I'll back up my statements. I was at an FAA Saftey Seminar in the Volenteer Miry Brook FD where the Tower Chief, John Stevens talked and confirmed most of the controllers are from the Navy.
I was instructed to position and hold on runway 26 a few months back. There were 4 people in line behind me. No landing traffic. I had expected a takeoff clearance when I got into position...still waiting after a minute went by..."Danbury Tower, 93X, still in position 26, 4 guys behind me" "93X, roger"
I had to call another 3 times before I recieved takeoff clearance. This all happened in about 10 minutes...sitting on the runway..wasting time, gas, and $$. The tower never explained why the delay...I doubt they were talking to N90 for 10 minutes.
I was inbound 10 NE of DXR with info Lima. They told me to report a mid-field, right downwind. "Report mid-field right d/w, 93X" "93X!!! Readback you will report at midfield right d/w!!" "Tower, 93X will report mid-field right d/w, you must have blocked us off before."
I was on a straight into DXR on a 10 nm final, inbound from INDDY intersection which is about 10 to the east of DXR. They told me to report a 3nm straight in. As instructed, I called in 3 mile straight in-26. "93X, roger"...."93X, say your position!" "93X, about 3/4 mile final" "93X, try and pick up inbound speed please" "93X" "93X, is that you on 1/4 mile final???" "Affirmative, we called at 3nm, and 3/4nm, and no landing clearance" "93X, cleared to land"
They have some major flaws and is it EXTREMEMLY dependant on the controller. There are many guys that are REALLY good and many that are not. It is also based on the training and past experience the controller(s) have had. Like I said, it is extremely based on the controller. Some are very expereinced and have great situational awareness, but it becomes dangerous when they do not. MidWest has some great ATCT's out there. From my experience, in the last few years it has gotten extremely better.
I'd like to appoligize to Dave, BigOkie, davolijj, and any other readers. My previous post should not have been said unless I had included some proof of my point. I regret it very much.Sorry if I did not provide enough evidence in my previous post