Originally Posted by MFan97

How many of you use the word “leveling” from time to time? As in “Delta 123 leveling 14,000”.

I ask because I was ripped a new one by a very rude ATL approach controller recently. We were descending through 14,400 at a rate of about 2,000fpm, our rate was slowly decreasing to hold 14,000. Perhaps 15 seconds or so from being level. I checked in with “Delta 123 leveling 14,000”, and he just went off on me.

My research leads me to believe that the controller was probably correct that this isn’t 100% by-the-book phraseology, but I know I’m not that unusual in saying it. I’ve tried to filter out perceived annoying things like “with you” from my calls...never knew that this was so objectable.

Most of what bothers me is, what possesses people to be dicks? This was not the time or place for an unsolicited lesson, especially for something so petty.
Thoughts?