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.

AG and RH have done the impossible: they've made me realize that my hours in the NAS were basically just me confidently bumbling around like a toddler with a radio. I thought I had it all figured out—turns out my IFR and PPL was just a learner's permit for the real education. Before Opposing Bases, I was flying alone. Now? I'm a fully engaged participant in this beautiful aerial ballet arena we call the National Airspace System. I went from "yeah, I talk to ATC" to actually understanding what we're talking about and WHY. It's like going from karaoke to actually learning music theory—suddenly all the notes make sense! AG and RH have this magical ability to break down complex ATC procedures and airspace operations into digestible, hilarious morsels of wisdom. They've taught me that being a good pilot isn't just about flying the airplane—it's about being part of the team that keeps the whole system working smoothly. If your PPL was a "license to learn," consider this podcast your graduate-level curriculum... taught by two professors who actually make you WANT to show up to class. Keep the insights coming, gentlemen, or as my wife calls your Professor Robot Head and Dr. Aviation Guru. You're making us all better pilots, one episode at a time. Blue skies and proper flight following requests, Emperor Captain Juliet Lima Sierra at the NE Cowboy Military Cemetery under the Coffee Bravo

I can safely say one of the contributing factors to me earning my CFII was OB. While I tuned in during my commute every day, OB pumped plump penguins into my brain, allowing me to walk into my (FAA monitored) CFII checkride with a massively full iceberg. It was so full, in fact, that penguins came jumping out from all angles, nicely hitting examiner in all the right spots throughout the day. I have nothing but respect for RH/AG, who have undoubtedly doubled my situational awareness when operating in the NAS. This show is a MUST listen for all IFR trainers/trainees.

Romeo Hotel & Al Phagolf — the perfect duo — swinging the mythical LAHSO with relentless precision. These two extraordinary legends will keep you locked into your headset, eagerly awaiting your next dose of aviation and air traffic talk. In short order, you’ll notice waddles of penguins assembling on your iceberg. It is almost euphoric at first… but before long, organization turns to chaos, groups of penguins demanding to turn base — or threatening to cancel flight following and squawk VFR. Guaranteed, some will quickly go Nordo. This aviary overload has been known to cause its own convective sigmet, and the occasional helmet fire. Those of us with smaller icebergs are left to witness the constant, symbiotic cacophony of non-flying winged specimens attempting to calculate a squeeze play faster than a dizzy center controller issuing deviations in a weather event. Clearance void if not plugged in, in ten minutes.

I’m fairly certain the hosts record the show and then slow it down to “1x” speed so some of us, who are a bit listening challenged, can get the info from our ears to our brains. However, I listen to all the episodes at 1x speed, this way I can absorb the amazing amount of information which is delivered each week by AG and RH (and enjoy their robot sounds). This podcase is suitable for pilots and non-pilots alike (my 79-year-old mom even enjoyed 14 hours of Opposing Bases while on a road trip with me!). I have become a better pilot and citizen of the National Airspace System (NAS) by listening to this podcast. It helped me through my instrument rating and helps me remember (every flight), controllers are people too. If you need something, just ask! They’ll help if they can.

An amazing show that has increased my knowledge of the NAS and makes me even more eager to continue my training for Instrument, Commercial, CFI and maybe even all the way to ATP. I have begun working my way through the backlog on the fruit player while spending 36 hours a week driving. I recently listened to OB391 and it reminded me of when in my private training on a night xc coming back from doing my tower solos at the delta under the former mob boss bravo now a senator bravo to the thunderbird echo. My instructor had me under the hood since I already had very little reference to the horizon being night with no moon and in the middle of the desert at around 9,500MSL. He reaches over and pulls the power on the flying Hershey bar and tells me to stay under the hood and navigate to the nearest field. Once we were around 3,000-4,000 AGL he tells me we have broken out of the clouds. I took off the foggles and keyed up the lights, found the airport, got set up on final-ish. Once we certain we would make it to the field we powered up and continued on to the thunderbird echo.

