 215 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss wake turbulence avoidance from a controller’s perspective.  How can you stay away from the dangerous wake of a larger aircraft but still get the safest and most efficient service from air traffic control?   You may be surprised how we feel about wake turbulence so don’t miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. The Terps Elf shares some data about approaches in the NAS! https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/ifp_inventory_summary/ 2. PATRON Juliet Hotel would like to leave a 1 star review for a facility. 3. PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie shares his thoughts on the bonus audio from last week. 4. PATRON WTF shares the “the Goodish LOI” (Page 1, Page 2).     Feedback PATRON Echo Charlie asks about controller check rides. PATRON Juliet Golf shares a story from the TRIAD from 100 years ago. PATRON Bravo Sierra shares some insight into a recent Angel Flight into a Presidential TFR. PATRON Delta Golf shared some history on the term “

Episode 214 Show Notes   Topic of the show: We are going to discuss what happens when a pilot terminates an IFR flight plan before being handed off on an approach to a Class Delta tower.  What happened to “cookies for cancellations”?  This and much more on another fun episode you won’t want to miss!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON EW shares some kind words about a TRIAD controller. Thank you! 2. PATRON JW3 wants forgiveness for moving big planes onto the taxiways. 3. PATRON WTF shares some thoughts about practice approaches.   Feedback PATRON Echo Golf wants to know about our biggest bonehead moves as controllers. Charlie Hotel asks how to get flight following without an electrical system but operable two-way radio. PATRON Echo Mike wants to get our take on flight following with multiple landings close together. PATRON JW3 received some interesting instructions near a restricted area. We share our thoughts.   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support

Episode 213 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH vectored the overflight and shares his story to save another controller from issuing the most embarrassing control instructions ever given.  We also discuss an interpretation regarding flight following instructions and answer more of your aviation questions.  Enjoy the show!   Timely Feedback: 1. PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie shares the video that inspired the queston on OB212. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvl4Vt0gCKE 2. PATRON Hotel Tango Victor asks some clarifying questions about VFR practice approaches. 3. PATRON Charlie Kilo Alpha passed his checkride! 4. Juliet Papa found the legal interpretation mentioned last week and Patron Mike Kilo provided some very good audio feedback on pilot compliance. Thank you!   Feedback Alpha Charlie shares audio on altitude assignments in an abbreviated clearance. PATRON Alpha Echo has questions about ADS-B readouts on our scopes. PATRON Echo Charlie has a question about abbreviated clearances. Mike Foxtrot has a story abo

Episode 212 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s episode, AG and RH discuss how they determine when they’ve reached their maximum capacity.  How do we deal sudden task saturation?  What tools do we have available to safely work our way out of a busy session?  This episode was a lot of fun to record and you won’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron Sierra Echo brings up a very important point about operating under Class Bravo. 2. Patron WO shared some thoughts about an episode of the The Finer Points Aviation podcast. Check it out!   Feedback Patron Golf Mike asked about controller’s knowledge of weather and how it applies to their work. Patron Juliet Echo Charlie asked about the limitation of a tower controller.   Mentioned in the show: Cold Weather corrections: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_3.html Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using Patreon or visiting our s