Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Latest Episodes:

OB238: Standby Me Jul 18, 2022

Show notes

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 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.

OB237: 2022 AirVenture Notice-Rock Your Wings! Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

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/

OB236: High Alert False Alarm Jul 11, 2022

Show notes

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?

SimVenture 2022-Master the EAA AirVenture NOTICE Jul 07, 2022

Show notes

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? Click here
An active PilotEdge membership (free trials work, too!) https://www.pilotedge.net/join
A computer headset, or a way to use an aviation headset with your computer
4. An internet connection for your flight simulator's computer

Actual Air Traffic Controllers Provided by NATCA

You may notice the air traffic controllers for PilotEdge's SimVenture Oshkosh event sound very much like those who actually work the real AirVenture. That is because they are the actual controllers! PilotEdge is working closely with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association for this event. By having the actual air traffic controllers volunteer for PilotEdge's SimVenture event, pilots are certain to have a true-to-life experience as they will hear the same fast paced ATC that has become so unique to Oshkosh.

Disclaimer PilotEdge's SimVenture event, the PilotEdge SimVenture Notice and any other material provided by PilotEdge regarding SimVenture is for flight simulator purposes only. None of the material or guidance shall be used for real world flight or navigation. Refer to EAA's official Notice when actually flying to AirVenture.

OB235: Inadvertent VFR Flight Into IMC Jul 04, 2022

Show notes

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 making RH's hair turn grey.

OB234: Slightly Squeezed, Not Mashed Jun 27, 2022

Show notes

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 lights. Check out this great article to learn more about approach lights:https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/navigation/when-can-you-go-below-mins-instrument-approach/
Patron JS shares a story of their long cross country and being slightly confused on arrival pattern direction.

OB233: Because . . . Chinook Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

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 flies a little off the beaten path and asks for our thoughts.

Mentioned on the show: More information about SimVenture can be found at www.pilotedge.net/simventure. Promo video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OMSoaUbERSU. Check it out and get ready to fly to AirVenture!

OB232: One Touch Wonder Jun 13, 2022

Show notes

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.

OB231: Wings Do Things Jun 06, 2022

Show notes

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.

OB230: Caveman ATC May 30, 2022

Show notes

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.

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