I almost blew it today

john smith wrote:
Bill Watson wrote:
Why did I go to Runway 5? Because that's where the tower told me to
go. But as any tailwheel pilot knows ( and all other pilots should
know too), you are PIC and always decide what runway is acceptable.
I've refused such clearances before, even with the threat of "we may
not be able to clear you for takeoff for quite some time (KRDU
32025G..)" Stoooopid!

I have had to argue with the tower to get a runway into the wind when
there was no other traffic. Sometimes, one has to wonder what those guys
in the tower get paid to do. ;-)

I always assume that the less demanding the airport or airspace, the
less proficiency/engagement/knowledgeable assistance I can generally
expect from ATC. Of course, that generally applies to pilots too ;-)