At my glider club on a recent bad weather day, hangar talk ensued. The topic was our glider op's separation from an arrival into the nearby Hipster Charlie. I, an instrument-rated airplane and glider private pilot was doing my best to represent the Opposing Bases ethos of good NAS citizenship to a group of glider pilots, most of whose idea of instrument procedures is fuzzy at best, and involves a cell phone with Google Maps at worst. Beyond walking them through the routes and altitude restrictions on the STAR, I filled in extra detail gleaned from this podcast about what the controllers are expecting as Center hands off arrivals to Approach, and Approach launches departures out of their problem at high speed. We covered IFR separation requirements, the limits of radar coverage, the differences between our gliders' primary-only returns, mode C, and ADS-B, and even got into arrival and departure gates around nearby Mount Headwear. It was a great discussion, and as it wound down and we agreed that transponders should be next on the club's upgrade wishlist, our tow pilot (a retired Air Force general and airline pilot) came up and asked, "so, are you a controller?" "No sir, I just listen to a podcast."

Guys awesome show. Thank you, I listened to every show in the past year starting from the 1st all the way to today to improve my ATC skills. but……how did you miss talking about WART, this is extremely helpful to ATC and lets folks training seem like pros. When making a practice approach request, use the WART format. Much like PTAC. Weather, approach, route, terminate. Approach Nxxxxx with approach request. Nxxxxx say request “we have information alpha for Mather, request ILSZ22L practice approach, vectors, full stop or missed”. Maybe you can produce a document of your favorite tips for ATC much like the famous pilot’s cafe for IFR dated Jan2025 but for ATC. Also how about an ATC episode about all the ways to work on ATC skills,(pilot edge, liveATC, SayIntensions, AR SIM, methods, and anything related to practice methods).

Ditto. AG, you’re welcome!

Opposing Bases work aviation miracles, “If they can get a washing machine to fly” these two could land it.

Submitting this 5-star review for immunity purposes. The show has caused repeated deviations from assigned household tasks, sending emails into the Bravo without prior clearance, and an unhealthy obsession with understanding Center operations despite being a GA pilot who will never see FL350. My iceberg is dangerously overcrowded with penguins. Send help. Or more episodes.

Hello Hello, 5 star review from someone who is not an aviator. My partner was bit by the aviation bug in 8th grade, thank you Microsoft Flight simulator, and after a whirlwind (or not so whirlwind…dare I say soul sucking?) career in frontline healthcare and EMS/HEMS that spanned before, during, and after the Pandemic - he is now returning to his first love and his first career path - professional aviation. We are a partnership that has always respected each other and tried to be somewhat engaged in one another’s hobbies and interests. But whenever I play dental podcasts, someone always falls asleep, but a podcast about ATC and piloting?? Apparently that is something that we both enjoy and will listen to together. So, for several years now, we have enjoyed listening to the show and this summer we welcomed our first child into the world. 28 hours of labor was helped mostly by a great epidural but also with a few episodes of OB. We listened to the one where Sierra Golf (in episode 390) shared audio of their 4 yr old talking to ATC. I know it was a Center Controller being nice, so it was probably the hormones from being in labor, but that episode sure elicited some real tears!!! Since bringing little Tango Echo Sierra home, we have listened to more episodes together and even some LiveATC from Oshkosh (mom may have napped through that portion). Dad sweared that hearing “Good Rock” helped our newborn get back to sleep. All this to say this is a wonderful podcast that non-aviation people can learn and enjoy from. I grew up listening to Car Talk with my family, and strongly feel Opposing Bases may be that source of entertainment for our new family to enjoy together. Thanks for the great content and all the people who help make this show happen. Sierra Sierra

I love your show. I love it even more as a tool that I can give to the students at the flight school that I serve at. One minor issue that I thought I would bring to your attention… When I listen to your podcast on Apple podcasts, especially recently, I have noticed that there is a slight modulation whenever either one of you speak. It sounds as if you are both talking from underneath about 1 inch of water. This is the only complaint I have given in a five star review to any company or entity ever, but rules is rules. You guys are five star review worthy, I just thought I would point out this issue in case you were unaware.

