Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Latest Episodes:

OB156: Airborne Clearances and Balloon Appearances Dec 22, 2020

Show notes

Episode 156 Show Notes

Topic of the show: This week, we discuss the technique of picking up an IFR clearance in the air. What are the pitfalls? Why doesn't this always work? What can pilots do to increase efficiency and remain safe under IFR?

Timely Feedback:

1. PATRON Mike Romeo/controller explains the balloons: https://loon.com/
2. PATRON Juliet Hotel clarifies the reroute altitude from OB155.
3. PATRON Delta Mike sent his answer to the question of the week (NA ODP).
4. PATRON Oscar Charlie sent his answer to the question of the week (NA ODP).
5. PATRON Golf Mike sent a selfie in the new hoodie. Merry Christmas!

Feedback

Kilo Quebec sent audio about reporting points in Class Bravo.
PATRON Mike November sent a story about a controller's technique for increasing safety in a chaotic session.
PATRON Golf Down Under sent in audio about his first balloon solo!

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.

OB155: Garbage Phraseology Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

Episode 155 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH dig deep into the feedback and discuss straight-in approach phraseology requirements, reroutes, ODP requirements, and much, much more. This week is packed with information you won't want to miss.

Timely Feedback:

1. PATRON Romeo Charlie has a good reason to use "in sequence" phraseology.
2. PATRON Golf Mike and the six degrees of separation with Antarctica.
3. PATRON Juliet Hotel went from NJ to NC via West Virginia.
4. PATRON Juliet Hotel said HAF is getting a new ODP for Runway 30!

https://www.faa.gov/aero_docs/acifp/2017071023410701005-HAF/CA_KHAF_ODP_HALF%20MOON%20BAY_ONE_S.pdf

https://www.faa.gov/aero_docs/acifp/2017071023410701005-HAF/CA_KHAF_ODP_HALF%20MOON%20BAY_ONE_F.pdf

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/?event=directory&directory=2017071023410701005-HAF&type=acifp&nasrId=HAF

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/?event=directory&directory=2017071023410701006-HAF&type=acifp&nasrId=HAF

5. Delta Whiskey has a "square your base" story.
PATRON/Controller Echo Golf shares his thoughts on "ready in sequence".
PATRON Romeo Whiskey Kilo suggests the Flightstream 210 or 510 for IFR clearance input in the GPS.

Feedback

PATRON November Mike points out a controller mistake with straight-in phraseology. Warning: we all mess this up!
Romeo Romeo/Controller wants to clear the air on "continue" phraseology.
PATRON Charlie Mike sent audio about IFR altitude changes.
PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie sent audio about runway control.
PATRON Bravo Sierra had a strange traffic display.

OB154: Antarctic Reroute Dec 07, 2020

Show notes

Episode 154 Show Notes

Topic of the show: This week, we discuss how pilots can plan ahead for the inevitable routing complexity when operating on the east coast through various Class Bravo airports. What tools are available in electronic flight bags to help you plan ahead? How can you safely expedite departure and be prepared for enroute changes?

Timely Feedback:

PATRON Bravo Charlie sent in some information about the amphibian ratings question. https://www.seaplanepilotsassociation.org/resources/faq/airman-issues/
PATRON Mike Echo Delta thanks us for the video explaining the TEB circling maneuver.
PATRON Sierra Echo sends his thoughts on "in sequence".
PATRON Romeo Whiskey Kilo has an airport layout that makes "in sequence" relevant.
PATRON Alpha Kilo has glider feedback.
PATRON Kilo Whiskey has a amphibian/seaplane story.

Feedback

PATRON Oscar Charlie had a question for the TERPS Elf and we got an answer! Links mentioned: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/?event=directory&directory=2016022427481901001-HAF-NDBR&type=ndbr&nasrId=HAF), and https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/ifp_initiation/ .
Papa Kilo shares some easy to use fatigue advice.
Kilo Kilo shares a his solo story.
Sierra Papa wants an explanation of "square your base".

