Episode 281 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Why can’t everyone fly over or through Class Bravo airspace?  What is the difference between VFR and IFR flights going to the same point in space?  On this week’s episode, we break down some important differences between VFR and IFR as they relate to Class Bravo airspace and discuss ways you can plan for the inevitable reroute.  We also talk a little more about lost communications and military gear checks.  This is a fun episode you won’t want...

Episode 280 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss the difference between foreign and domestic separation responsibilities as they relate to uncontrolled airspace.  How do we do our job when aircraft may be passing into an area that is uncontrolled?  What responsibilities do we have to prevent a collision?  We also discuss IFR non towered cancellation etiquette, approach requests, and much more.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: ...

Episode 279 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Lost Communications follow up!  We will discuss some of the mountain of feedback we received about our lost communication episode (OB278).  Have you done a systems deep dive in your aircraft to determine how you would determine what to do in the event of lost comms?  What tools can you bring with you on your next flight to add a layer of safety?  We also discuss turns on final to build space and minimum runway separation for arrivals.    ...

Episode 278 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH share their opinion on a recent lost communication scenario in the NAS.  What type of questions should a pilot expect to get after getting the airplane back on the ground safely?  What considerations should be made during flight planning to account for the possibility of an emergency enroute?  And what would ATC do in the case of lost communications with solid IMC in the surrounding area.  Find out on this week’s...

Episode 277 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH and AG discuss the assignment of VFR flight following codes in busy Class Bravo airspace and how the services can be streamlined going in and out of an underlying Class Delta airport.  Why do some controllers issue codes and some do not?  Why is it so hard to get flight following when leaving certain Class Delta airports?  We answer these questions and many more on another fun and entertaining episode.  Thank you to all our new supporters! ...

Episode 276 Show Notes (revised)   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, RH and AG describe ways pilots can utilize the tools in their airplane to set up and fly a visual approach.  Can you follow the ILS glideslope or RNAV glideslope while you fly the visual approach?  Where is the fix ATC just cleared me to and why are they using it?  Find out some more tricks of the trade to be the best pilot you can!  We also discuss the use of “over” in ATC communication, takeoff clearance...

Episode 275 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When you’re being vectored on the downwind over cold and unwelcoming waters, why can’t the controller turn you in closer to the final approach fix?  When is it legal to give you a shortcut to keep you closer to the shore?  On this week’s episode, we discuss the legality of close in vectors, the use of a visual or contract approach, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1....

Episode 274 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Sun ‘n Fun 2023: RH’s rookie year!  What an awesome week working arrivals, departures, and wanding with gusto!  RH breaks down each ATC spot with a little sample audio on each talking position.  If you’ve ever wondered how the air traffic side of things work at Sun ‘n Fun, this is the episode for you!  “Team 1, you guys were the best team a rookie could ask for and I appreciate all your help guiding me through my first year.  I learned a ton...

Episode 273 Show Notes   Topic of the show: This week’s show is about radar patterns.  What can you expect when you arrive from the departure side of the airport? How can you plan your descent when you are being sequenced to the airport under VFR?  Why do controllers keep you so far away from the field before placing you on final?  We answer all these questions and also discuss ELTs, flight service, and using VFR/IFR flight plans depending on the complexity of the airspace.  This is a...

Episode 272 Show Notes   Topic of the show: How can some airports run aggressive squeeze plays and compressed finals when some airports operate with much large gaps on a very slow final?  On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the major differences in airports that effect flow, efficiency, departure and arrival separation, and passenger experience.  We also discuss how you can prepare for training in air traffic control.  This is a packed episode and you don’t want to miss it!   ...

Episode 271Show Notes   Topic of the show: What type of decision making and planning is involved when a controller takes decisive action to run a squeeze play?  What is a squeeze play?  Why is the anatomy of a squeeze play important when evaluating a given traffic scenario?  This week’s show answers all those questions and dives deep into the parts of air traffic you don’t hear on the news.  As always, we keep things general and hope our listeners learn something to be better users of the...

Episode 270 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s episode we discuss air traffic controller tone, delivery, and pilot perception.  Why do we sound grumpy sometimes?  What factors contribute to the controller’s mood?  We also discuss flight following, the importance of filing a VFR flight plan, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.  This was a really fun episode that you don’t want to miss!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron WTF told us about a local procedure...

