Oh dear - seems I previously forgot to move the 'Jetblast Booster Switch' to the 'Off' position. Alcohol induced lapse I'm afraid - apologies to any/all who took offence. (This contribution I hasten to add is 'pre-pub'!)
Despite the strong arguments I have read on the part of those in the cockpit, I have this over riding concern regarding the habit 'some', I say again to stress not all but 'some', crews have of questioning ATC instructions on the RT for reasons other than straightforward confirmation.
If, for whatever reason, many having been listed previously, a standing agreement was not adhered to on a given day, I fear RT exchanges along the lines of: "confirm that was descend to FLXX to be level abeam ABC for the XYZ123?" followed by "
Affirm XYZ123, be FLXX abeam ABC", "But isn't it usually FLYY? Any reason..." and so on becoming increasingly common.
I do see some benefit for Flight Ops/Dispatch being given a greater insight into the application of agreed levels for the sake of fuel planning. However, my gut instinct I'm afraid remains to keep you 'drivers' out of the loop for fear of, and again I stress a minority, your erstwhile colleagues taking it upon themselves to question ATC whilst on the RT. I'm all for communication between the professions, but there is definitely a time and a place best suited for such and debating chambers are best left off the airwaves, and kept in the pubs (Or Jetblast
)!
Cheers
...