B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 57
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
On approach to 25L at LAX; ATC vectored a heavy Airbus onto approach in front of us. When I expressed concern for wake turbulence ATC stated only 3.5 miles was required between us. Since there was a tailwind on the approach and calm wind on surface I advised ATC that I'd like to slow to final approach speed to get more spacing with the heavy. On handoff to Tower; Approach Controller again reiterated that 3.5 miles was sufficient with a heavy Airbus. I thanked him and switched to Tower. We ended up with 4-5 miles separation and still experienced wake turbulence on short final.
B737 Captain reported ATC was uncooperative when he requested more spacing to avoid wake turbulence on approach to LAX.