A/c unsure of position - A/G acting like Radar Unit!
The scene at a midlands GA airfield today with Air/Ground facility.
A/c calls up inbound on a qualifying cross country unsure of position - "I can see etc..." A/G facility then starts issuing "instructions" - "Do a 180 to the left then etc..." assisted by airborne local aircraft with instructor on board also giving unsolicited advice etc.
My hair stood on end as I listened to all this. Said student pilot then say he has identified the airfield - I butt in and say, "Are you sure it isn't XXX?" and then strongly advise the A/G facility to suggest that inbound lost aircraft calls adjacent CTR/CTA with radar for assistance. This was then done and aircraft located and given steers to overhead etc.
I was appalled that the A/G facility took it into their heads to even attempt to assist whilst lost aircraft might be violating controlled airspace etc.
Any comments?