Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Latest Episodes:

OB266: Beak to Beak With a Battle Penguin Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

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 transponder code logic and the story behind our penguin analogy.

Mentioned on the show: https://www.opposingbases.com/shop/get-out-of-my-ear-t-shirt/

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.

OB265: I Show You as IFR Now Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

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

OB264:ATC101-Basketweaving Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

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

OB263: Visual Approach Cavalcade Jan 16, 2023

Show notes

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.

OB262: Floppy Disks and Squeeze Plays Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

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 VFR obstacle alerts from ATC.

OB261: I Disagree With Me Jan 02, 2023

Show notes

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

OB260: Fifth Year Terminated, Squawk Two Zero Two Three Dec 29, 2022

Show notes

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 Class D.
Patron DZ asks what happens if he doesn't squawk VFR when radar services are terminated.
Patron DM thanks us for breaking through to his non pilot wife and shares some thoughts on ATC training in the NAS.

https://www.opposingbases.com/shop/ Orders of $35 or more in the United States get free shipping with coupon code FREESHIP22 (expires 12/31/2022)

Just the Tip of the Iceberg Dec 26, 2022

Show notes

A fun collection of sound bites from 2022. Enjoy!

OB259: Penguiniverse Christmas Spectacular Dec 19, 2022

Show notes

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 mixup on your solo flight. If you are ever in the TRIAD area, we'd be happy to show you what to expect from ATC: professionalism and a positive attitude!

Feedback

Patron Juliet Romeo Papa shares a positive interaction with ATC during an equipment malfunction.
Patron Whiskey Oscar asks about duty limitations and shift times.

Holiday/Christmas audio used during this special episode is from https://www.youtube.com/@audiolibrary_ no copyright music in library for creators.

OB258: The Zero G Weight Loss Plan Dec 12, 2022

Show notes

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"

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