Dave wrote:
Try going further west. I was based at AVL for over a year, and found
the controllers
pretty friendly and accomodating. Be that as it may, I am well aware of
the "attitude"
that many of these facilities have (probably reflects the sort of
management that the
controllers have to live with). Bottom line is that I would rather not
talk to ATC if I have
a choice in the matter. I will route myself over, around or under their
airspace and never
say a word - and I will always choose an uncontrolled airport in
preference to one with a tower if said facilities will serve my needs.

I agree that management must be the issue. It's not individual controllers
it's the facility.

OTOH, I prefer using the system as much as I can, especially flying IFR.
IFR for VMC cross countries is easier and arguably safer. We have a
great system and using it is a great priviledge for this pilot.

I use big airports and small and find great service at both. I like big
airport security for my tied down aircraft. The best places of all are
often big city 'relievers' like Peter O in Tampa - Nice! It's all about
the money.

Of course, places like Peach State AP have cheap gas, good food, great
people, and great aircraft. Hard to beat places like that but it's not
near anything else of interest.