So who is the smarty pants?
Yesterday afternoon (Friday 16th) at about 3.30, CX B773 for KL taxying out on "J" for 25L. I (ground 122.55) gave him J9 as there was a JAL B747 taxying out H8 followed by a Vietnam A320 both for J10. When I switched CX to 118.4 (Tower South) where there was a newly rated female ATCO, this guy asks for J10, I (through her) knocked it back. He insists, so I said to my newly rated colleague, "well he can follow Vietnam", of course there is then a big change of heart, and he is now ready for an immediate from J9 as there was a landing freighter at about 6 miles from touchdown on 25L. I know that some of you have a pretty fair idea when there are newly rated controllers (or trainees) occupying positions. I think generally we (ATC) and the various HK airlines enjoy a pretty high level of mutual respect and understanding, but I can assure you that we can all do without this sort of stuff. My personal philosophy is that I will try and accomodate what you want (if practical), however when confronted by this sort of thing, then ones desire to help tends to go down hill a bit. This is not a generalisation, just directed at the people on that particular flight. There are lot's of times when we stuff up, or could have done things better, and I will be the first to concur/apologise, however, I see this as a blatant case of wasting our time and resources needlessly.