chicagorandy wrote:I'm not yet one, but doesn't the responsibility fall upon the pilot for all air and ground "control"? The good folks on the other side of the radio are just advising a necessary course of action.
I could easily be mistaken - lol
I think you kinda are.
ATC instructions are NOT advisory in nature:
§ 91.123 Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions.
(a) When an ATC clearance has been obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency exists, or the deviation is in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory. However, except in Class A airspace, a pilot may cancel an IFR flight plan if the operation is being conducted in VFR weather conditions. When a pilot is uncertain of an ATC clearance, that pilot shall immediately request clarification from ATC.
(b) Except in an emergency, no person may operate an aircraft contrary to an ATC instruction in an area in which air traffic control is exercised.That being said, the pilot in command
is the final authority:
§
91.3 – Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.
(a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.
(b) In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency.
(c) Each pilot in command who deviates from a rule under paragraph (b) of this section shall, upon the request of the Administrator, send a written report of that deviation to the Administrator.So you’re not wrong, per sé, but up until a pilot exercises emergency authority, in the air or on the ground, he or she is not being
advised by ATC, they are in fact being
ordered to comply by ATC.
All THAT being said, I have found ground controllers neither more nor less likely to make mistakes than other controllers. They are sometimes one and the same person, just talking on different frequencies - at least at less busy towered airports.