Originally Posted by
Scoop
I really don't think that controller had a leg to stand on - "Between now and midnight" is a ridiculous answer. A good proportion of the NYC controllers at all 3 airports seem to take pride in being rude, demeaning and overly aggressive. The problem with this is that just adds to the radio congestion and makes the whole operation less safe and very much more inefficient. If the controllers would speak calmly, clearly and slowly it would probably save a lot of unnecessary radio calls. Assuming a Pilot that sees JFK occasionally has the same level of knowledge as a controller who operates there every single day is what IMHO leads to a lot of these issues.
Yes the NYC airports are overcrowded, but some of the controllers attitudes only adds to the problems instead of helping to mitigate them.
Scoop
Anecdotal and outdated, but just an attempt to show human nature rather than the stresses of NYC come into play.
In the mid 1970's during the wee hours of the morning myself and a few other light twins/twin beeches starting their taxi's at STL. One guy gets all confused and ground goes off on him.
Whatever.
A few minutes later I am airborne as the ground berated flight checks in with departure. After departure acknowledges he pauses then asks: "Flight xyz just WHAT did you do to that poor ground controller?!"
I always wondered just what kind of behind the scenes meltdown that controller had.