Recently I've experienced a Rash of "Crazy ATC Instructions." example, "Turn Right HDG330 for traffic Descend and maintain FL250 cross WTEVA intersection at or Below 11,000 then descend to 9000 ." So you're like....Why didn't you just say, turn RT HDG330 Descend PD to 9000????

OR the one that leaves you clueless "Descend to 9000 Slow to 200, At 9000 Turn Right 10 degrees and tell me that heading, expect 5000 in 5mins." You're like PHEW!!! Do you want me to Slow now or at 9K and why don't you want me to turn 10RT and tell you the HDG now????? Read it back 2 times then He/She's mad because you don't really understand what the Hell they want you to do.

Is this only happening on flights I'm on or is this a common practice. I'm not sure what's going on or why these tactics are being used but it's dangerous and it's a SET UP to get YOU in Trouble.

Has anyone else seen this lately?

 

This is probably specific to one terminal area? which center or terminal area was this? it might have something to do with the fact that radios are extremely busy these days so they bark out all the instructions at once, its hard enough as it is to check in.

on a similar note, i suspect that in the future in busy places like NY and Chicago, youll be told to monitor rather than contact the next controller on a handoff

 

There are 11,000 certified controllers, with 3700 trainees right now.

A lower "B scale" for new hires since Sep 3, 2006. Lot's of other internal issues.

So, remember, you have to accept that clearance... or not.

 

Of course going into DCA you just get the Eldee3 arrival and you hardly hear anything over the radio...BUT if you don't have VNav, you get to step down 1000ft at a time every few miles or so...like a long a$$ nonprecision approach from 15000ft...

 

I've seen it across the board... Yesterday alone I was giving crazy instructions coming out of MSY by Houston CTR going into CVG by App and on the way to BDL by Boston CTR.....

 

somewhere I think... even the FAA regulations only permit a controller to give three instructions..... but who is counting.

 

Hey Herc, did you talk to PW yet? our first -400 just showed up this week. 2nd one coming in may

 

I called and left him a message. He is traveling to LA this weekend for a job Fair...i will try again tomorrow before he leaves.

If I wasnt flying saturday, I would JS to LA to see him.

SWEET!!! -400s.....

 

they must need guys bad if theyre attending job fairs

 

The other day at CLT I was instructed on downwind at 7000 in the CRJ-200 to slow to 150 knots. I said, "Unable". She repeated the instruction and I told her I was not flying a helicopter and can't slow to that speed on this part of the approach. No final flaps and gear down at 7000 feet on downwind.

When I landed I was told the call the dreaded number. I did and talked to the supervisor in a very calm and apologetic voice. I think he understood exactly why I couldn't slow the CRJ-200 to that speed.

I apologised and said that I was out of line to say in a snotty way that I couldn't fly that slow because I wasn't a helicopter and he thought the whole thing was funny.