Perks to be being an ATC

[derg]

FL 170 huh?

Some transition altitudes & levels start pretty low overseas.

I'll take varying TA's and TL's over dealing with US/Metric conversions and FL's in Russia any day!

"Descend 800 meters standard"

 

[Yank&BankmyRJ145]

I will second that Doug, for me it just gives me something else to do and keeps me on my toes.

 

[CTsky]

I use this great word "UNABLE". I went around Saturday, and during the handoff back to approach the tower asked why. I clicked the mic and said it was a slam dunk and poor vectors, I'm not going to fly my airplane unsafely. I use "UNABLE" any time controllers give me a clearance that might have me use my speed brakes.
Speed brakes are for my mistakes not yours!

That's awesome. I am absolutely convinced that KS Center, Orlando approach, and Fort Worth Center have a contest to see who can do the best rj dunks. I know the guy in KS had a good laugh with us into CID- you could hear the betting going on in the background.
Speed brakes on the E170 are about as good as sticking your hand out the window, and when you override the auto throttles you get that flashing EICAS message.