Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Latest Episodes:

OB210: Wings Don't Flap Jan 03, 2022

Show notes

Episode 210 Show Notes

Topic of the show: The Terps Elf is back! Another week of awesome feedback and aviation questions covering unlit towers, early descents from fuel savings land, fire fighting heroes, and non-RVSM airplanes above flight level 290. You don't want to miss this episode!

Timely Feedback:

1. PATRON Delta Whiskey Sierra didn't think it was Abraham Lincoln on the tail of Alaska Airlines planes.
2. PATRON Hotel Tango Victor shares his thoughts on low level unlit tower NOTAMs.
3. Mike Delta shares a bird watching story.
4. Sierra Bravo shares a friendly tip on making ATC's day.
Patron SI left feedback about center controller's knowledge of aircraft speed limitations.

Feedback

PATRON Charlie Alpha highlights the heroic fire fighting pilots!
Terps Elf shares input on a listener question about RNAV approaches.https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/
PATRON Mike Charlie asks for advice on avoiding early descents.
Sierra Hotel asks about non radar towers and non RVSM equipped aircraft above FL290.

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.

OB209: Indecent Glitter Liberties in the Devil Bravo Dec 27, 2021

Show notes

Episode 209 Show Notes

Topic of the show: RH and AG discuss a pilot's options when they encounter IMC at night and the approach they want to shoot says "N/A at night". We also go deep into the inbox with more of your awesome aviation related questions and feedback.

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron WTF shares some PIC advice for frustrated students.
2. Tango Juliet Hotel followed the map and figured out the real TRIAD.
3. Patron Juliet Golf shares a lunar story. #dusty

Feedback

Patron Mike Charlie Mike shares a funny reminder of glitter hazards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZWUsQKbWTE
Patron India Hotel has a question about squawk codes.
Juliet Whiskey has comments about high approaches and contact approaches.
Alpha Sierra offers some international feedback from Germany.
Tango Charlie Mike shares a story about "resume own navigation".
Patron Golf Mike wants to learn more about landing judges and the perfect touch down.

Mentioned on the show: We referred EH to this article in IFR magazine "NA at night" by Mark Kolber: https://www.ifr-magazine.com/charts-plates/na-at-night/ (subscription required for full article)

OB208: Irritating Aluminum Bird Thingy Dec 20, 2021

Show notes

Episode 208 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH answer a listener question regarding the magic words to listen for in an approach clearance. Are you being instructed to join the final approach course or are you being cleared for the approach? Find out what to listen for and how to make sure you are on the same page as ATC. This week is full of great questions, you don't want to miss it!

Timely Feedback:

1. Charlie Hotel sent fantastic audio about the snowflake icon on IAPs.
2. Alpha Foxtrot has evidence from a check ride that the snowflake icon matters.
3. Patron JJ sent audio about a wildlife encounter.
4. Patron SH has an idea why weather directions are so confusing.

Feedback

Patron India Mike shares a wild fire TFR experience.
Sierra Lima has added some verbiage to vectors and it seems to be welcomed by pilots.
Mike Alpha Charlie shares a story of great ATC service.

Mentioned on the show: https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/Cold_Temp_Airports.pdf

OB207: Garbage Bags of Service Dec 13, 2021

Show notes

Episode 207 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss restricted low approaches, go-arounds, and denied IFR airborne pickups. We also answer more of your aviation questions, discuss the ancient technology known as a VCR, and celebrate many new listener pilot ratings. This was a really fun episode so hit play now!

Timely Feedback:

JW2 answers the question of the week about the snowflake on approach plates.
PATRON Sierra Hotel encourages pilots to send in chart suggestions to the FAA.
PATRON Charlie Hotel shares thoughts on NOTAMS depicted on the Garmin Pilot EFB.
PATRON JG shares a ForeFlight tip for accessing and viewing chart legends.

Feedback

PATRON Mike Tango wants to know if we have any cool ADS-B information on our old scopes.
PATRON Echo Alpha wants to know if controllers know aircraft speed capabilities/limitations.
PATRON Echo Alpha has a question about a go around.
PATRON Juliet Delta wants our take on restricted low approaches.
PATRON Juliet Hotel was denied a pop-up IFR. Why?

Mentioned on the show: https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/, opposingbases.com/shop

Everything in the Opposing Bases online merchandise store is on sale and customers in the U.S.A. get free shipping in December! Order now in time for Christmas!

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. 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.

OB206: Fueled Short, Moon Clearance Denied Dec 06, 2021

Show notes

Episode 206 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss pop-up IFR requests from the controller and pilot perspective. What happens behind the scenes to make this work? And how can pilots help ATC reach a common goal? We also discuss more of your awesome aviation questions.

Timely Feedback:

1. Audio from Bravo Tango.
2. Audio from Charlie Sierra.
3. Golf Mike responds to our discussion about his vector to final flight from another episode.
4. Patron JG shares historical evidence of helicopter superiority: airwolf - YouTube, V-22 Osprey (globalsecurity.org)

Feedback

Patron AMB asks about the origin of sector names at TRIAD ATC.
Patron BN asks about VFR checkpoint additions. Try here: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/
Patron RK asks what happens after an accident.
Patron BCJ shares an interesting piece of information about Apollo 10.

Question of the Week/Month What is the snowflake and temperature found on some approach plates? Send answers to feedback@opposingbases.com

OB205: Lawn Dart Arrival Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

Episode 205 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH answer a listener question about a poor setup for a visual approach. What can controllers do in order to set the pilot up for success? How can pilots get the most out of ATC? We will also share some awesome listener feedback and get to some more of your aviation questions!

