Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 3100; Flight Crew Type 2900
Communication Breakdown; Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
[I was on a] VFR Part 91 flight to ABQ. At about 30 NM west of PHX at an altitude of 9;500 MSL; contacted PHX Approach as a courtesy for radar advisories while transitioning the PHX area above Class Bravo airspace. Received transponder code and was identified. PHX Approach indicated to notify prior to any altitude change. I was then told to contact Luke Approach; which I did. Luke Controller directed me to change heading to 030. No other information was given; not a traffic advisory; not a conflict; nothing; no reason given. This heading would turn me directly into Alert Area A231. I informed Luke that I was VFR; in Class Echo airspace and my flight plan was direct to PEAKS Intersection then to SJN VOR. Controller again; with no reason given; directed me to turn to a heading of 030. I again informed him I was VFR in Class Echo airspace and 'unable.' Luke Controller indicated that I was violating a 'high altitude' traffic pattern and need to turn away from it. I was monitoring an IFR certified G430 moving map; had a iPad moving map utilizing 'Foreflight;' also current; a current PHX sectional paper map; a PHX TAC chart all in front of me with no (I mean none) indication of restricted; MOA; Alert; Prohibited or any other special use airspace that I might be encroaching upon. I asked multiple times what airspace I was violating. I requested a time check and asked if a supervisor could plug in and explain why a VFR flight was attempting to be vectored. I requested a phone number as so I could speak with them upon my arrival to ABQ. I spoke with a Sergeant who indicated that he was in charge and he indicated a potential deviation would be filed and he used a Chapter 5 AIM paragraph as the regulation that he could vector anyone anywhere he decided. I tried to explain that he could suggest a heading or vector; but it was not proper; from my 30 years of flying; to be vectoring VFR flights; because of uncharted airspace that they claim they own and control. I ceased any further discussion with him.
C182 pilot at 9;500 FT; using flight following with Luke Approach; is issued a 030 degree heading to avoid a 'high altitude traffic pattern.' Since there is no indication of military airspace on available charts or GPS the reporter declines the request.