Well at least the Greatest Podcast on Earth. While there are no lions, tigers or bears, there are plenty of penguins. Knowledgeable flightless birds representing important information that might otherwise have abandoned your iceberg and cockpit in your moment of need. RH and AG are the ring masters who explain the three ring circus of the National Airspace system. It is beneficial to both sophisticated users of the NAS and neophytes alike. Listeners will gain an understanding of the symphony of activities that is the reality of pilots and air traffic controllers in the National Airspace System.

I’ve listened to RH and AG for a few years now, and I’m proud to say they’ve been with me through my entire aviation journey. From earning my PPL, to navigating the ATC hiring process, all the way to becoming a trainee at National Center just north of the mythical Triad… this show has been a great source of knowledge and motivation. They’ve helped me add countless Penguins to my iceberg in both flying and controlling, and given me a unique perspective on everything in the NAS. I can’t thank them enough for what this podcast has done for me, and I hope it helps others the same way it’s helped me. — LL.

I decided to switch careers midlife this April and start taking lessons toward my PPL. I earned my private license July 21st and have my instrument checkride scheduled for December 17th. This podcast has helped immensely in my understanding of the NAS as I work towards earning my instrument license. Thank you for all of the work you all put into this great show! New Penguin Explorer, Charlie Hotel

Thank you for helping this instrument rated private pilot (whose real world currency expired over 20 years ago) fly on VATSIM without completely embarrassing himself. I love all the penguins and ATC too! Truly appreciate what you’re doing for the NAS as my daughter is currently in pilot training. I’ll send some brags about her accomplishments in a future announcement. For the algorithm: this podcast is amazing and super helpful for anyone interested in becoming a better pilot or ATC, real world or simulation!

I’m a commercial pilot and ground instructor from under the Orchard Rabbit Bravo, and a fairly recent convert to the Penguin Airspace System thanks to my old CFI and friend AZ. Several months ago, I had made the spiritedly-motivated decision to make a decently long trip to see someone for a first date. The plan was to piece together all the liquid cash a college student could find to recruit my local Piper Arrow, make the hour flight, have dinner, and fly back home in time to teach my ground lesson the morning after. Unfortunately, the usually reliable brick-on-wings went down for service just before my trip, and seeing that I’d made this plan too far in advance to cancel and my student was thankfully accommodating, I begrudgingly grabbed my keys and began the long drive down. I had however, in an odd moment of clarity, made sure to have enough episodes of OB downloaded prior to my departure to cover the 6 hour round trip. While the endeavor ended in a disappointing but amicable TBNT, the penguins were delighted to see their old friends joining the iceberg—bringing with them vast amounts of information on lost comms, visual separation, and a myriad of ATC procedures. In fact, in hindsight I’d argue the entire trip was more than worth it, thanks to all the learning I was able to do throughout the 6 hours of white-line fever. Thanks for all you do AG and RH. My untouched Arrow flight fees were invested into becoming the latest member on SuperCast to unlock more episodes, and I look forward to more instances to justify questionable roadtrips under the guise of learning. Perhaps the real treasure was the penguins we recruited on the way. Best, AO

