Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

As a long time listener, I have to apologize for the delay in my review. You see, I didn’t actually have an instrument rating, what they’re saying sounds good, sure, but what if it’s all just made up? Now that I’ve passed my instrument check ride I can confirm that the knowledge disseminated in this podcast doesn’t result in an immediate checkride failure. Did they do it? Did AG and RH create something useful that is also fun? I’ll need to spend more time in the NAS to be sure; but at the very least, it’s fun and not damaging. And let’s be honest, there aren’t too many things we can say that about. Kudos to them.

Hello from VP, from the space coast Delta. I started to listen to OB, as I was just gathering my penguins on the iceberg for my Private, which took me over a year, due to taking a break, as it started to burn me out. However, listening to this podcast, made me realize that it is normal, to take a break from training, to sort life things first. Here I am, fresh IFR pilot, after passing my check ride on Tuesday. Keep up the good work, as I keep gathering my penguins on my ever growing iceberg.

I am a somewhat new listener and have been listening nonstop since I found you guys. I have been working in aviation for five-ish years in airline SOCCs as a dispatcher. Now, I have started my next chapter in aviation at the FAA Academy for ATC. I just want to say the information you put out into the world, not just other aviation professionals, is outstanding. Thank you for all you do. —WS

When in the course of aviation events, it becomes necessary for ATC to dissolve the bureaucratic bonds which connected them with the FAA, and to assume among aviators and controllers of the NAS the separate and equal authority to which the Laws of Aerodynamics and the sacred text of the 7110 entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of pilots requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to subscribe to the podcast known as Opposing Bases. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all pilots are created equal, though some are inexplicably fond of the dreaded “Kilo”, that they are endowed by the OB Gods with certain expectations - among these proper flight following phraseology, concise radio calls, and the steadfast pledge to never utter the detested proclamation “last call.” That to secure these principles, Controllers are instituted amongst the frequency-clogging masses, wrapping aviators in the warm, fuzzy blanket of ATC - especially when spoken in the most patient voice of the Mythical Triad. But when wandering penguins fall off our icebergs and helmet fires ensue, it becomes the duty of the pilot to seek the wisdom of the mighty RH and AG and restore order upon the airwaves. And for the support of this declaration, we mutually pledge our Supercast subscriptions, our 5-star reviews, and our solemn promise to never again check-in using the phrase “with you”…unless of course, we’re talking to Center - who probably already forgot about us anyway.

I’m not a pilot or controller but a huge fan of OB, in particular, and aviation in general. I recently signed on to the Iceberg community and now consider myself a penguin groupie. If you think the public OB content is amazing, you should join via supercast and enjoy the bonus audio - which is also spectacular and perhaps even more relevant to the flying public. Recent bonus audio includes all of RH’s training at Penguin Airlines his SIM time and even how to combat Jet Lag (which he failed initially) - very interesting and also inspiring for those of us who are professionals (but at professions unrelated to aviation) - about how to prepare for training and testing and accepting that we are ‘professional’ but not ‘perfect’. AG’s tour of the Chinook Helicopter - again very informative and worth knowing whenever the military gets involved in moving around heavy material. Finally, RHs story on smoke in the cockpit and the decision-tree to deal with a potential emergency was insightful and reassuring. And since I’m originally from Ireland, it was great to hear Shannon Airport mentioned as a place to put down if smoke reappeared over the Atlantic and a 90-minute window to land was triggered. I have been associated with aviation my entire life - my first transatlantic was into Gander (from Shannon) since the SuperConnie needed to refuel. Since then, lots of flights as a passenger but also as a huge aviation fan - which OB is feeding and nourishing every week. Highly recommended - especially for the bonus audio and the quarter zip shirt. Delta Foxtrot.