Episode 304 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH get into the details of a rare type of approach clearance.  What would we do as pilots if we received this clearance?  How would we issue the clearance as controllers?  And is there a regulation to establish an argument that it’s not only safe, but legal?  We also discuss pilot punishments, PIREP holds, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  This is a packed episode and you don’t want to miss it!   ...

Episode 303 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On today’s show, AG and RH share some very exciting news!  We also discuss controller contrived missed approach instructions, med-evac call signs, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron HTB shares the results of their ATSAP report.  2. Patron JM shares an idea on how the arrival deviation should have sounded. 3. Patron WTF files to a nearby VOR and continues VFR.   Feedback 1. Patron AW...

Episode 302 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss a complicated approach in mountainous terrain.  Why is the controller leaving the pilot high?  What routing may help the pilot comply with the approach using normal descent maneuvers?  We share our thoughts and some ideas on what this pilot can do next time.  We also discuss vectors to final at the last second, wandering luggage tugs, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  You don’t want to miss...

Episode 301 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss a shortcut through a very busy Class Bravo area on an IFR flight.  Why was the original routing assigned?  How is it possible to fly directly over a busy airport?  And what can the pilot to do to plan for this type of routing?  We also discuss departing VFR looking for your IFR flight plan, remarks, and much more.  You don’t want to miss this fun episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron Alpha Kilo...

Episode 300 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Episode 300!!!  On this milestone episode, AG and RH take a stroll down memory lane while answering listener questions about aviation, flying, and air traffic control.  We discuss flight plans, flight following, landing at a busy Class Bravo airport, emergencies, and much, much more.  This is a fun, entertaining, and educational episode you won’t want to miss.  Thank you to all our loyal Patrons, listeners, family, and friends for helping...

Episode 299 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss “descend via” clearances and the confusion caused by taking an aircraft off vertical guidance early in the procedure.  What could the pilots do differently to avoid any confusion?  How can the controller mitigate the risks involved in issuing new altitudes?  We also discuss missing aircraft after flight following and more of your aviation questions and feedback.   You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely...

Episode 298 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss a recent TRIAD emergency inbound flight.  What happened?  What advice to we have for the pilots and ATC?  How did prompt pilot decision making lead to a safe outcome?  We also discuss phraseology, clearances, and aircraft identification.  This is a packed episode and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron TBP sent some clarifying comments about traffic direction. 2. Patron HTB shared more insight into...

Episode 297 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the striking similarities between our jobs as air traffic controllers and real life police officers directing traffic.  Squeeze plays, confused drivers, violators, and those that simply don’t pay attention make for an interesting comparison to air traffic.  We also share our opinion on general aviation landers at Class Bravo airports, rant about PIREPs, and hear more of your awesome aviation feedback.  This...

Episode 296 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss controller hiring and location selection. AG and RH share their opinion on the process and offer some perfect world suggestions on how to solve some of our staffing issues.  We also share a recent story of RH going missing, unusual visual approach clearances, and more of your aviation questions and feedback.  This was a really fun episode and you don’t want to miss it!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Bravo...

Episode 295 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss the rarely used “through clearance” and run a thorough cost benefit analysis of using this technique.  What about search and rescue?  What other options exist to mitigate the risks of losing communication with ATC on the ground?  We also discuss the perilous bike path near jet blast experienced by a listener, the dimensions of mountain airspace, and more of your awesome aviation questions and feedback.  You don’t...

Episode 294 Show Notes   Topic of the show: When a general aviation propeller driven aircraft is assigned an arrival (STAR) into a giant Class Bravo airport, what should the pilot know ahead of time to prepare for the procedure?  Why does ATC assign them only to take an aircraft off of them later?  What is helpful for the terminal controller when establishing a sequence with faster jet traffic?  AG and RH break down the minutia involved in a STAR into a busy Class Bravo airport and answer...

Episode 293 Show Notes   Topic of the show: RH took a solo trip in the mighty Skyhawk from TRIAD to NYC to fly the Hudson Skyline route with Newark and LaGuardia Tower controllers!  Special thanks to N90, EWR, LGA, and all the radar controllers along the way.  Are you considering a trip to NYC to fly up the Hudson?  We try to explain the planning and navigation to make the trip fun and safe!  We also discuss RNAV vs. ILS approach clearances and training in the radar room.  This was a...

Episode 292 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we try to dispel some myths about Class Charlie airspace.  How can pilots position themselves to remain safely separated from airplanes operating in and out of busier Class C airports?  Why is flight following so important in these areas?  We also discuss a tower controller’s rude behavior during otherwise normal operations, special VFR, and more interesting aviation questions.  This episode is packed with aviation gold...

Episode 291 Show Notes Topic of the show: Live from EAA AirVenture 2023 #OSH23!  AG and RH are joined by AirVenture ATC expert Bravo Kilo (his views and opinions are his own and he does not officially represent the FAA) and a live audience!  Penguin cookies, fly bys, and live feedback from our audience!  This was a really good time and we hope you enjoy the show!  Special Thanks: AOPA and Kim for hosting us at the AOPA 39 Lounge Patron and co-host Bravo Kilo from the JR Ewing Airport ...

Live show recording with a live audience on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at AirVenture 2023.  Come out and ask a live question and meet RH and AG!  See you on Saturday!  10am, July 29, AOPA 39 Lounge across from the brown arch at AirVenture!

Episode 290 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss the importance of altitude selection and routing when you are flying near busy Class Bravo airspace.  Why does clearance delivery issue routing that doesn’t work for your entire route?  What can you do to ensure a smooth, reroute free, flight in the NAS?  What happens in the background during a reroute?  We discuss all of this and break down a recent IFR flight with 4 different reroutes.  We also discuss...

Episode 289 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss a listener’s “possible pilot deviation”.  Why did they receive the Brasher warning?  Who is waiting for the phone call?   What information will be requested on the initial phone call?  We share our opinions on the issue and discuss what administrative tasks are being completed, why the controller may have issued the warning, and the possible outcomes.  RH and AG also discuss a no radio landing, routing around...

Episode 288 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss general aviation operations at busy Class Bravo airports.  Flying to a big airport can be intimidating so we offer some tips for the general aviation pilot.  How can you safely taxi behind a heavy jet and keep ATC happy?  What should you be prepared for when arriving or departing a busy, Class Bravo airport in your general aviation aircraft?  Our special guest, Bravo Kilo, is a friendly voice in a busy tower and...

Episode 287 Show Notes   Topic of the show: 2023 AirVenture Notice with Bravo Kilo.  BK is a highly experienced team lead for air traffic controllers at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and shares his pro tips on how to safely fly the arrival, how to plan for your flight to OSH, and discusses what controllers expect from pilots participating in the best aviation gathering in the world!  If you’ve flown to Oshkosh ten times or if this is your first year flying the FISK arrival, this episode is for...

Episode 286 Show Notes   Topic of the show: If we had $1 for every time someone asked if our job was stressful, we’d be billionaires.   On this week’s show, we will discuss the elements of this profession that can lead to stress and medical issues along with the impact the schedule has on our personal lives outside of work.  This episode topic was brought to us by a long-time show supporter, Bravo Sierra.  Thank you for giving us the idea to discuss this topic and hopefully dispel some...

Episode 285 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we discuss a recent double go around and share our opinions on what caused the issue, how it could have been handled, and the red carpet rollout for go arounds in the TRIAD.  We also discuss unusual and temporary phraseology, altimeter setting confusion, and an urgent return from the practice area with an open airplane door.  We had a lot of fun recording this episode.  Enjoy!   Timely Feedback: 1. Patron Mike Charlie...

Episode 284 Show Notes   Topic of the show:  Air traffic controllers rely on coordination between facilities to keep planes moving safely and expeditiously throughout the NAS.  On this week’s show, we break down a communication misstep and illustrate what happened, why it happened, and how the pilots and controllers worked together to safely solve the problem.  Whenever you’re in doubt or confused, speak up!  We also discuss amazing call signs, arrival rate calculations, and more of your...

Episode 283 Show Notes   Topic of the show: On this week’s show, we clarify some points made about our lost comms episode a few weeks ago and respond to some negative feedback.  What if the scenario was flip flopped?  Why didn’t we address the minutia related to 91.185?  What about SIDS and ODPs?  Find out our thoughts on this episode.  We also answer questions about “over” and “break” phraseology, busy frequencies, and splitting into multiple sectors.  This episode is packed and you...

Episode 282 Show Notes   Topic of the show: AG and RH discuss ways students and instructors can get the most out of their flight lessons in areas with heavy training activity.  How can training teams prepare for each less and maximize their time in the airplane while fitting in with rest of the customers using ATC services?  We also discuss squeeze plays, strange spacing instructions, and the mighty Skyhawk!  You don’t want to miss this episode!   Timely Feedback: 1. SGAC Patron...

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...