B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 5674; Flight Crew Type 3006
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Human Factors; Procedure
Checked in and told to expect RWY 16R. It was VMC so we expected a visual approach backed up by the ILS as briefed. On downwind at 11000 we were informed by ATC that if we accepted the RNAV Arrival our ground path would be shorter. We demurred; and had to explain that we did not want the RNAV. Flew visual approach after reporting field in sight to uneventful landing. Report submitted to highlight issue of push from ATC to get late RNAV clearance. I have had this happen multiple times in DEN ATC airspace. Have actually called local ATC rep to discuss how much time is involved in briefing an RNAV approach properly prior to flying it. It appears that DEN ATC still has controllers that are either unaware or do not understand the threat for a poorly briefed/flown RNAV approach. We even have a pilot bulletin on the issue in Denver of all places that speaks to the profile being flown with autopilot to ensure separation is not lost.Pilots tend to ask for direct and shortcuts out of habit/culture; and ATC is accommodating. If we want to avoid issues we must ensure understanding on the part of ATC of pilot requirements. It can be hard when there are multiple airlines with different procedures; and some who seem to always be able to accept what ATC provides.
B737 Captain reported the tendency of Denver Approach controllers to push pilots to accept late RNAV approach clearances.