Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Latest Episodes:

OB229: Bravo Bamboozled May 23, 2022

Show notes

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 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.

OB228: Hijacked by the Autopilot May 16, 2022

Show notes

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.

OB227: Cancellation Cookies and Bravo Bullies May 09, 2022

Show notes

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://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs400/afs420/acfipg

Is your CTAF frequency too congested with nearby airports?

https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/advocacy-briefs/air-traffic-services-process-brief-changing-unicom-frequencies

OB226: Reduce Speed Ten Knots Faster May 02, 2022

Show notes

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 on the show: https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/callback/cb_507.html

OB225: Laser Event Swat Team Apr 25, 2022

Show notes

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 "ADF required" ILS approach with a WAAS GPS.
Mike Golf sent in a question we sent to the TERPS Elf about approach minimums.

Mentioned on the show: article by Paul Berge at AvWeb.com "The History of Going Down The Tubes": https://www.avweb.com/insider/the-history-of-going-down-the-tubes/

OB224: Warm and Fuzzy Wake Turbulence Avoidance Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

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 give a brief.
Patron Juliet Sierra is now a CFI! Congratulations! They ask about low altitude alerts.
Patron Whiskey Oscar asks about a white out landing in a helicopter over snow.

Mentioned on the show, thank you Charlie Alpha:

https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2019/aair/ao-2019-052/

OB223: Shiny Aluminum Showers Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

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".
PATRON AMB shares some audio from a busy pattern.
PATRON Papa Victor wants to know how we stay off the land lines like pros.
PATRON Echo Hotel wants everyone to know how cool his car was in 1998. https://fb.watch/bkWjs-_0pA/.

Mentioned on the show: Pilot has engine failure and works with ATC to find an airport and lands on the numbers with no engine from 9000'. Well done! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEMlny_ExuU

OB222: Separation Bingo Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

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 Golf shares some thoughts about his students and radio skills.
Patron Echo Mike shares a near collision story.
Patron Echo Delta shares a non-emergency emergency declaration.
Patron Mike Zulu vectored the overflight too!

OB221: We Were on the Landline Mar 28, 2022

Show notes

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 Charlie sends feedback about obstructions and N/A at night.
Delta Sierra asks about military round robin flights with multiple approaches.
Bravo Charlie Mike wants to know if we open flight plans with flight following requests.

Penguins and Peppers Mar 21, 2022

Show notes

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected