Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

OB287: Notice—AirVenture Is Approaching (Rebroadcast) With AirVenture just days away, we’re revisiting one of our most popular prep episodes: OB287. Originally recorded in 2023, this episode walks through the Fisk Arrival, AirVenture planning tips, common pilot mistakes, and practical reminders for anyone flying into OSH. ✈️ 2025 Changes to Know: * ATIS on 125.9 now reaches out ~60 miles at 3,000 feet * Maintain 90 knots until entering downwind at OSH * Runway 27 arrivals begin descent over the gravel pit * FBO Link is offering their app free during the NOTAM window 📄 View the official EAA AirVenture 2025 Notice: https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-fly-in-flying-to-oshkosh/eaa-airventure-oshkosh-notam [https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-fly-in-flying-to-oshkosh/eaa-airventure-oshkosh-notam] 🚨 Reminder: This public feed is now on a 14-day delay. To get early access to every new episode, full archive access, bonus audio, and transcripts, join us at: https://opposingbases.supercast.com [https://opposingbases.supercast.com] Thanks for listening—and see you at Oshkosh 2025! (Live show at AOPA Pavillion on Saturday, July 26, 10am)

Thanks for tuning in to this special update. Opposing Bases is moving to Supercast [https://opposingbases.supercast.com], where supporters get early access, bonus content, and full archive access through a private podcast feed. This message explains what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can keep hearing the full show with no interruptions. To migrate or join the Penguin Club, visit: opposingbases.supercast.com [https://opposingbases.supercast.com]   Have a great week, and thanks for listening! Visit our website at OpposingBases.com [https://www.opposingbases.com] for show notes, merch, and more. You can support the show by joining the crew at opposingbases.supercast.com [https://opposingbases.supercast.com], or by visiting the Support page on our website. Keep the feedback coming—it drives the show! Use the "Send Audio to AG and RH" button on our site to record a message, or email us using the tier-specific address found on your Supercast dashboard. 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 may not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, or regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor.

Episode 391 Show Notes   Topic of the show: In this episode, RH and AG revisit a recent ATC radar and radio outage to explore why some facilities/pilots can’t simply "call Center" when everything fails. They break down the structural differences between co-located and remote sectors and why redundancy didn’t work as expected. We also discussed a listener’s question about what happens when multiple aircraft are on conflicting courses: who has to move out of the way.   Feedback 1. SGAC Patron AD asks how controllers decide who to move out of the way when a conflict requires the controller to make a move.    AG and RH will be recording a live episode of Opposing Bases at AirVenture 2025, hosted by AOPA! Saturday, July 26 at 10am, AOPA Pavilion.  Join us for a live recording, audience Q&A, and plenty of laughs. After the show, we’ll head next door for a Meet & Greet at the AOPA 39 Lounge. Come say hi—we’d love to meet you!   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com [https://www.opposingbases.com/] You can support [https://www.patreon.com/opposingbases] our show using Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/opposingbases] or visiting our support page [https://www.opposingbases.com/support/] 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 [https://www.opposingbases.com/] and record an audio message. Or you can send us comments or questions to feedback@opposingbases.com [feedback@opposingbases.com].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com [https://audionautix.com/].  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net [https://www.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 390 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss audio feedback from the Badger Pilot on best practices for conducting practice approaches if the tower is no longer participating in radar like services.  We also discuss parallel ILS/RNAV approaches, tons of checkride announcements, and more of your amazing aviation feedback/questions.    Feedback 1. Patron EM asks about visual separation on parallel RNAV approaches. 2. Patron SG shared some great audio of his co-pilot’s radio skills.   Mentioned on the show: “For the 6th consecutive year, PilotEdge is hosting SimVenture- a virtual Oshkosh fly-in experience. Using a computer flight simulator, join hundreds of other pilots online and fly the iconic Fisk VFR arrival into Oshkosh a week ahead of the real AirVenture in order to prepare for your actual flight, or just experience the thrill of it for fun. And the best part? The voices you’ll hear on the radio aren’t just any controllers - they’re the real Oshkosh air traffic controllers meaning you’ll be getting as close to the real thing as possible, all from the comfort of your home cockpit.   SimVenture is happening July 11-13th on the PilotEdge flight simulator network. The event is free for new users. Visit pilotedge.net/simventure [http://pilotedge.net/simventure] to learn more.”   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com [https://www.opposingbases.com/] You can support [https://www.patreon.com/opposingbases] our show using Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/opposingbases] or visiting our support page [https://www.opposingbases.com/support/] 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 [https://www.opposingbases.com/] and record an audio message. Or you can send us comments or questions to feedback@opposingbases.com [feedback@opposingbases.com].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com [https://audionautix.com/].  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net [https://www.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 389 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss recent changes in how VFR only towers provide radar approach services to pilots.  Who has responsibility for approaches in the airspace, what facilities can provide radar services, and why is the change important for pilots to understand?  We also discuss VFR vectors, pinch hitter courses, and how a malfunctioning instrument caused a Blackhawk to stray into enemy territory.  This was a fun show!  Enjoy! Timely Feedback: 1. Patron BGK sent audio and asked about our ATC equipment wishlist. 2. Patron CL sent information about some publication changes.  Notice here: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/media/VIS_25-03_CN_Product_Terminations_eff_Aug_2025.pdf [https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/media/VIS_25-03_CN_Product_Terminations_eff_Aug_2025.pdf] Aeronautical Chart Users’ Guide: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/aero_guide/ [https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/aero_guide/] 3. Patron AA sends words of inspiration for AG and his instrument making endeavor. Feedback 1. Patron SG shared a story about ATC helping a non pilot safely land.  Check out this article on “Pinch Hitter” courses.   https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/pinch-hitter [https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/pinch-hitter] 2. SGAC Patron SA wants to know if VFR airplanes get penalty vectors. 3. Patron SRD shares a story of two lieutenants, a map, and a malfunctioning instrument near the North Korean DMZ.  Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com [https://www.opposingbases.com/] You can support [https://www.patreon.com/opposingbases] our show using Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/opposingbases] or visiting our support page [https://www.opposingbases.com/support/] 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 [https://www.opposingbases.com/] and record an audio message. Or you can send us comments or questions to feedback@opposingbases.com [feedback@opposingbases.com].  Music bumpers by audionautix.com [https://audionautix.com/].  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net [https://www.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.