Captain 7 said:
It is very redundant and dumb to ever use the phrase "with you" in your radio transmission to an ATC controller. He certainly realizes that you are "with him" by the mere fact you are speaking to him! And while we're at it, lets drop the phrase "any chance" when requesting something. Just request it, it's not a bookie joint.
I love it! I fully agree with Captain 7 that there IS NO NEED to mention "with you". It is not in the pilot controller glossary. "Palm Beach approach, Arrow 12345 two thousand five hundred" is sufficient. That is it, short, concise, to the point.
I cringe when I hear "Daytona Departure, Cessna XXX with you on the missed out of Melbourne, heading 240 as assigned, leaving 800 for 2000". I think the reason for this is that the student is not understanding what is happening, does not have the full picture of radar, does not really know what is going on.
I say this because when I was a student, I used to say the exact same thing. I did not have a clue, was just told by my instructor to state my position, my heading, my altitude. Now that the tables are turned and I am an instructor, I have a bit more "insight", yet also make sure my students have that insight as well!
Funny story... yesterday I was flying with someone (with a heavy British accent) who told Miami that he was "with them at flight level two five hundred." I started laughing and he asked me what I was laughing about. I said, "there is no need to say 'with you' as they know you are there. "And since when are we at 250,000 feet?"
He defended his position. I tried to explain to no avail so I took a laid back attitude, and just told him he would find out soon enough.
Next call was "Arrow 123 maintain VFR at or above two thousand six hundred." I motioned with my hands 3 and 5 (meaning three thousand five hundred). Of course student is on top on the game and does not need any guidance from me.
He responds, Miami center, Arrow 123 requests flight level three five thousand".
I am laughing... Miami center "Arrow 123, I do not know what they do on your side of the pond, but our flight levels do not start until 18,000 feet! Maintain VFR at or above two thousand six hundred, altitude your discretion." did not need to say another word... my initial point was very well taken.