Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 210; Flight Crew Total 9090; Flight Crew Type 1082
Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Communication Breakdown; Workload; Distraction; Confusion; Troubleshooting
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
We were flying to IAD via the GIBBZ2 arrival. Tail wind was 160 kts which we made sure was in the descent planning page. Washington Center held us at altitude past the top of descent due to crossing traffic. When clear of the conflict they told us to descend via the GIBBZ2 arrival. I stated that we were unable to make the altitude restrictions on the arrival as we were already 5;000 feet above path. The controller then told us to go direct KILMR and comply with the restrictions and contact Washington on 133.2.  The captain flew the plane using idle thrust and speed brake and programmed in direct KILMR. I changed frequency and checked in with Washington Center and said we had a request; as it was obvious we were still unable to make any restrictions. The controller told us to stand by. I made repeated attempts to get a reasonable clearance from ATC but was ignored. Finally I broke in and stated that the clearance was impossible and we needed a new clearance and I requested a phone number to center. The controller told me they had a lot going on and he would get back to me. They never issued any altitude relief in spite of our repeated statements that we could not comply. We crossed every restriction over 5;000 feet high. Finally they told us to contact approach control.  When I checked in with approach I simply told them we were descending to 6;000 feet (bottom altitude of the STAR). He told us to descend to 5;000 and we continued to a normal approach and landing. I have serious concerns about Washington Centers total disregard of our concerns and failure to resolve the clearance issues.
Pilot reports of being left high and advising ATC that they could not make the assigned restrictions. ATC never advised the crew on what to do. Aircraft crossed every restriction high. Pilot was concerned about the center and their disregard for the flights clearance issues.