OB153: Circular Logic Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

Episode 153 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH continue the conversation about circling approaches. We discuss circling for sea planes, large jets into TEB, and airplanes without GPS. Mentioned in the discussion: https://news.aviation-safety.net/2019/03/13/ntsb-continuation-of-unstabilized-approach-stall-caused-learjet-crash-near-teterboro/ What does this approach look like from the flight deck when flown properly? Check this video out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UZG3sjeYgI&t=211s

Timely Feedback:

PATRON Juliet Mike encountered a busy controller in the SFRA.
PATRON Tango Sierra Charlie clarifies some points about our discussion of circling approaches.
PATRON November Tango and Papa Tango are helping solve our Antarctica issue. Thank you! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_LC-130
PATRON Oscar Charlie sent in some circling feedback.
PATRON Tango Mike sent in an article about establishing new towers. https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/mission_support/faa_contract_tower_program/media/Establishment_Discontinuance_Criteria_for_Airport_Traffic_Control_Towers_APO-90-7.pdf

Feedback

PATRON Bravo Foxtrot sent a video playback of a pilot that squawked 7700 on takeoff. What would we do? https://youtu.be/uDJHMF7x9jU
Charlie Whiskey flies gliders and wants to know how they impact ATC.
PATRON Mike Foxtrot sent a link https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2017/october/pilot/turbine-pro-pilot and wants our opinion on "ready in sequence".
Bravo Lima asks about "blocking" airspace.

OB152: Circling Frozen Turkeys Nov 24, 2020

Show notes

Episode 152 Show Notes

Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss the differences between circling maneuvers at a towered airport and a non-towered airport, circling maneuvers for seaplanes, and circling maneuvers designed to keep a safe distance from surrounding airports. Articles mentioned: http://code7700.com/pdfs/bca/bca_non-circle_circling_2017-09.pdf, https://code7700.com/kteb_circling_conundrum.htm, https://code7700.com/rot_vdp.htm

Timely Feedback:

PATRON Bravo Charlie and former resident of Latvia tells us a little about aviation in that country.
PATRON Mike Romeo has something to add to proper radio frequency change etiquette.

Feedback

Sierra Bravo offers insight into the difficulty finding airports at night.
PATRON Charlie Mike from the Frozen North asks about "N/A at Night" on local approach plates. Check out these articles from AOPA: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/june/20/not-authorized-at-night and

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/june/27/ifr-fix written by Dan Namowitz at AOPA.

November Quebec wants to know how busy a non-towered airport has to be in order to get a new tower.
PATRON Alpha Lima laments about being denied practice approaches at TRIAD due to a frequency issue.

OB151: Navigation Failures Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

Episode 151 Show Notes

Topic of the show: What are you required to do in the event of an equipment malfunction? Can you prepare for this event with the use of electronic flight bags? RH and AG give their tips on avoiding confusion when your equipment quits and you need ATC to help out.

Timely Feedback:

Sierra Hotel sent in audio of RH on the mid.
PATRON Echo Hotel wants filing advice for the Big Apple Iron Triangle flight plan.
Juliet Alpha Lima has a question about our intro phraseology.
PATRON Juliet Mike sent in audio about his bucket list.
PATRON Alpha Whiskey sent in real life, actual circling to land examples.
PATRON Mike Kilo sent in audio with a reference for correct pilot callsign phraseology.

Feedback

PATRON Juliet Echo Charlie sent in audio about an unusual pilot request.
Bravo Romeo asks about weather deviations.
PATRON Oscar Charlie sent an audio exchange regarding survey work with radar services.
PATRON Charlie Alpha shares a fatigue story for the record books. #greencat

OB150: ATC Hack with a Screamer in the Back Nov 11, 2020

Show notes

Episode 150 Show Notes

Topic of the show: This week we discuss a technique for getting faster flight following and help from ATC when navigating in the NAS. We also get to more of your great questions about phraseology, strange requests from pilots, tracks vs. headings, and a short list of things we wish center controllers knew about low level TRACONS.

