Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Latest Episodes:

OB257: An IMC Work Hardening Plan Dec 05, 2022

Show notes

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 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.

OB256: Jupiter Jets Nov 28, 2022

Show notes

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/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/ifp_initiation/
Mike Bravo sent audio about TCAS Ras while flying one day.

Question of the Week/Month We finally reveal our pre aviation careers/jobs! You won't want to miss this episode.

OB255: Cancel All My Flight Plans Nov 21, 2022

Show notes

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.

OB254: Penguin Death NOTAMs Nov 14, 2022

Show notes

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.

OB253: Expect the ILS, Cleared for the RNAV Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

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

OB252: MSAW Blender, Aerobatic Offender Oct 31, 2022

Show notes

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 aerobatic flights.

OB251: Invisible Boundaries Oct 24, 2022

Show notes

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 aircraft in an unsafe situation.
Patron PJW shared a story of an up close encounter with a gigantic airplane near RH's first airport.

OB250: No SIDS, No STARS, No Service Oct 17, 2022

Show notes

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 & STARS.
3. Patron Anonymous sent some real life Class Bravo controller feedback about speed limits under the shelf.

Feedback

Patron AJS sent a very good question about missed approaches at non-towered airports.
Skipped JD's audio: moved to OB251 next week.
Patron AA asks our opinion on a pilot's that don't want to participate in the system.
Patron SA shares some kind words about efforts to preserve the Penguine population. Thank you!

OB249: TRACON Dessert Oct 10, 2022

Show notes

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 about VFR MSAW processing.

Question of the Week/Month What jobs did RH and AG have prior to aviation and why do you think that? Click that link to send us a message!

OB248: I Can't Flash You Unless You Touch Me Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

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 medical emergencies and equipment malfunction emergencies.
Patron WTF shares thoughts about updated flight deck equipment and training as it relates to accidents.

Mentioned on the show: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/agc/practice_areas/regulations/interpretations/Data/interps/2015/Duncan-AFS-1_4_2015_Legal_Interpretation.pdf

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/agc/practice_areas/regulations/interpretations/data/interps/2010/Seltzer-Continental%20Airlines_2010_Legal_Interpretation.pdf

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