**Captain of United Airlines Displays Unprofessional Behavior with Newark ATC**
A recent event involving a United Airlines Boeing 787-10 saw a captain exhibiting an unprofessional demeanor towards the Newark approach air traffic controller. The flight, arriving from Brussels, was approaching its destination when this interaction took place.
**Overview of the Incident**
As the Dreamliner made its way to Newark, the pilot requested vectors for the approach. The dialogue proceeded as follows:
– United pilot: “United 995.”
– Approach controller: “United 995, go ahead.”
– United pilot: “Could you provide that intercept?”
– Approach controller: “I know what I’m doing, just give me about five more seconds.”
– United pilot: “Alright, I’d like a phone number too when you can.”
– Approach controller: “United 985, turn right heading 190 to join, cleared ILS 22L.”
– United pilot: “190, cleared 22L, United 995.”
– Approach controller: “United 995, reduce speed to 160, hold 160 to five-mile final.”
– United pilot: “I thought you knew what you were doing? 160 to five, United 995.”
The pilot’s remarks were viewed as unnecessary and disrespectful, particularly given the controller’s probable reason for the delay: managing another aircraft’s takeoff from Teterboro.
**First Officer’s Challenges with Communication**
After landing, the first officer assumed radio communications, revealing his struggle to accurately read back instructions:
– Tower controller: “United 995 heavy, we’re still waiting on the gate, so you’re gonna go southbound P, then AA, hold short of runway 22R.”
– United pilot: “P, hold short 22R, United 995.”
– Tower controller: “And just confirm, hold short of 22R at AA, United 995 heavy.”
– United pilot: “Affirmative, copy, United 995 heavy.”
– Tower controller: “I just need the full read back, United 995, hold short of runway 22R at AA.”
– United pilot: “22R at AA, United 995.”
– Tower controller: “You just said 22R at AA.”
– *no response*
– Tower controller: “United 995 heavy, at AA hold short of runway 22R.”
– United pilot: “At AA hold short of runway 22R, United 995.”
The exchange spanned nine transmissions to resolve, underscoring the first officer’s need for enhanced radio communication abilities.
**Final Thoughts**
This incident highlights the critical nature of professionalism in aviation communications. The captain’s demeanor towards the controller was inappropriate, especially when considering his first officer’s communication difficulties. The tower controller’s patience and insistence on correct readbacks were praiseworthy, ensuring safety and clarity in operations.