Altitude deviation

drunkenbeagle said:
Kind of curious - it happens somewhat frequently in weather in Florida that I will hit a cloud street of thermals that makes it impossible to hold altitude or descend. I got blown up 1000 feet in about 20 seconds last week (and back down on the other side). Not turbulent, but, well, Florida can do that.

Usually, it is when I have already asked for a steer around it, but once or twice ATC hasn't been cool with reality. What's the best way to give a heads up that altitude is not entirely something I am entirely controlling?
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Personally I'd rather have you just ask for a block but at least let the controller know what's up.
 
MidlifeFlyer said:
And for those who aren't cool with it, it is out job as PIC to let them know we are having difficulty holding altitude due to thermal activity, whether the controller likes it or not.

Old story - single engine IFR pilot heading up the east coast is vectored over a large expanse of water. After failing to negotiate
something closer in with the controller, the pilot finally plays the E card, "N1234X is declaring an emergency.: "State the nature of the emergency" is the response and the pilot replies, "The one I am gong to have if you make me fly 30 miles from shore."
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Unfortunately, not everyone in this industry views pilots and controllers as a team and I'm always frustrated when presented with examples of such.

That said, there have been times when it would have been preferable had the pilot declared an emergency (weather deviation vs. Restricted airspace, for example). Sometimes our hands are tied. The people making the rules are generally not the people who fly or control, but you already knew that.
 
A80TRACON said:
A lot less worse than the rediculous VFR OTP. Never understood the reason for it, and never will.

14 shifts left till I'm gone for good. 30 yrs, 8 months, 19 days
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You guys get VFR OTP at A80??

Congratulations!! Enjoy your retirement, I'm sure it's well-earned.
 
Cruise said:
Congrats...albeit a little early.
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Thanks, 7 calendar days, 6 shifts.

Have worked 550+ hours of mandatory OT this year and won't miss it, or the job. Aviation, and the FAA have changed drastically and not for the good, mostly, over 30+ years and I'm happy to be leaving.
 
A80TRACON said:
A lot less worse than the rediculous VFR OTP. Never understood the reason for it, and never will.
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95% of the pilots that ask for it don't understand what it's for either.

"Do you really want OTP or are you just trying to get above the layer and then intend to cancel IFR?"

"Oh, yeah, that second thing."

A80TRACON said:
Aviation, and the FAA have changed drastically and not for the good, mostly, over 30+ years and I'm happy to be leaving.
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Get off my lawn.
 
Did I mention 550+ hours of mandatory OT.......this year (actually since February)?

Not as bad as last year's 700+, but if I wasn't leaving now, it'd beat that.
 
A80TRACON said:
Thanks, 7 calendar days, 6 shifts.

Have worked 550+ hours of mandatory OT this year and won't miss it, or the job. Aviation, and the FAA have changed drastically and not for the good, mostly, over 30+ years and I'm happy to be leaving.
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So are you gonna stick around here or checking out from aviation altogether?
 
A80TRACON said:
Heading to Baghdad in Oct to become an ATC instructor. Officially retired yesterday. 30 yrs 8 months 19 days of govt service.
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Congrats! Hopefully you'll stick around here and continue to share your knowledge and experience with the group.
 
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