wrote in message
ups.com...
[...]
But the tower controller didn't tell him to copy a number (altho maybe
he got that on the ground. But I asked a few of the other CFIs I work
with about this..most agreed with me, but a couple thought the pilot
was wrong for various reasons.
So...what is your take on this?

Generally, one is required to comply with ATC instructions. Regardless of
whether you're "in their airspace" or not. That said, it doesn't sound like
the tower controller gave any particular instruction that the pilot here
could have been construed as not complying with.

In any case, clearly the pilot was well within his rights, whether he was
within the Class D airspace or not, to maneuver as necessary to avoid other
traffic. IMHO, it was a bad idea to do 360s (especially multiple 360s)
without keeping the controller in the loop by telling them of the plan. But
I don't see any regulatory violation.

In other words: I don't think the pilot violated any federal rules, but he
did violate some basic common sense rules. Between the pilot and the
controller, I think the controller made more/bigger mistakes than the pilot.

I agree with your thoughts that it's not helpful to get into arguments on
the radio. I've had my share of "interesting" moments with ATC, but it
almost never solves anything to make comments on the radio. I just stick to
the important stuff, like clearances and requests and whatnot. But who
knows? Maybe this particular controller, this is just what he needed to get
him thinking the right way. Probably not, but you never know.

Pete