The PIC has every right in the world to declare an emergency, the buck stops with him, no questions asked. When he is asked to submit a report the last statement is usually, "this course of action was deemed safe or safer than any other.

First off, what was the emergency ? AA2 could not land into the wind, so he basically cancelled IFR services and descended to 600 feet on a 120 heading then climbed back up to 1200 feet on a 303 heading. Does this sound like the safest path...I'll give you the benefit of the doubt AA73, convince me you would have done the same thing over Long Beach.

I like the grow a pair comment...I guess that means if you don't get the clearance you like because you are the Nordstrom Pilots of the Sky, then just tell the controller to F-Off.

Unbelievable..even from you.

FF