ATC Best Practices

Course Description

Pilots and air traffic control are a team, and good communication is vital to safety and efficiency. In this program Ryan Hampton and Adam Garrison—RH and AG of the popular Opposing Bases podcast—will cover:

• Uncontrolled field Operations: Pattern communications and IFR releases
• IFR airborne pick-ups and flight following requests: sound like a pro
• Cruise deviations: how to help ATC plan for your reroute for inclement weather 
• Descent Planning on longer IFR flights: how to get what you want with crossing restrictions
• Low and close IFR operations: speed and configuration planning and anticipating ATC instructions.

Presenters:

Ryan Hampton (RH) is a 23-year veteran Air Traffic Controller and ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI with type ratings in the Beech Jet and Canadair Regional Jet.  He has about 1000 hours of piston general aviation experience in Cessna and Piper products and 3500 hours of multi-crew turbine experience.  Ryan is an active FAA controller trainer.

Adam Garrison (AG) is a U.S. Army Reserve pilot flying the CH-47 Chinook as command pilot and instructor. He is also King Air qualified.  AG has logged 2200 hours total flight time including 800 combat hours in 149 combat missions in the Middle East.  Highly decorated with Army Master Aviator Wings and Combat Action badge, he is an FAA Air Traffic Controller since 2011 and is an active controller trainer. 

Adam and Ryan have co-hosted the Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk podcast since 2018.