First off I'd say it sounds like the person acting as ATC for this approach either dropped the ball or was trying to challenge you.
Originally Posted by
avi8tor4life
I was already inbound to the FAF but was in a hold not on the approach. I was then cleared for the approach but could not make the crossing altitude.
As far as I know most approaches have what are known as "approach gates." They are usually 3 to 5 miles from the FAF and serve as a point that ATC should have you on or near. The idea being that you should have a few miles to get established before things start to get more critical, I.E. configuring your A/C, tracking the glideslope, starting timers, etc. So when you say you were inbound to the FAF but not on the approach, I'm wondering if you were on charted part of the procedure or was it a hold the guy made up?
Originally Posted by
avi8tor4life
I then asked for another turn around the hold and then the instructor got on me for asking ATC to fly the airplane. So I went around again so that I wouldn't have to space shuttle the approach.
There isn't anything wrong with refusing or requesting different instructions to ensure that you maintain a controlled and safe approach, no matter who is at fault. In the real world however you may be penalized (you want an extra turn in the hold? How about five more loops?) by ATC for a lack of foresight.