Radio 'altercation' with ATC

On 10 Dec 2004 14:24:54 -0800, wrote:

So...what is your take on this?

I had something similar happen to me, but I think it was a controller
misunderstanding of my situation or he was having a bad day.

I reside under charlie airspace. I took off, turn out toward the NE
practice area. I listened, approach was jockeying several planes, so I
maintained 500 feet below the floor of charlie airspace. I called in
Approach 43L. Approach didn't acknowledge and about 1 minute later, I
called in again Approach, Sundowner 12345L, one thousand 400 feet 2 miles
north of Madison, headed to the NE practice area. Approach said to me,
43L, you are suppose to call before you leave the ground on 123.90. Squawk
0104. HUH??????? I am doing VFR to the practice area! Never had to call
before wheels up before!

Thoroughly confused, thinking I was calling on the wrong frequency, look at
my com 2 and saw I was on the correct frequency. I keyed the mike up, 43L
listening on 123.90. Because he befuddled me, I had to re-ask the squawk
code, which of course didn't make him any happier. I confirmed the squawk,
and continued on to the practice area.

Personally, I was confused and mad at the same time as I sure didn't expect
the kind of treatment I received. So, I had to say to myself, the less
said the better, get the squawk code and enjoy the flight.

I think the controller must have thought diffently later on his initial
contact with me, as he was nice as pie when I wanted to return to my
airport.

So, in a nutshell, I have to agree with others, there is no time for
arguing on the radio. Do what ATC says, and resolve it on the ground. Of
course, if ATC says something contrary to safety, I would exercise my PIC
duties.

Allen