"Mike Young" wrote in message
...
"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Mike Young" wrote in message
. ..

I am "unable" to hop like a frog.
I "refuse" to hop like a frog.

There's a distinct difference.


Bad analogy. Is there a distinct difference between saying you're
"unable" to hop like a frog, and saying you "refuse" to hop like a frog,
when you ARE able to hop like a frog?

Yes, I do believe this is at the crux of this thread (rope). The
presumption is that the controller stating UNABLE in any way resembles a
pilot's use of UNABLE.


Here's the definition from the Pilot/Controller Glossary:

UNABLE- Indicates inability to comply with a specific instruction, request,
or clearance.

Do you see a resemblance now?



We're down to just the semantics of the controller's statement that he was
*UNABLE* to land the distressed aircraft on the requested runway.


Well, we know that he was able to, the FAA said so.