The number of controllers who are current pilots is a distinct minority. Sure, some of us have some flight background, and the FAA encourages controllers to take familiarization flights to experience the pilot side. Still, a significant number have never even cracked open a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator, much less sat down at the controls of an actual airplane. Therefore, when a controller issues an instruction, it's unlikely he knows what's involved in carrying it out. Executing "Proceed direct FIX2" means very different things in a Cessna 172 versus an Airbus A320. We don't know how many knob twists, key strokes, iPad finger swipes, or other actions must occur, and how fast you can carry them out based on your workload or experience.
展开▼