Timely Feedback:

PATRON Romeo Lima Hotel shares and article from http://www.mastery-flight-training.com/
PATRON Mike Foxtrot shared a pirep about a screaming passenger.
PATRON Mike Foxtrot shared his thoughts on the Army!
PATRON Bravo Charlie Tango got his commercial rating! Congratulations!
PATRON Mike Kilo shared some great articles about straight in approaches and the traffic pattern. https://www.ifr-magazine.com/technique/which-way-to-turn/ and https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac_90-66b.pdf
PATRON Alpha Lima wants to know if every facility gives out IFR cookies.

Feedback

Papa Tango has a question about numerical phraseology and release times.
PATRON Mike November Mike (fellow controller) has a question about AG and RH using ERAM.
Papa Bravo sent a clip of the saga like ATIS at Triad.https://youtu.be/XwczNQDIuH8
Mike Charlie has equipment that will show track versus heading.

Question of the Week/Month What item have your crossed off your aviation bucket list? Send us an email: feedback@opposingbases.com.

OB149: Half a Million Snarky Squawks Nov 02, 2020

Show notes

Episode 149 Show Notes

Topic of the show: This week we spend some time answering your aviation and air traffic questions about airspace, point outs, emergencies, large consolidated tracons, departure procedures, callsign abbreviations, and radar displays. This episode has a little of everything!

Timely Feedback:

PATRON Hotel Golf sent audio about his first solo!
PATRON Whiskey Charlie tells his scary transponder/first solo story!
PATRON Mike Echo Delta sent in a first solo video and a scary story about a follow up solo.
PATRON November Tango sent in audio feedback about large tracons.

Feedback

PATRON Juliet Mike sent an audio question about callsign abbreviations.
Juliet Papa Charlie sent a story about a missed line on the SID.
Sierra Bravo has a Delta/Delta transition question.
Mike Sierra sent in feedback about the KC-10 dual launch dream.
PATRON Bravo Foxtrot sent a link to a video about an unconscious crew member and asked about emergency display on our scope.
Juliet Whisky want to get our take on Warrior vs. Cherokee.
PATRON Mike Delta asks about Class Bravo clips on an IFR flight plan.

OB148: No Place for Overconfidence Oct 26, 2020

Show notes

Episode 148 Show Notes

Topic of the show: This week we revisit the Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area, some more solo stories, and more of our listener's awesome feedback and questions.

Timely Feedback:

PATRON Echo Bravo has a question about transponders and ADS-B.
PATRON Local Mike Bravo sent audio proof of his amazing call to ATC.
PATRON November Romeo has some pre-solo questions.
Whiskey Bravo presents another tale about shirt tails.
Romeo Hotel Mike wants to know why they call it a Brasher Warning? Check out this article.

Feedback

PATRON Hotel Golf sent audio about the DC SFRA and we got answers from the experts that work that airspace. Thank you, PCT! We really appreciate your answers and your help educating the pilots that listen to our show!
Alpha Hotel asks about overnight cargo operations and staffing.
PATRON Romeo Juliet Mick asks about readback of VFR departure instructions.

OB147: Sector to Sector on Vectors Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

Episode 147 Show Notes

Topic of the show: Tell us about your first solo! Were you ready? Did you instructor adequately prepare you for the unknown? Did you have fun? Were you scared? AG and RH share some listener stories and get to some more great questions and feedback. Enjoy the show!

Timely Feedback:

Captain Dana and RH met for dinner in the TRIAD.
PATRON Juliet Hotel sent in some information about non-towered airport traffic count.
PATRON Bravo Sierra sent this link about filing NASA and ASRS Reports. https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/regulations/how-to-file-a-nasa-asrs-report/
Looking for the most terrifying marriage proposal ever accomplished by a pilot? Check this out:https://youtu.be/kxTAjVGN4CE?t=114

Feedback

November Sierra explains and awkward exchange between ATC and the PIC.
"OPS 2" shares their opinion on NOTAMs.
PATRON Whiskey Charlie wants to know who crushed the fun ATCer's soul?
PATRON Juliet Hotel wants to know why Class C controllers sometimes send pattern work packing.
PATRON Delta Zulu has a question related to the disappearing VORs.
PATRON Hotel Bravo has a question about Presidential TFRs, specifically https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2020/Jun/Bedminster_TFR.pdf

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