Cessna 350
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 225; Flight Crew Total 9500; Flight Crew Type 1300
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors
I was flying a heading of 185-190 to maintain the ground track direct to destination. I was asked heading by Asheville approach and they wanted me to maintain 10000 ft for terrain; I asked for a later climb; this was for weather. They complied and later I was asked to climb to 10000 ft and I complied. I was then asked to stop my climb at 9000 for traffic. I then was handed off to Greer approach. I was asked my heading I gave it as 190. I was told to climb to 10000 feet.I complied; I was cruising for 20-25 minutes; I was told to descend to 9000 ft; I asked why stated my heading and the controller became irate; I asked for the tapes to be marked. I said I will comply if given a proper clearance of opposite direction. The controller became more agitated and I did comply after the 4th or 5th time and did not agree. I got the phone number for Greer approach and the controller and I talked. He stated I am to do what he says all the time without question and his power is absolute. He quoted the AIM; and I did say those are guidance and not regulatory. The call went downhill from there. I explained I have the right and authority to question any clearance I'm the pilot in command. He disagreed.
A pilot reported the Approach Controller became agitated when the pilot asked why a change in altitude was necessary during cruise.