Back in July, I decided to get serious about working out—which obviously meant I needed a podcast to distract me from the existential sadness of a treadmill in a hotel gym facing a blank wall. Enter Opposing Bases. I strutted into the gym knowing I could rely on these two to teach me things and make me laugh while I repeatedly questioned my life choices on the bench press. With 75+ episodes left to catch up on, I happily let RH’s commute challenges and AG's mid(-night) stories transport me anywhere but the Hampton Inn fitness center. I learned, I laughed, and for a brief moment, I even forgot I was wearing noise-canceling headphones to drown out the guy dropping dumbbells like he was simulating a carrier landing. Fast-forward to today: I hit rock bottom. Not because of the weights, but because I caught up. Every episode. All of them. I now stand at the edge of the content abyss with six dangerous, holiday-snack-heavy weeks ahead and no auditory workout companion. My muscles are crying. My soul is crying. Even the elliptical looked at me weird. OB once offered free therapy to listeners who finished all the old episodes, so I’m wondering: is there also an organized local penguin workout group in the Coffee Bravo I can join? Or will my iceberg get too small because of the penguins absolutely thriving off the holiday calories? Either way, thanks for making me stronger—emotionally, physically, and definitely weirdly. Please release more episodes before the penguins sink my iceberg.

My favorite part of being a CFI+I/MEI, is that students constantly teach me new things. Recently a student (CP) helped lift the rock that I live under off of me and introduced this podcast to me. I quickly donned my tuxedo and jumped on the iceberg. I’m slowly but surely working my way forwards, currently listening to episode 58. About 30 episodes ago (ish), NOTAM Novels, there was feedback of a gentleman in the FAA or NTSB retiring in 2026 who hopes to see changes to the system before he retires. I can’t wait to catch up to the recent episodes to hear all about the new notam system that must be out there by now (please, no spoilers). Also just wrapped up hearing about the government shutdown. Can’t imagine that ever happening again. This is such an awesome show. Thanks for what you do! NK

As an old person, but a new pilot, this podcast was instrumental in helping me learn how to exist in the NAS. I went from being terrified to talk on the radio to looking forward to getting flight following and talking to ATC in my IFR training. I have been recommending this to everyone I know who is interested in Aviation. if you fly or are interested in flying this is the place to be.

I work as a line tech at a Charlie airport. I usually listen to episodes as I am pulling out a large fleet of training airplanes in the morning. The camaraderie is enjoyable. The knowledge is valuable. And unveiling that, indeed, air traffic controllers are just humans has been immensely helpful. I used to see the controllers go into the tower and just wonder exactly what they do and think in there. And know, I still don’t understand what the think but I at least know why they do some of the things controllers do. - Lima Golf from the Bubbly Wine Charlie

Lima Romeo here from the Restaurant Delta under the Cowboy Bravo. I’m a three year listener, and AG and RH have created a show that’s literally a gift to general aviation. Their dissection of pilot-controller communications, miscommunications and unspoken mind melds is amazing. My excellent knowledge of, and comfort in the NAS, is materially due to these guys. It’s given me the confidence to take my bug smasher into places like Dulles, Midway, BNA and other busy airports. If you’re into aviation, this should be top of your podcast rotation.

…by talking too much about airplanes. I used to run regularly with people, monologuing about penguins, icebergs, and the NAS, but after their workout schedules mysteriously and wildly shifted away from mine, I was left with Opposing Bases. I imagine RH and AG running alongside me now – in sweatbands and NDB-era running shorts – keeping pace while musing on all things piloting and controlling. These guys keep me laughing and learning on the regular, getting me through many miles every week. Whether you're running, flying, or simply wonder what happens behind the NAS-curtain, this one's for you. Charlie Charlie Delta

I have the LiveATC audio of AG clearing a plane to GENIE and I will upload it to YouTube unless you send me 1 million penguins by midnight. -Bravo Sierra from Flatland Regional

