Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Latest Episodes:

OB220: Airspace Blocks and Bathroom Locks Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

Episode 220 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss what it means when we block airspace near an adjacent sector or facility. How do we keep up with all our control instructions and what memory aids are available to keep things straight? We answer a ton of aviation questions this week so you don't want to miss this episode!

Timely Feedback:

1. PATRON Papa Victor shares another fun car feature from the 80's.
2. PATRON Sierra Charlie reminds us how awesome a Yugo was to drive!
3. PATRON Kilo Alpha shares some insight into the center shout line questions from last week.
4. PATRON Golf Mike shares some important details about TAAs and complex aircraft.
5. PATRON Mike Alpha Charlie shares a nice note about the show. Thank you!

Feedback

Alpha November asks "Why is Duke always trying to catch up with TRIAD?"
PATRON Sierra Charlie asks about the timing of IFR and search and rescue.
PATRON Golf Kilo reminds us how pilots on different frequencies can be confusing.
Sierra Lima shares awesome audio about overflights above Class Bravo airspace.

Mentioned this week on the show: Wings of Carolina Flying Club

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.

OB219: Don't Rush the Release Mar 07, 2022

Show notes

Episode 219 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss the finer points of departing a non-towered airport with an IFR clearance. Why can't you just depart in VMC and skip the release? What could this pilot have done differently to avoid upsetting the controllers and possibly violating a regulation? We will share our thoughts and get to many more aviation questions.

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron Bravo Sierra shares details about his Class Delta/Bravo transition from last week's show.
2. Echo Bravo shares his background and explains some of his famous audio of landing and talking to himself.
3. Patron Whiskey Tango Foxtrot explains the origin of facility IDs with numbers.
4. Patron India India shares local insight into an MVA/ODP question.

Feedback

Patron Charlie Tango wants to know the best way to say hello and introduce yourself to ATC.
Patron Juliet Mike shares an audio question about pireps.
Charlie Alpha Mike wants some explanation on how we transition to IFR when weather deteriorates.
Patron Delta Zulu wants to know if we will ever get rid of headings in favor of tracks.
Patron Golf Kilo shares an awesome go/no go decision based on his weather expertise.

OB218: Flying With The Big Kids Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

Episode 218 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss a pilot's denied deviation requests, Class Bravo clearances, and VFR flight following with electrical problems. We cover a lot in this episode so you won't want to miss it!

Timely Feedback:

PATRON Mike Kilo shares his tips on getting what you need from ATC and shared this great article about Brasher Warnings: https://www.ifr-magazine.com/technique/dude-youre-busted/
2. Charlie Golf shares the regulation on night landings.
3. Tango Charlie Mike shares some night landing currency information.
4. Delta November has been very busy getting all his ratings.
5. SGAC Patron Darth Pilot shares the AIM requirement for a pilot to report vacating an altitude.

Feedback

Patron CWS is a CFI! Congratulations!
Patron Golf Kilo wants to set the record straight on pronunciations.
Patron Bravo Sierra wants to know if the Bravo clearance is gone when he goes to a Delta.
Patron Papa Sierra asks about traffic calls and maintaining visual separation.
Patron Mike Bravo shares a flight following story with electrical system issues.
November Charlie asks if we use RECAT at TRIAD with our mix of traffic.

OB217: Unable, We're Inverted Feb 21, 2022

Show notes

Episode 217 Show Notes

Topic of the show: What if the controller denies your request for a weather related course deviation? How can the pilot stay safe but comply with air traffic instructions? We will offer our tips on how to negotiate and communicate when you're flying towards imminent danger! We also discuss snow and ice, preparation for a shift, and super low LPV minimums. You don't want to miss this episode!

Timely Feedback:

1. PATRON Juliet Mike sent in awesome audio about wake turbulence avoidance.
2. The Terps Elf shares a site to help instructors find creative ways to teach their students: https://flyguycfi.com/instrument-approach-map/
3. PATRON Charlie Hotel shared a fun fact about temporary towers. Check out the links: https://www.natca.org/2021/08/26/natca-members-work-fire-towers%EF%BB%BF-amid-heavy-wildfire-season/

https://www.idahocountyfreepress.com/news/faa-temporary-tower-handles-airport-traffic/article_dc19c262-d79e-5d34-8df6-60e673bda9b5.html

Feedback

PATRON Bravo Yankee was denied a deviation for weather. What should he do?
The Terps Elf breaks down the minutia with LPV and ILS minimums.
Juliet Sierra shares some hilarious audio. #Cougar
PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie has a TRIAD snow/ice question.
PATRON Fox Echo's pooch is IFR certified and has WIKI equipped feet!
PATRON Oscar Sierra wants to know how we prepare for a shift.

OB216: Wake Turbulence Part 2-Creating Space Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

Episode 216 Show Notes

Topic of the show: On last week's episode, we discussed wake turbulence separation from a controller perspective. This week we will share some practical advice on what to say to the controller when you're asked to follow a large or heavy aircraft.