Episode 269 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When you are a newly certified pilot, air traffic controllers can be intimidating and the system can make new private pilots apprehensive about using the services available to them.  In this week’s episode, we dive deep into a pilot’s first real interaction with ATC after getting a rating; what went wrong and how can they improve or better understand what’s happening in the background to make their next experience better?  We give our opinions...

Episode 268 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On Today’s show we break down more details about visual approaches, dissect the soup sandwich departure near the Oracle Database Airport, and hear from a very aware student pilot on their first solo!  We are working with a new audio setup so our voices may sound a little different.  Enjoy the show!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron SE shares some insight into the Oracle Database Airport departure procedure....

Episode 267 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Today’s show is jam packed with valuable information every pilot can take with them on their next flight.  We discuss a very complicated departure procedure and how to execute it safely considering how we would fly an ODP, managing flight plans and flight following, and lesson learned from a last second go around in IMC.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron ABM sent a cool picture of the Coffee Bravo area...

Episode 266 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When approach issues a visual approach clearance to a Class Delta airport, what are the expectations when entering the flow of traffic at the towered airport?  What if the pilot thinks the assigned entry is unsafe?  On this week’s show, we will hear from a pilot that used their judgement to safely enter the airport traffic pattern, why ATC seemed upset, and how you can communicate with ATC to resolve the issue.  We also discuss radio etiquette...

Episode 265 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Alpha Golf toured three facilities in the greater Cowboy Bravo area and shares all of his observations like the high volume of traffic, the complexity of the airspace, and the workload on each controller.  We also discuss go arounds, ADS-B coverage and equipage, and magically making a VFR aircraft IFR.  This is a really fun episode you won’t want to miss!  Happy Monday!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron JEC shared some more thoughts about last...

Episode 264 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH explain why the arrivals and departures conflict, how we solve those issues at TRIAD, and why our airspace and traffic levels make the solution different than a larger Class Bravo airport.  We also discuss pop up IFR clearances and hear some audio of the world’s fastest controllers.  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron HAB had their review producing device held hostage by a fake...

Episode 263 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Visual approaches can be one of the most poorly understood procedures for a newly certified instrument pilot.  On this week’s show, AG and RH review some basic assumptions behind visual approaches, the timing of calling the field in sight, and understanding your position in relation to traffic off the airport.      Timely Feedback: 1. Patron RM shares a story about floppy disks. 2. SGAC Patron JAS shares some more details about the “no IFR...

Episode 262 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On today’s show, we answer a question from a pilot that had a last second go-around with multiple aircraft in either direction.  What did ATC do right and what could they have done to improve the outcome of this traffic scenario?  What can the pilot do to prepare for an imminent go around and allow adequate time for ATC to formulate a backup plan?  We also discuss strange IFR taxi instructions, radio mistakes, and obstacle alerts for VFR pilots. ...

Episode 261 Show Notes   Topic of the show: A student pilot is in busy airspace near a Class Bravo surface area without a Class B clearance.  What did the student say to get an immediate solution from ATC?  Find out on this episode.  We also discuss reroutes, listening skills, and the service provided by Angel Flight pilots.  This was a really fun way to start our 6th year doing weekly episodes.  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron DM actually did what we suggested and got MSAW...

Episode 260 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH and AG celebrate the last episode of 2022 and the completion of five full years of weekly episodes!  On this week’s show, we discuss visual approaches into busy Class D airports, the importance of alternate airport planning, approach request etiquette, approach plate nuances, and many more of your aviation questions.  We would like to wish the aviation community a Happy New Year!  See you in 2023!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron WTF points out...

A fun collection of sound bites from 2022. Enjoy!

Episode 259 Show Notes   Topic of the show: We endorse flight following!  But what should you do if you can’t break the controller away long enough to initiate flight following?  We will discuss busy airspace, conflicting traffic, and tools to ensure you get flight following services as early as possible.  We also discuss lost communication, alternate airports, and more of your awesome aviation feedback.  Merry Christmas from RH and AG!  Fly safely and have a great week!   Timely...