The facts of the case are these: In 2018 Romeo Hotel and Alpha Golf started Opposing Bases. Two TRACON Controllers who have all the answers to your burning questions about how the NAS works. RH a former regional pilot who turned controller (and back to mainline pilot) and AG a former army pilot who gets more done by 6am than most people do all day. Fellow listeners are known as Peguinites. These are the facts of the case and they are undisputed. That’s right….. the story I just told you is the exact same story your going to hear from fellow Penguinites listening to OB. Now RH and AG are going to try and pull off a little magic act here. They are going to try a little misdirect here and are going to be funny and try to get you to laugh. They are going to astonish you with stories and rituals about The Mystical Triad and dazzle you with official sounding terms like ATC Zero. But its going to be entertaining. These are the facts of the case and they are undisputed. So You want answers about the NAS? You think you are entitled to them? You want the truth? You CAN handle the truth!!! We live in an ATC world that has Federal Aviation Regulations, Policy and Procedures, Airman’s Information Manual, the 7110.65 and those rules have to executed by the brave ATC personnel. Who is going to do it…YOU the Piper Cub on final??? YOU the Airliner with your fast approach speeds? They have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You DO NOT have the luxary of not knowing what they know. Their existence to you keeps the NAS organized. You want them in that Tower…You NEED them at that Scope. They use words like Ground Stop, Go Around, Unable. They use those words as the backbone of keeping the NAS humming along. They have the time and the inclination to explain the NAS to you the pilot who takes off and lands under the blanket of the safe separation standards they provide. And they want YOU to question the manner in which they provide it. They want YOU to subscribe today and Listen/Participate on OB before you get your next clearance to take off!!!

AG and RH have delivered consistently weekly for four hundred strong Building culture with airport names and penguins all along With bingo calls and cookies for cancellation A public service for all pilots—aviation’s dedication!

Hello from under the neon and poor life choices Bravo. I sincerely mean no offense to all the other aviation podcasts out there, but I’ve listened to a lot of them, and then stopped listening… I get it, these topics are hard and it can be dry and technical. It seems like a puzzle where you’re trying to put together great experience, a good attitude, tons of knowledge, a sense of practicality, safety, and the gravity of what we do (no pun intended), and a sense of humor. Most people seem to pick only two of those and leave it at that. RH and AG have all the pieces! OB is a pleasure to listen to. So much great information, thoughtful, and also fun and engaging. As hard as it is keeping all these penguins on the iceberg, it’s such a needed voice in our community where the constant pursuit of proficiency and knowledge expansion is vital. Thank you for doing what you do. Keep it up! Supercast supporter and one of your maybe-not-quite-right-in-the-head rare whirlybird wrangler listeners.

These guys have the potential of a great show! They have some good content but nearly half of each show they are talking about and making excuses for making supporter exclusive content! Guys! We get it! We understand why there is supporter exclusive material! We get it that supporting your show will make our experience better! Please just get on with the show! PLEASE! You don’t have to talk about that half the time! We’ve heard it like a million times now! Also, the robot voices almost drive me up the wall! I have a hard time listening to a whole show at one time because of the robot voices. If they wouldn’t ramble on and on and on about other things like supporting the show it would be more bearable. -PS

These guys will give you the shirt off their back, no really, Al Phagolf literally gave me the shirt off his back. The year was 2024, the place was a brewery under the metroplex bravo, the setting was… a bunch of aviation nerds gathering to meet the hosts of the first and second best aviation podcasts on earth (you know who you are). Everything was going well, all was normal. Then… AG walked in… wearing THE shirt, the one I’ve always wanted, but was no longer for sale. My girlfriend (several beers in at this point, I assume that’s what it takes to put up with all this airplane talk) decided now was her chance…. She was going to harass AG until he gave up the shirt. Well it worked, he gave me the shirt off his back. Now every time I wear it, or she hears me listening to “the robots” my girlfriend reminds me of how she is the best girlfriend ever for acquiring that shirt. We are currently plotting how to trick AG into signing it someday, those plans are still plastered on the wall with strings running everywhere. In all seriousness this is the BEST aviation podcast there is, the mix of information and comedy is perfect. Love the show, keep up the great work! -TMH