Timely Feedback:

1. PATRON Juliet Mike's world was shaken when he realized who was who on the live stream.
2. PATRON Juliet Hotel recommended a local back course approach. #fun

Feedback

Papa Whiskey shared a recent story where using the remarks saved time with ATC.
PATRON Sierra India found a cool trick in his EFB related to visual checkpoints.
Delta Whiskey wants to know if non radar towers can use EFBs to see ADS-B traffic.
Mike Tango has some phraseology questions related to altitudes and check ins.
PATRON Golf Echo wants to know the best way to give a pirep.

OB215: Wake Turbulence: Flaming Hoops of Fury Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

Episode 215 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss wake turbulence avoidance from a controller's perspective. How can you stay away from the dangerous wake of a larger aircraft but still get the safest and most efficient service from air traffic control? You may be surprised how we feel about wake turbulence so don't miss this episode!

Timely Feedback:

1. The Terps Elf shares some data about approaches in the NAS! https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/ifp_inventory_summary/
2. PATRON Juliet Hotel would like to leave a 1 star review for a facility.
3. PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie shares his thoughts on the bonus audio from last week.
4. PATRON WTF shares the "the Goodish LOI" (Page 1, Page 2).

Feedback

PATRON Echo Charlie asks about controller check rides.
PATRON Juliet Golf shares a story from the TRIAD from 100 years ago.
PATRON Bravo Sierra shares some insight into a recent Angel Flight into a Presidential TFR.
PATRON Delta Golf shared some history on the term "deadhead".

OB214: Cookies for Aviation Enthusiasts Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

Episode 214 Show Notes

Topic of the show: We are going to discuss what happens when a pilot terminates an IFR flight plan before being handed off on an approach to a Class Delta tower. What happened to "cookies for cancellations"? This and much more on another fun episode you won't want to miss!

Timely Feedback:

1. PATRON EW shares some kind words about a TRIAD controller. Thank you!
2. PATRON JW3 wants forgiveness for moving big planes onto the taxiways.
3. PATRON WTF shares some thoughts about practice approaches.

Feedback

PATRON Echo Golf wants to know about our biggest bonehead moves as controllers.
Charlie Hotel asks how to get flight following without an electrical system but operable two-way radio.
PATRON Echo Mike wants to get our take on flight following with multiple landings close together.
PATRON JW3 received some interesting instructions near a restricted area. We share our thoughts.

OB213: Overflight Vectors on Opposing Frequencies Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

Episode 213 Show Notes

Topic of the show: RH vectored the overflight and shares his story to save another controller from issuing the most embarrassing control instructions ever given. We also discuss an interpretation regarding flight following instructions and answer more of your aviation questions. Enjoy the show!

Timely Feedback:

1. PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie shares the video that inspired the queston on OB212. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvl4Vt0gCKE
2. PATRON Hotel Tango Victor asks some clarifying questions about VFR practice approaches.
3. PATRON Charlie Kilo Alpha passed his checkride!
4. Juliet Papa found the legal interpretation mentioned last week and Patron Mike Kilo provided some very good audio feedback on pilot compliance. Thank you!

Feedback

Alpha Charlie shares audio on altitude assignments in an abbreviated clearance.
PATRON Alpha Echo has questions about ADS-B readouts on our scopes.
PATRON Echo Charlie has a question about abbreviated clearances.
Mike Foxtrot has a story about slam dunk approach clearances.
PATRON Golf Kilo shares some great audio.

Mentioned on the show: https://youtu.be/vnWfgHAdajo Great job, ATC!

OB212: No Crying at This Party Jan 17, 2022

Show notes

Episode 212 Show Notes

Topic of the show: On this week's episode, AG and RH discuss how they determine when they've reached their maximum capacity. How do we deal sudden task saturation? What tools do we have available to safely work our way out of a busy session? This episode was a lot of fun to record and you won't want to miss it!

Timely Feedback:

1. SGAC Patron Sierra Echo brings up a very important point about operating under Class Bravo.
2. Patron WO shared some thoughts about an episode of the The Finer Points Aviation podcast. Check it out!

Feedback

Patron Golf Mike asked about controller's knowledge of weather and how it applies to their work.
Patron Juliet Echo Charlie asked about the limitation of a tower controller.

Mentioned in the show: Cold Weather corrections: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_3.html

OB211: Forced Flight Following Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

Episode 211 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss what could cause a controller to deny a pilot's request to cancel VFR flight following. Oftentimes pilot's think since they are clear of Class B, C, or D airspace, they are safe to fly wherever they want. On this week's show, we will discuss why that is not always true.

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron CW shares an audio exchange with ATC regarding the best headset bag available.
2. Patron Mike Kilo sent in feedback about joining an approach awaiting a clearance. Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/5BkWJ0S0mNM

Feedback

Patron Delta Zulu has a question about a visual approach clearance that takes them through Delta.
Patron Juliet Charlie Charlie sent an audio question about dealing with a saturated controller.
Patron India Mike has a tragic reminder for pilots flying below cloud decks in poor visibility at night.
Patron Echo Charlie sent an audio question about transponders.

Mentioned on the show: https://aviationnewstalk.com/podcast/214-san-diego-learjet-crash-interview-with-rob-mark/

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