Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

As a homemaker with a fear of big engines, aviation is not my cup of tea. I listen because AG and RH are the most compelling duo to grace the podcast medium. They demonstrate the measured restraint that only comes from years of speaking on government record. RH can read something truly absurd, and the only acknowledgement is a poignant crack in his voice. Most of the jargon and acronyms are lost on me, but it’s like in the movie Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts goes to the opera, and even though it’s in italian and she doesn’t understand italian, her eyes well up with tears because she _gets_ it. What does it mean to give an IFR clearance to an aircraft that can’t maintain VFR and VMC below the MVA? I don’t know. But when I hear AG respond with a deep inhale…then a sigh…performance transcends federal regulations and I find myself giggling as I push the vacuum around in my high heels. I must issue one warning. If you are accustomed to listening and you decide to check out an Opposing Bases video, have your smelling salts handy. These men are handsome. I assume live audiences require adherence to 91.211.

Listening to Opposing Bases is like being on the perfect flight: smooth cruising with just enough turbulence (aka hilarious banter) to keep things interesting. AG and RH are the flight deck dream team, delivering aviation wisdom and comedy gold like it’s their final approach to a podcast awards ceremony. These two turn the nerdy world of ATC and aviation into a laugh-out-loud masterpiece. Want to know about airspace regulations? They’ve got it covered—with analogies so ridiculous they’ll make you forget you were even confused in the first place. Want a laugh so good you’ll snort coffee through your nose? Check. And for free, you get a bonus lesson on how not to sound like a total noob on the radio. WIN. Somehow, they make the chaos of holding patterns sound like an action movie and IFR clearances seem like a high-stakes chess match. Their storytelling? Flawless. Their chemistry? Chef’s kiss. Their ability to make you care about things like wake turbulence and VORs? Legendary. Frankly, I don’t know how I survived without Opposing Bases in my life. It’s like finding the perfect checklist for both your brain and your funny bone. I’ve learned so much AND cried-laughed so hard, I’m starting to think they should hand out logbook endorsements for listening. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just someone who wonders why airplanes don’t have horns, this podcast will have you hooked. So buckle up, put your tray table down (because you’ll need a place for your snacks and your sides that’ll be splitting), and prepare for a comedic climb to FL420. AG and RH: cleared for podcast stardom!

I was happily sailing my ship through life until I stumbled upon the island of aviation, where penguins roam. Ever since, it’s been a constant battle to keep the penguins sorted and thriving on this strange, fascinating island. Opposing Bases has been an incredible guide, helping me make sense of penguin talk—wait, I mean ATC lingo—and how the NAS operates. As my iceberg of aviation knowledge has grown, I’ve been able to accommodate more penguins, and this podcast has been a huge part of that journey. Thank you, Opposing Bases, for making the world of aviation approachable, entertaining, and downright penguin-friendly!

As a GA pilot based south of the Buccaneer Bravo, I stumbled across this podcast while looking for something to supplement my understanding of these goofy rules and regulations one must learn and understand to fly in the system. Thanks to RH and AG’s expert guidance, I didn’t just survive my instrument checkride—I navigated it with the precision of a Penguin Airlines captain on final. Their podcast transforms the frosty complexities of IFR into a warm and approachable journey. From decoding obscure FARs to tackling mythical airspace challenges, every episode is like finding a perfect shell on Sanibel—rare, valuable, and totally worth the time. Opposing Bases is a must-listen for pilots of all stripes. Thank you for helping this penguin stay aloft, even when the soup is thick and the iceberg is constantly tipping over.