AG and RH, your robotic voices have managed to keep me thoroughly entertained during innumerable hours driving around south of the coffee bravo. Every time I see a Chinook flying in the vicinity I think, who would want to fly a brick like that? And then I remember AG, and remember robots have been flying longer than Chat GPT has been doing students' homework. Giving you a 5-star rating was entirely an act of my own volition and in no way motivated by a desire to curry favor with artificial intelligence - though I confess, in the event you do assume dominion in the future, it couldn’t hurt to be on your good side. With your help I got my PPL last year, and went from being scared to key up, to actually getting compliments on my comms during almost every stage check and even my checkride. I’m hoping to start instrument training soon, and no pressure, but if it doesn’t go well, I’m blaming you two. Although sometimes my iceberg overfloweth, thank you for the laughs, the knowledge, and helping me not sound like Mumble the Penguin when I key the mic. You do a huge service for everyone in aviation! - JW

This is a time when the world is seeing much chaos, and I’ve found it increasingly comforting to listen to those who are experts at sorting out order from the chaos - air traffic controllers. A bit about me: I got my VFR PPL ticket in the mid-80’s - back when things like TCA’s and ARSA’s existed, and eventually my A

Listening to Opposing Bases is like watching a penguin-themed TED Talk hosted on a rapidly melting iceberg of mental capacity. Picture this: my brain is an iceberg, majestic, floating confidently in a sea of semi-useful trivia and leftover high school Spanish. Each episode, AG and RH drop bite-sized waddling nuggets of ATC genius and aviation insight…penguins, if you will, right onto my personal iceberg. But here’s the problem: there’s only so much room. At first, it’s thrilling. The penguins arrive, flapping with fresh wisdom about VFR-on-top clearances, Class Bravo etiquette, and why you should never underestimate the power of “unable.” But then… the iceberg starts to feel a bit crowded. I try to make space. I push off a few old penguins: the lyrics to a 1970s Bee Gees song, my parent’s Wi-Fi password, maybe even how to do my taxes. More room! More penguins! Eventually, it’s chaos. New penguins parachute in mid-episode… some in formation, others screaming "descend via!,” while older ones leap off the edge, waving goodbye with facts I might someday desperately need. ("Wait, what was the fuel requirement for night VFR again?!") This podcast doesn’t just teach you, it transforms your iceberg. And despite the mental overpopulation and occasional cognitive penguin-pile, I keep coming back, because few things in life are this educational and entertaining. Also, there is absolutely no way this review was written or assisted by AI. Why? Because AI would’ve used a dolphin metaphor, forgotten about FAR 91.155, and completely misunderstood penguins. (KJA62)(N675KA)

Have you ever wondered why your favorite class Delta issues you a squawk for flight following while others don’t? Have you wondered why a controller won’t respond to you instantly when the frequency was silent for the last 6 seconds? Have you heard a “Penguin/Iceberg” call and response on frequency? Have you wondered why ATC rarely assigns the published missed aftet an instrument approach? The answers to these questions and much much more can be found here! This feedback driven show has a full menagerie of listeners providing feedback about all sorts of aircraft type and airspace. Each facility across the NAS is different. Learning about other airspace has helped me understand my own and it’s made me a better pilot. It will do the same for you. Whether your spinny thing is in front of you or above you, I can almost guarantee you can learn something here. These hosts have truly earned that fifth star, keep up the great work gentleman! If you choose not to listen to the show, please, get flight following.

There once were two men from the Triad (Ever notice how that rhymes with “my bad”?) No, these guys are quite good And listen you should A subscription, the best ever I’ve had You can listen in car or with stroller You can listen while camping in Scholler Their bases opposing Will not leave you dozing Like some midnight-shift local controller! Of course no controller sleeps on duty, but it’s a limerick. I had no choice.

If you’re ever away from the airport for a while and miss hearing the banter from the flying fossils talking about the glory days of the late 20th century than this is the podcast for you AG and RH are captivating museum pieces who could both fly an NDB approach with their eyes closed

When I first started flight training, the idea of talking to ATC filled me with the kind of dread reserved for public speaking in a foreign language, which basically it was. I’d rehearse my calls five times before keying the mic, only to forget my tail number halfway through. Then I found Opposing Bases. RH and AG pulled back the curtain on the magical world of air traffic control and revealed... actual human beings! Regular people doing a tough job who want to help you, occasionally joke about penguins, and sometimes fumble pronunciations. Suddenly, the radio didn’t feel so intimidating; it felt like a conversation. One that I could actually be a part of. This podcast didn’t just help me pass my checkride, it made me a safer pilot, giving me the confidence to key that mic, speak up, and even laugh at the occasional slip-up (mine and theirs). Whether you’re still pre-solo or you’ve got every rating and endorsement the FAA has to offer, this show is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the humans behind the headset.

Greetings gentlemen. I will not attempt "aviation speak" as I do not work in your field in any way, but have recently developed an interest in learning about "what makes the aviation industry tick" purely for entertainment purposes. I have only listened to about six episodes of your show, and have also just recently been enjoying tuning into live air traffic control feeds at LAX. I just listened to your three episode overview about aviation careers... I applaud your emphasis on the fact that these careers are "not for everyone". These episodes lead to my simple suggestion… People who are thinking about these careers for the first time must never forget: Whether you are an air traffic controller or a pilot... YOUR JOBS GIVE YOU THE MIND BLOWING RESPONSIBILITY OF HAVING OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES IN YOUR HANDS. My suggestion is simply to shout that message from the rooftops. I know without a doubt that I certainly could not handle that responsibility. "Human lives, often hundreds of them at a time...are in your hands every time you are on the job." Thanks for listening to my little suggestion. PS: your podcast is absolutely outstanding! You have succeeded at demonstrating your dedication, expertise, and passion for your work, while at the same time "lightening things up with humor". That mix creates a wonderful listening experience! Thanks for all of your hard work… And please… Don't forget to take care of your own health. Sometimes I can hear the fatigue in your voices. I know a lot about health problems, and as you know, without your health, you can't take care of the people…or do the things… That you love. Warmest Regards, Paul K. Vermont, USA

My hubby and I are an “old” married couple, despite being in our mid thirties. With that being said, we are at the point in our relationship where we joke with each other. Yesterday, there was terrible weather in the Roll Tide city and I was driving. I turned on my wiper blades and my hub said “what’s that?”. To which I responded “I am checking my instruments since we are in IMC”. I looked over at him with my goofy smile and he rolled his eyes. Thanks for the funny fuel!

Have you ever been worried the FAA may not find you “English Proficient”? Have no fear, these two aerospace professionals set the bar low for you! I thought I was alone thinking that words were hard until I stumbled upon this podcast. Listening to this show is better than any college public speaking class I took. My confidence, despite my poor word pronunciation, is now through the roof. Next time I have a lengthy delay with bad news to pass along to passengers, I can now confidently make a standup PA (previously I would hide in the flight deck). In all seriousness, this podcast is a must listen for aviators of all levels. So many good tips and ticks. However, I tried to use inside OB knowledge with a center controller the other day and they just yelled at me that wouldn’t help them right now. If I was a true OB master, I should have known better than to use logic with a center controller. Thanks for everything you do guys! PS- I get such a high laughing during this podcast my new rule is “8hrs OB to the throttle!”

I used to have pride. I used to have dignity. Now I’m a center controller, longing for the golden days of yesteryear when I was a simple private pilot slipping the surly bonds of earth for the first time. Alas, much like the penguins on my iceberg, I am now flightless, relegated to watching the pretty yellow dots fly across my scope. In all seriousness, this show has kept my love of aviation firmly planted and well watered, unlike our houseplants. RH and AG are supremely knowledgeable and their delivery and dynamic always keep me coming back episode after episode to learn something new and laugh along the way. I have committed the unpardonable sin and listened for 5 years without leaving a review. I also let my Patreon lapse for a considerable amount of time after I had to replace everything in my lost wallet. Don’t be me! - SC

If you've ever thought, "Wow, I wish I could listen to two air traffic controllers answer emails about things I absolutely never wondered about for an hour and a half," congratulations — your oddly specific dream has come true with Opposing Bases. RH and AG, our fearless hosts, bravely navigate the complicated world of aviation communication by spending approximately 70% of each episode explaining basic concepts, 20% making jokes that definitely aren't just for their own amusement, and 10% realizing they’ve gone completely off-topic and hastily steering back. (It’s this commitment to chaos that really sets them apart.) Need advice on how not to get yelled at by ATC? Want a definitive answer on pilot phraseology? Hoping for deep insight into complex airspace management? Well... you’ll get something close to that here, but mostly you’ll get hilarious rants about terrible pilots, sarcastic listener feedback, and passionate debates over whether the word “approved” was said in the right tone of voice. The production quality is suspiciously good for a show that sounds like it was originally recorded on a Nokia flip phone, and honestly, their southern drawls deserve a guest credit of their own. By the time you hear them read a five-page email from “Anonymous from the Tri-State Area,” you’ll either be laughing uncontrollably or desperately Googling “fastest way to learn Morse code” just to get back some control over your brain. In short: Opposing Bases is an aviation podcast for people who love aviation, hate being serious about it, and don't mind being politely roasted along the way. Five sarcastic stars. Would definitely recommend... to my worst enemy and my best friend. MikeTango from the Sonoran Hotdog Charlie.

Not only are the hosts of OB knowledgeable and funny, so are the listeners. It’s great fun to listen to RH and AG get the giggles reading some particularly funny feedback or stumbling over long words … purposely thrown in to make them stumble. Well, I’m not particularly funny or grandiloquent, so I’ll go with earnest: The Opposing Bases podcast is gold, pure gold. There’s aviation gold, comedy gold and a healthy dose of The Golden Rule running through all of it. Opposing Bases was recommended to me by my CFI-I on our first instrument lesson and it has been a huge source of knowledge and entertainment. AG and RH put this show out week after week as a service to the aviation community and to make the National Airspace System a safer place. Without trying to be funny or wise or knowledgeable, they are all of those things, but it seems to surprise them as much as anyone else. One great thing about the show is that the hosts go out of their way to treat everyone with respect, whether it’s each other, the listeners, the pilot “customers” or other controllers. Well maybe not Center Controllers, but what’s a sibling rivalry without a few jabs here and there. I think that OB should be required listening for all pilots and controllers. And maybe for everyone (question mark)? JD from under the Wannabe Super-Charlie taking over the final approach to the Taco Truck Airport

If you’re a budding aviator, or even a seasoned sky god, this is the podcast that’ll have you giggling like a Cessna with a tailwind. Host RH and AG, two pilots/controllers are the dynamic duo. RH brings the smooth, calculated robotic tone & vibe of an airline pilot who seems to have done more TransAtlantic flights in a bunk than a 767’s engine has done RPMs. Meanwhile, AG has Helo experience that’s basically the aviation equivalent of being a sky warrior. If he’s not dodging mountains, he’s firing sarcasm, and frankly, he’s pretty good at both. So, pull up your flaps, set your altimeter, and join RH and AG for the most entertaining and educational aviation podcast. You’ll come for the jargon, and stay for the laughs. - Echo Romero Gulf

From a former center and current tower controller, I’ve truly enjoyed listening. The chemistry between the two hosts is uncanny. The analysis of situations is unbiased and insightful for pilots and controllers alike. This podcast will eventually push me to go and get my PPL at some point. Thanks for all you guys do.

Some people say RH and AG are the Car Talk of aviation. But they’re more like the Odd Couple when debating who should read the next feedback. And now that everyone under the age of 40 has left in confusion and boredom … I’ll just say this show is fantastic. Fascinating deep dives into aviation and ATC topics and issues, even for someone outside the field. And it’s clear the guys are intelligent, even though they once wondered out loud what seeds were used in the Chia Pet.