Timely Feedback:

1. Delta Charlie sent follow up about the flight following question last week.

2.Mike Delta sent a tip on how to file a delay at an airport in your flight plan. https://www.foreflight.com/support/support-center/category/about-foreflight-mobile/218405138

3. Charlie Golf has an idea for new phraseology for an emergency pit stop.
4. Delta Hotel shares a through flight experience.
5. Bravo Foxtrot explains the autotune issue and our robotic tones. Thank you!

Feedback

We got a lot of feedback about an ugly go around out West and share our thoughts.
Patron Lima Quebec sent a very cool comparison of landmarks on standard charts vs. Jeppesen.
Patron Romeo Echo asks about the proper way to check in for the 3rd or 4th time.
Patron Romeo Bravo asks a very good question about instructions while under VFR.
Sierra Lima sends a quick thanks.

OB204: Five Star Through Flight Nov 22, 2021

Show notes

Episode 204 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH break down some audio of a medevac helicopter through flight clearance in the middle of the night. The controller provided outstanding service and learned something new along the way. We also discuss who to contact when entering busy Class Delta airspace and more of your awesome feedback!

Timely Feedback:

1. Apache pilot Delta Romeo sends follow up to last week's feedback about Lakota training.
2. PATRON WTF shares the book definition of a contact approach.
3. PATRON Mike Zulu shares an addition to flight following requests that could help.
4. Sierra Papa Delta shares a new memory aid for requesting flight following. #TTA
PATRON ZW shares a military flight confession.

Feedback

PATRON Charlie Kilo shares his experience with a free EFB product and Domestic Notices.
PATRON Charlie Alpha asks about contacting tower or tracon near Delta airspace.
Victor Victor shares another way to stay current when you can't fly.
PATRON Juliet Golf shares very good advice on lost communication/radio issues.
Alpha Hotel, Sound Guy Extraordinaire, asks about emergency bathroom stops.

OB203: Unappreciated ATC Practices Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

Episode 203 Show Notes

Topic of the show: On this week's episode, we discuss a pilot's lengthy flight up and down the west side of the United States where they experienced several different air traffic control facilities' less than desirable practices like slam dunk visual approaches, poorly setup ILS approach clearances, and center reroutes. AG and RH will add their perspective and share some insights that may help you the next time you travel outside your normal local area.

Timely Feedback:

1. Delta Romeo shares his Army flight training experience.
2. PATRON Golf Kilo shared an inspiring story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc1SzgGhMKc
3. Whiskey Oscar sent a brief summary of the Cirrus de-icing system. https://wikiwings.com/heres-a-summary-of-cirrus-aircraft-tks-de-icing-systems/

Feedback

PATRON Whiskey Oscar sent audio about contact approaches.
Echo Yankee sent in audio feedback about this video: https://youtu.be/ZsSJqPdMpd4 (25:30 into the video for the audio described).
PayPal contributor Delta Charlie asks about VFR round robin flights and informing ATC.
Romeo Tango asks about filing multiple flight plans OR round robin flight plans.
Alpha Sierra asks if we watch VFR tags for flying ability prior to providing flight following.

OB202: Vacation on Yaw Damper Island Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

Episode 202 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH are doing their best to catch up with all the questions. We are all over the map this week: Magnetic vs. True wind direction, student pilot remarks, wake turbulence encounters, and pilot compliance with instructions in a timely manner. You won't want to miss this fun episode. Enjoy!

Timely Feedback:

Foxtrot Romeo provided last week's show topic and responds to our discussion.
1. Bravo Papa has an idea for the next live show. #BQ1
2. Patron Romeo Mike heard a possible misstep in our explanation of magnetic variation.
3. Patron DRH shares a snippet about TAFs and wind direction.
4. Romeo Mike asked about deviation compared to boat headings.
5. Patron Juliet Charlie provides a pretty good summary of magnetic vs. true. Thank you!
Patron Tango Delta Whiskey shares some audio congratulations and a question or two.
Patron Bravo Charlie Juliet shares some kind words to keep us going for another 200 episodes.

Feedback

Mike Mike asks about lost procedures and student remarks.
Juliet Sierra shares some kind words about the show. Thank you!
SGAC Patron Sierra Echo shares a wake turbulence encounter on a speed restricted RNAV SID.
Patron Charlie Foxtrot has a question about compliance speed. How long until we are asking questions?

OB201: Cloud Police and Bird Murder Nov 01, 2021

Show notes

Episode 201 Show Notes

Topic of the show: VFR practice approaches and local pop-up IFR clearances are not the same thing and do not afford the pilot the same separation standards or cloud clearance latitude. RH and AG discuss why a pilot must be clear in their request to ATC and have an understanding of why these two clearances are different.

Timely Feedback:

1. PATRON MEH sent kind words after flying home from Taco Truck Airport. Thank you!
2. PATRON DG couldn't make the show but sends their best.
3. PATRON JJ tried to remember to record audio but sent this message instead. Thank you!
4. Alpha Charlie started lessons with Opposing Bases as his pseudo ground school.
5. PATRON Mike Kilo sends tips on picking up IFR near ATC boundaries.
PATRON Bravo Sierra has a new addiction and the product is very hard to find.

Feedback

PATRON Papa Mike has a question about what we see when a pilot squawks VFR.
PATRON Charlie Alpha Whiskey has a bird activity question.
PATRON Juliet Mike has a question about suggested headings and metar wind direction.

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