Ah...ATC
I started flying out of Van Nuys, CA #1 busiest GA in the states Frequently, I would fly an approach to the taxi way, and have a fixed wing off my right for the runway, no big deal, maintain visual, easy peasy! NOW, I'm flying out of Torrance, CA(Robinson factory is located there), and I'm now cleared to land behind fixed wings, for the numbers, WHY?? I'm following a Citbria, that is may doing 50 KTS, and then ATC wants me to shoot my approach, and terminate, at the numbers? AGAIN...WHY? I as so used to Van Nuys, and now this C$AP! So I'm burning .1 to .2 extra, because I'm having to follow a fixed wing on final! HEY, I rent, so every point counts, especially in the pockets! The other day, I was asked to shoot my approach to the active, which I did(ATC did not acknowledge my base to final call either). Then ATC instructed me to air taxi down the runway, to parking, no big deal. As I'm coming off the active to the grass, he tells me to hold for the Citation taxing south. The Citation is about 300 feet away, and I asked for an expedite to the pad, in front of the Citation, which ATC said HOLD. Now, which is less dangerous, me having to wait for his jet blast to settle, or a little downwash(R-22) from me? I think that some ATC know about helicopter ops, and some just do not! BUT, the other day, I asked about a TFR for the Rosebowl to a neighboring airport. I was transitioning through, and asked about the TFR. I rarely make any conversation with ATC, always, straight and to the point, and keep it brief. This guy was so hopeful, and quite pleasing to talk too, infact, he chewed out a fixed wing, for interrupting us! So, I really think it's the individual ATC'er. I just wish they were more consistent, and not constanly changing there minds!
My .2 cents!