Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Join us on Saturday, July 27th at 10am at the AOPA Pavillion for a live show! This episode is a promotion for the live show at AirVenture with some fun audio clips from previous live shows at Oshkosh.  Enjoy!

Episode 341 Show Notes

Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we continue our conversation about mental health and offer some practical advice on how to move forward in a peer-to-peer environment while changes are made to the medical qualification process.  We heard from many of you and cannot thank you enough for sharing your stories.  We are doing our best to normalize the conversation and help aviators get the help they need while keeping their medical! 

Timely Feedback: Lots of feedback about OB340 “Mental Health Matters”.  Thank you!

Feedback

1. Patron WO shares some audio feedback about flight plans and amendments.

2. Patron SFC shares a story about mountain wave and a very helpful center controller (yes, they do exist). 

Mentioned on the Show:

HIMS (Human Intervention Motivational Study):

https://himsprogram.com/

No Man's Land: The Untold story of Automation and QF72:

https://www.amazon.com/No-Mans-Land-untold-automation-ebook/dp/B07HCMF229

Max Trescott’s Aviation News Talk Podcast episode on mental health (#335): https://aviationnewstalk.com/podcast/335-mental-health-issues-what-pilots-need-to-know-with-dr-victor-vogel-ga-news/

FAA PUBLISHES MENTAL HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS by AOPA’s Niki Britton:

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/april/03/faa-publishes-mental-health-recommendations

The FAA formed a Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) full report: http://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/Mental_Health_ARC_Final_Report_RELEASED.pdf

Flying Midwest Pilot, episode 51 “Clear Mind and Clear Skies with Dr. Penny Levin”: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/flyingmidwest-podcast/episodes/Episode-51-Clear-Minds-and-Clear-Skies---with-CFIDr--Penny-Levin-e2eg59p 

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 [email protected].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net.  

Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor. 

Episode 340 Show Notes

Topic of the show: Mental Health in Aviation by SGAC CB On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the giant Penguin in the room: mental health.  We have strong feelings about this topic and want to normalize the conversation to help remove the stigma associated with mental health issues in aviation.  The FAA formed a mental health and aviation medical clearances rulemaking committee and said “Implementing the recommendations associated with these barriers will set the stage for a seismic shift in how the industry perceives and manages the risks associated with mental health conditions.”  We normally keep our show topics fun and entertaining but we feel it’s important to speak up about the issue and normalize the difficult conversations.    

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron PV asks AG to recount his briefly mentioned story about the scope going dark.

2. Patron TW provides insight into why RH’s commute home was terrible.

3. Patron SVO sent audio feedback about a real NORDO scenario in a jet.

4. Patron BJ updates us on a recently used acronym.

Feedback

1. Patron DSR has feedback about crossing the border.

2. Patron CWS sent audio asking about accidental replies to the wrong instruction.

3. Patron CM has info on a tour at the over the Cowboys Bravo Center.

Mentioned on the show: 

Max Trescott’s Aviation News Talk Podcast episode on mental health: https://aviationnewstalk.com/podcast/335-mental-health-issues-what-pilots-need-to-know-with-dr-victor-vogel-ga-news/

FAA PUBLISHES MENTAL HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS by AOPA’s Niki Britton:

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/april/03/faa-publishes-mental-health-recommendations

The FAA formed a Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) full report: http://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/Mental_Health_ARC_Final_Report_RELEASED.pdf

Flying Midwest Pilot, episode 51 “Clear Mind and Clear Skies with Dr. Penny Levin”: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/flyingmidwest-podcast/episodes/Episode-51-Clear-Minds-and-Clear-Skies---with-CFIDr--Penny-Levin-e2eg59p

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 [email protected].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net. 

Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor. 

Episode 339 Show Notes

Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss another legal interpretation about lost communications.  We offer our simple to follow advice on how to avoid this situation altogether and protect yourself in the event of an emergency deviation from the regulations.  We also discuss safety programs designed to protect pilots and controllers and enhance safety in the NAS.  The Opposing Bases 1980's rockband theme song is also included in this episode.  Enjoy!

Timely Feedback:

1. SGAC Patron SE shared feedback about a great procedure for flight following in the northwestern part of the US. https://mikekloch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rdm-corridor-exp-12-13-2025-003.pdf

 2. Patron ES shares a New York Bravo story and the ease of a Class Bravo transition.

3. Patron CP really wants to see a full broadway production of OB, The Musical.

4. Patron AA has made a career change! 

5. Patron AM shares a couple benefits of flight following we haven’t emphasized enough lately.

6. Patron RW shares audio about the hidden benefits of flighth following. 

Feedback:

1. Patron DF sent audio and asked if there are programse like the NASA reporting program for controllers.

2. Patron DF sent audio and asked about controller’s readiness to report pilot violations.

3. Patron TWR shares a recent story about an electrical failure in busy airspace. 

Mentioned on the show:. https://mikekloch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rdm-corridor-exp-12-13-2025-003.pdf

 PilotWorkshops.com

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 [email protected].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net. 

Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor. 

Episode 338 Show Notes

Topic of the show: The End of Flight Following by Controller Charles Delta On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the differences between flight following and the perceived safety of ADS-B only flying.  We discuss the advantages of flight following and how they outweigh any perceived disadvantage of engaging in flight following with ATC.  We also discuss VFR through Class Bravo airspace, callsign mismatch, and missed approaches protection after a practice approach.  This episode is packed with valuable content to make you a safer pilot and you don’t want to miss it!

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron JT makes fun of us for bungling up UK and ICAO flight levels

2. Patron JS discusses 747 touch and goes

3. Patron DJS asks about IFR vs VFR going through B airspace

4. Patron SY suggests a Patron discussion outlet for informal meetups (great idea!)

Feedback

1. Patron NS sent audio feedback

2. Patron DE confesses their sin of transponder callsign mismatch and the jail time the spent

3. Patron DF sent audio feedback

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 [email protected].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net. 

Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor. 

Episode 337 Show Notes

Topic of the show: On this week’s episode, AG and RH try to figure out why a tower controller was issuing confusing VOR radial intercepts after takeoff.  What can the pilot do to prepare for this type of clearance?  And how do you practice the buttonology necessary to perform the task under pressure?  We also discuss a new term for opposite direction traffic, tricky Class Charlie avoidance scenarios, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  This episode is packed with aviation gold and you don’t want to miss it!

Mentioned on the show:. https://www.cartalk.com/content/staff-credits 

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 [email protected].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net. 

Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor. 

Episode 336 Show Notes

Topic of the show: Brashering Air Force 1: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss what would happen if Air Force One didn’t follow ATC instructions.  Would we issue a brasher warning?  Why is this different than any other airplane?  We also discuss IFR filing tricks and tips, foreign airspace altimeter settings, and our advice for preparing for intersection departures.  This is a fun episode and you don’t want to miss it!

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron SB sent audio feedback

2. Patron WTF delves into the world of FRC hacks

3. Patron EW flew the Hudson skyline tour!

Feedback

1. Patron DF sent audio about staying current

2. Patron SG has intersection departure questions

3. Patron WTF drops knowledge on Transition Altitudes and Levels

4. Patron KK shares a story about a recent flight with accompanying question.

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 [email protected].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net. 

Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor. 

Episode 333 Show Notes

Topic of the show: Responding to Emergencies, OB Style On this week's show, AG and RH discuss a pilot's emergency when they lost all electrical power.  The pilot was prepared and took all the right steps to solve the problem safely!  Well done!  We also discuss "proceed on course", waffle house's ninja level ordering system, and more of your awesome aviation feedback and questions.  This was a really fun episode and you don't want to miss it!

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron AJ details his tailwheel training

2. Patron ES suggests changing “proceed on course” phraseology.

3. SGAC Patron AM has a couple of questions about RTR’s at non-towered airports

Feedback

1. Patron NB announces his career change and ATP rating https://youtu.be/PvBS85pYsls. 

2. Patron DG has a hypothetical about a non-existent approach clearance

3. Patron GK shares the incredibly complex Waffle House order system https://kottke.org/24/03/waffle-houses-magic-marker-system

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 [email protected].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net. 

Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor. 

Episode 334 Show Notes

Topic of the show: The Sky Police

Patron DG sponsors this weeks show topic about ATC policing the skies. RH and AG discuss what ATC actually does and cares about in maintaining order in the wild blue yonder.

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron AM asks about checking in with a controller working multiple frequencies

2. Patron JR responds to our feedback on his feedback from 333 and Antarctic Missions

3. Patron AR has additional insight into Fairbanks flying

Feedback

1. Patron AMB has additional feedback on their instrument ride

2. Patron NC has a Terps Elf question that gets answered https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/ifp_initiation/

3. Patron DG shares a screen shot of a timely pause on Penguin Airlines recently

4. Patron RR shares about starting again in aviation.

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 [email protected].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net. 

Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor. 

Episode 333 Show Notes

Topic of the show: Frequency Tips and Tricks

On this week's show, RH and AG discuss feedback from Center Controller NP about tips and tricks for pilots on using ATC frequencies.  Pilots of all experience levels can benefit from these lessons.  We also discuss forced IFR cancelation, clearance limits, and keeping up with others in aviation.  

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron SB sends feedback about the unusual configuration of Cambridge, Australia YCBG and Hobart YMHB

2. Patron ZW has feedback about clearance limits

3. Patron MH has a question and feedback about clearance limits

4. Patrom AMB discusses circling to land for part 121 operators

Feedback

1. Patron BAS sent audio feedback about unexpected pattern work

2. Patron BK has a couple questions about instrument training

3. Patron JL asks about our initial training in OKC vs current training

4. Patron CT asks about comparing personal progress to others in aviation

5. Patron JR shares about a recent trip to Antarctica!

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 [email protected].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net. 

Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor.