ATC will often ask pilots if they can do something somewhat out of the ordinary for the purpose of granting a shortcut or maybe to gain that extra slice of airspace. This subtle word works on both sides of the coin. In the pattern, Tower might ask a pilot to fly a short approach that-if the pilot is unprepared and accepts it-requires a steep and fast dive. Perhaps youve been offered that so they can fit you inside of other traffic, to avoid vectoring you 10 miles out to get behind everyone. Or, perhaps they just need you to cross the approach end of the runway so they can start getting other airplanes out. Regardless, if you dont think you can safely and properly comply, bring on the PIC authority and just say it, Unable.
"Unable" is a critical and universally understood term in aviation, empowering both pilots and Air Traffic Control (ATC) to communicate an inability to comply with instructions or requests for safety or operational reasons.
As the Pilot-in-Command, pilots hold the ultimate authority and responsibility to declare "Unable" when an instruction compromises the safety of flight, even if it feels inconvenient or assertive.
While a last resort, using "Unable" ensures safe operations and can be more effective when accompanied by a brief explanation, helping ATC or the pilot find alternative, compliant solutions.
How often has ATC asked or maybe even told you to do something that was just not inside your capabilities or safety limits? A few times? Maybe you are an airline pilot and it happens somewhat often. What about when you requested a short cut or something other than normal?
There are many cases on both sides of the mic where saying, “Unable” is the best thing to do.
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