Episode 358 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss a very well prepared pilot’s plan and his backup to the plan during questionable weather.  What can pilot’s learn from this story that will help them better prepare for their next IFR flight?  What considerations are the controllers making during inclement weather that can have a positive outcome on the flight?  And most importantly, how do you become a better user of the NAS?  We also discuss creative...

Episode 357 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Not Getting Flight Following and Why It’s Bad. On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss how a flight following request would have prevented a near midair collision at a busy Class C airport.  Why is remaining outside the Charlie legal but not necessarily safe?  Can pilots get better service by simply calling ATC?  This incident got a lot of attention and we want to reiterate the controller did a great job!  We had a lot of fun recording this...

Episode 356 Show Notes    Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss a recent incident involving a taxiway collision between two airliners.  We discuss what happened and try to add something new to the conversation as it relates to our experiences as controllers and pilots.  There are many valuable lessons that can be learned from this event. We also discuss contract towers, ASR approaches, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  This episode is packed and you...

Episode 355 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss a recent flight in IMC where the pilot struggled and the controller kept his cool and offered the perfect mix of instruction and help which resulted in a safe landing.  Great job!  We also discuss invoking your OB Listener Card on a checkride, practice area frequencies, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron AMM adds some commentary on glider flights. ...

Episode 354 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH answer a tricky terrain question from a pilot departing a controlled airport.  What can pilots do to prepare for performance issues in terrain?  Does the issuance of a SID require any special consideration in high terrain?  And what other options existed for the tower controller to reach a safe outcome?  We also discuss impeccable podcast timing, a “curiosity mindset”, and “square your base to final”...

Episode 353 Show Notes Topic of the show: More Helene Response Discussion from Patron AJ and Podcaster AC-On this week’s show, AG and RH share some first-hand stories of the hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina.  Without general aviation and the volunteers on the ground, lifesaving supply delivery would have been delayed several days.  Great job, GA! We want to thank all the volunteer pilots, the volunteer organizers, all those that donated time or supplies, the controllers...

Episode 352 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Disaster Response by General Aviation with BK On this week’s show, we spend time speaking with Bravo Kilo and the response from general aviation during the most recent natural disaster.  Hurricane Helene has devasted our home state and general aviation is playing a huge role in delivering critical supplies to a community that has been completely isolated due to flooding, mud slides, road closures, and power outages.    We need your help! ...

Episode 351 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss more feedback about aviation medical exams, peer-to-peer support programs for general aviation pilots, and a real-life emergency that had a good outcome due to aviation training.  This episode is full of valuable aviation intel and you don’t want to miss it!   Links:   https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron JP sends feedback about AME’s and the medical process 2....

Episode 350 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Medical Shouldn’t be Scary by Patron DDC On this week’s show, RH and AG read feedback from Patron DDC about why your FAA Flight Physical shouldn’t be as scary as we all make it out to be.  We also discuss RH’s ability to predict the future, global computer meltdowns, and more of your awesome aviation feedback! Enjoy!   Links: ...

Episode 349 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Incorrect Altimeters by Patron SE On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss the findings of a report about an incident involving an incorrect altimeter setting and a near miss with terrain. We discuss techniques for controllers and pilots to prevent this from happening and illustrate how important altimeter inputs are for modern avionics.  We also discuss northeast ATC escape routes, altitude filing on zigzag flights, and more of your awesome...

Episode 348 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Relief Briefings by Patron JEC On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss pilot and controller overlaps and the briefings involved in making a safe transition from one person to another.  What items are discussed?  When is the best time to do an overlap briefing?  What if something happens after the briefing; who is to blame?  We also discuss real life preparation for ATC at the Academy, intersection departure considerations, and more of your...

Episode 347 Show Notes   Topic of the show: More on Universal FLIGHT FOLLOWING from Patrons JH and MB   Links: Flying Midwest Podcast episode 63 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-63-opposing-bases-parallel-approaches-with-ag/id1601680150?i=1000664300528   https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/flying-midwest-podcast-flying-midwest-media-mqBC8RWcH-4/#google_vignette   FAA Transponder Codes: ...

Episode 346 Show Notes    Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss ADS-C and the information available to non-US controllers, busy tracon controller communication issues, and a mountain of Patron feedback.  We also share our views and opinions about a recent interaction between ATC and a pilot that should serve as a reminder we are all human, mistakes happen, and it’s our job to work through it professionally and with respect for the person on the other side of the...

Episode 345 Show Notes Topic of the show: Putting “Proceed on Course” to Bed. On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the ambiguity of “proceed on course” for both VFR and IFR pilots.  We also discuss clearances to join radials, electrical issues at night, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  This episode is packed with nuggets of aviation gold and you don’t want to miss it!   Links: https://www.ifr-magazine.com/charts-plates/cutting-you-loose/    Timely...

Episode 344 Show Notes   Topic of the show: The Benefits of Simulation in Aviation On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss how simulators played a part in both the flying side of the mic and the air traffic side of the operation.  For general aviation and aspiring controllers, there is a world of online simulation that can provide a practical and realistic training environment.  We also discuss vectors to final, coordination for departures off airports near a boundary, and more of your...

Episode 343 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Lessons from Flight Following “Light” On this week’s show, RH and AG discuss what can be learned from dissecting the procedures used in flight following light operations.  Could this procedure be used across the NAS to improve safety?   What can be done while we wait?  We also discuss special ops helicopters, our experience at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, and more aviation questions.  This was a really fun episode and you don’t want to miss...

Episode 342 Show Notes   Topic of the show: We are live from EAA AirVenture 2024 and hosted by AOPA!  On this episode, we introduce ourselves to our live audience and answer their questions about airspace, communication with ATC, and flying!  This was a really fun episode and we want to thank Patron JP (“JEF” from O-Bingo), AOPA for hosting the live show in their giant venue, all of our amazing Patreon supporters, and all of the attendees for making this our biggest live audience ever. ...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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 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...