Originally Posted by
le Pingouin
How hard is it to train pilots that if they're intending to request a clearance that they need a contingency plan in case they're knocked back?
It's wrong to say he didn't have a plan B.
Plan B was simple - deviate right to go around the CTA at cruising level. He was following that plan.
The question is why did he turn back on track and descend, after he had indicated that he wanted to stay at 6500?