Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Latest Episodes:

OB286: Under Pressure Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

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 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 feedback@opposingbases.com. Find us on twitter @opposing_bases. Music by audionautix.com. Third party audio provided by liveatc.net. Friends of the show and maker of bags to protect your ATC headset from dust and germs: ATCSaks.com. Keep the gunk and funk away from your most valuable pilot gear: https://pilotsaks.com/. Legal Notice The hosts of Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk podcast are speaking on behalf of Opposing Bases, LLC. Opposing Bases, LLC does not represent the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, or the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. All opinions expressed in the show are for entertainment purposes only. There is no nexus between Opposing Bases, LLC and the FAA or NATCA. All episodes are the property of Opposing Bases, LLC and shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws and regulations, refer to your local Flight Standards District Office or Certified Flight Instructor. Opposing Bases, LLC offers this podcast to promote aviation safety and enhance the knowledge of its listeners but makes no guarantees to listeners regarding accuracy or legal applications.

OB285: Squeeze Plays Gone Bad Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

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.

OB284: Professional Bus Driving 101 Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

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 Mike shares an awesome story about callsigns and witnessing Opposing Bases in action on the scope.

2. Patron Romeo Kilo asks how airport arrival rates are calculated. Check out these links: https://www.fly.faa.gov/aadc/ That page shows rates per hour for each of the busy airports in the NAS. Formula based on several factors which can be here: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/foa_html/chap10_section_7.html

OB283: A Disservice to Aviation Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

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 asks about splitting positions the right way.

2. PATRON Whiskey Tango Foxtrot shares the history of "over"

3. PATRON Echo Delta ask for some tips on handling busy frequencies.

Mentioned on the show: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+clapper&i=tools&crid=PN3TELK21KMV&sprefix=the+clapper%2Ctools%2C86&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

OB282: It's Push-to-Talk, Not Push-to-Think May 29, 2023

Show notes

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 Skyhawk.

OB281: Class Bravo Party May 22, 2023

Show notes

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

OB280: Radar Services Terminated, Watch Out! May 15, 2023

Show notes

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 out and available! https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-fly-in-flying-to-oshkosh/eaa-airventure-oshkosh-notam

OB279: Straight Up Straight In Struggles May 08, 2023

Show notes

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 separation.

Mentioned on the show: Reminder: we have opinions about certain items but we always want pilots to have the best information when flying in the real world. Please don't let our opinions serve as a pass to break the rules. When in doubt, clarify with ATC. https://opposingbases.libsyn.com/ob155-garbage-phraseology. Skip to about 35 minutes in to hear our thoughts and opinions on straight-in phraseology. And as always, refer to your CFII, DPE or FSDO for interpretations and applications of rules regarding approaches.

OB278: Lost Comms, Listener Beware May 01, 2023

Show notes

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.

OB277: Brain Eating Bippies Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

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.