Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk Podcast By Air Traffic Talk cover art

Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

By: Air Traffic Talk
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About this listen

 RH and AG are two experienced air traffic controllers and pilots that host a weekly show answering listener questions, breaking down complex aviation topics, and relating their experiences to everyday occurrences in the national airspace system. The hosts and guests do not represent the FAA or NATCA and express their own views and opinions.2018-2025 © Education
Episodes
  • OB387: More Right Rudder

    OB387: More Right Rudder
    Jun 3 2025

    Episode 387 Show Notes

    Topic of the show: Staying On Your Toes, Sponsored by Patron DF

    On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss staying current and expanding your horizons in aviation. How do you gain proficiency and confidence? Why is this so important in your aviation story? We also discuss a popular EFB routing issue, base entry reporting, and more of your awesome aviation questions. This week’s show is packed with aviation gold! Enjoy!

    Links: https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/callback.html

    Timely Feedback:

    1. Patron 1dullgeek responds to EFB routing issues

    2. The CA has words for RH

    3. Army IP DS shows us what a view through the HUD looks like

    4. Anonymous from ForeFlight explains the EFB error issue

    5. Anonymous from ForeFlight also explains the issue

    6. Patron SD sent audio on pronunciation of French chain restaurants in the UK

    Feedback

    1. Patron SLS asks an IFR routing question

    2. Patron ES asks about pattern entry instructions

    3. Patron DS shares a Class C story

    4. Patron TGS, MD talks “Callback” and penguin consumption for survival

    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. 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.

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • OB386: VFR Vectors to Final

    OB386: VFR Vectors to Final
    May 27 2025

    Episode 386 Show Notes

    Topic of the show: VFR Vectors to Final. Sponsored by SGAC Patron SA On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss sequencing VFR’s to a Charlie airport and the etiquette involved on both sides of the mic. We also discuss a real life center controller sighting, confusing late night flying mistakes, and more of your awesome aviation feedback.

    Links: https://youtu.be/Dml3O6Irmt0

    Timely Feedback:

    1. Army IP DS answers the radar altimeter question from last week, thanks!

    2. Patron SRD answers the radar altimeter question also, thank you!

    3. Patron BDM asks about controllers after an incident

    4. Patron JAC sends a story about his first solo cross country

    Feedback

    1. Patron TS discusses shift work as a submariner

    2. Harrier the Bean sends several interactions with ATC

    3. Patron SG sends audio about audio

    4. Patron DDC talks night flying for IFR training

    5. Patron DB talks about a recent Center tour

    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. 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.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • OB385: Where We're Going, We Don't Need Victor Airways

    OB385: Where We're Going, We Don't Need Victor Airways
    May 20 2025

    Episode 385 Show Notes

    Topic of the show: When Airways Don’t Intersect Sponsored by SGAC Patron BD. When your amended routing includes airways that look connected but actually aren’t, what could possibly go wrong? We break down a real-world clearance confusion, the LOA behind it, and why trusting your automation might land you in a holding pattern of regret.

    Timely Feedback:

    1. Patron SRS makes a great point about flying low level helicopters with NVG’s

    2. Patron JB talks chain restaurants

    3. SGAC JAS discusses descent planning and ATC

    4. Patron RW sends audio about audio about asking ATC a question on frequency about boundary airport approaches.

    Feedback

    1. SGAC AM has a question about ‘interesting’ phraseology being used by ATC on a recent flight

    2. SGAC Patron LS has questions for RH and AG

    3. SGAC “Doc” sends ‘radical’ feedback from AME land

    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. 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.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 25 mins
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Once you check in with AG and RH and get your code for flight following, you may spend the rest of your time in the TRIAD airspace continually requesting delay vectors (or may an indefinate hold at girlfriend) so you can listen in to the wisdom and humor of the two best controllers on the planet. They peel back the layers of air traffic control and give pilots essential information that will help them to navigate the NAS and be better plane drivers and confident radio talkers. After digesting more than 200 episodes of Opposing Bases you will possibly never have another "piglet moment" when you fear that the next thing you hear is the Brasher Warning. So wipe the PTAC drool off of your face and standby to be entertained and informed.

Landing will be at your own risk

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You want fantasy? Forget Tolkien; hear from the TERPS Elf. Legal thriller? Forget Grisham; tune in for Brasher warnings. Flying? Forget Langewiesche; hear about RH’s experience with the regionals. Military? Forget Sun Tzu; hear about AG’s training flights in army helicopters. Symbols? Forget Dan Brown; hear about the mythical Triad, the Frozen North, and the Coffee Delta. Keeping clean from dust and dirt? Forget Good Housekeeping; hear about pilotsaks. Classism? Forget Harper Lee; hear about the plight of the Center controllers. Yes, Opposing Bases truly has something for everyone!

Best thing on Audible!

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I used to think that air traffic controllers and airline pilots were almost like robots, always speaking in a cryptographic language and never flubbing anything.
Unfortunately I stumbled across this podcast and quickly my dreams were shattered as I realized AG and RH make as many or possibly even more mistakes than I do and I'm not even a pilot!
AG and RH also have the unique ability to explain complicated questions so non pilots can understand them even better than they do.

All kidding aside AG and RH have a wealth of knowledge that they freely hand over to all the listeners and all the effort they put into the show is the reason they are #1.

At this point in life I only fly RC aircraft however I have dreams of flying full scale and Opposing Bases is on the top of the list every week to increase my aviation knowledge.

Thanks from patreon
Sierra Mike Hotel

Thanks for teaching me the truth about air traffic

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