Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

By: Air Traffic Talk
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  • Summary

  • 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.
    2018-2023 ©
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Education
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Episodes
  • OB375: Runway Changes and Landing Gear Exchanges

    OB375: Runway Changes and Landing Gear Exchanges
    Mar 11 2025

    Episode 375 Show Notes

    Topic of the show: Runway Change and Approach Selection RH and AG discuss who makes the decision to change landing direction, what coordination gets accomplished, and the factors that play into this change. We also discuss an exchange with an F-15 having landing gear issues, the current ATC hiring window, and more of you aviation questions and feedback.

    Links:

    https://nasstatus.faa.gov

    https://www.fly.faa.gov/edct/jsp/edctLookUp.jsp

    https://www.faa.gov/atc-hiring

    https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/02/28/atc-hiring-supercharged/

    Timely Feedback:

    1. Patron KR sends info on Expect Departure Clearance Times (EDCT)(pronounced edict)

    2. Patron MM shares an EDCT “hack”, very sneaky!

    3. Patron DJS sends a link about ATC Hiring, open until 3/17! https://www.faa.gov/atc-hiring

    Feedback

    1. Patron JAC sends audio about audio ringtone files

    2. Patron EG sends additional info on the ONT class C airpsace

    3. Patron MM asks about international phraseology

    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
  • OB374: Frogger Finals and Opposing Bases

    OB374: Frogger Finals and Opposing Bases
    Mar 4 2025

    Episode 374 Show Notes

    Topic of the show: The Opposing Bases Final Cross Maneuver, Sponsored by SGAC Patron AM On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss a parallel runway situation that involves opposing bases and crossing over a final. This scenario is very tricky for controllers and we will dissect what is happening here and the various options for both pilots and controllers. We also discuss “hidden” radar facilities near Taylor Swift’s Hometown Delta, LAX Special Flight Rules, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.

    Links:

    https://nasstatus.faa.gov/

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

    Timely Feedback:

    1. Patron JS has a suggestion for Archie League awards

    2. Patron BK sends clarification about twin feedback and has an announcement

    3. SGAC Patron SE sends a great resource about EDCTS, delays, etc.

    4. Patron AM sends info about NASA’s Callback publication.

    5. SGAC Patron BJS sends encouraging feedback about Ep 371

    Feedback

    1. Patrom CM of the frozen north asks about Sun n Fun and has a generous offer.

    2. Patron ME asks about hidden and secret TRACONs.

    3. Patron MK sends a Duke airspace change and asks a great question.

    4. Patron JLA sent info on the LAX Special Flight Rules Area.

    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
  • OB373: Archie League Heroes

    OB373: Archie League Heroes
    Feb 25 2025

    Episode 373 Show Notes

    Topic of the show: Archie League and His Award. On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss the Archie League Award for ATC, why it’s important and a quick rundown on Archie League himself, the first air traffic controller. We also play the pilot’s prayer, discuss visual approach backups, and answer more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.

    Links:

    https://www.natca.org/2023/08/21/archie-league-and-the-genesis-of-federal-air-traffic-control/

    https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/flythetransition/episodes/Episode-50---Inside-the-Tower--the-Cockpit-Opposing-Bases-RH-on-ATC--Airlines--and-Career-Shifts-e2ut9kg

    2018 Archie Awards: President’s Award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bgzG9SAJuY for this save: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROTcj9NkD7A

    Timely Feedback:

    1. Controller Charles Delta sent audio on flight following usage into Cigarette Airport

    2. Patron JT sends info on CRJ climate control and warring zones

    3. Patron JK sends follow up on why his students go to CCB airport

    4. Patron Zulu sent audio about old radios and delayed gratification

    5. Patron WM asks about backing up a visual with an RNAV

    Feedback

    1. Lord AJ wrote a prayer and it was read in audio by Patron BS

    2. Patron ED asks about EDCT’s (expect departure clearance time)

    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 29 mins

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Profile Image for Sid

Best thing on Audible!

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!

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Profile Image for Weldon

Landing will be at your own risk

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.

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Thanks for teaching me the truth about air traffic

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

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