B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 1184
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
As we approached runway 19R the SFO tower controller issued 'position and hold runway 19R' instructions. Unfortunately; the radio call sign was blocked as it so often is in SFO. Prudently and in the interest of safety on a dark and stormy night that was utilizing a seldom used departure configuration; my FO keyed his mic and said 'that was blocked; was that for Aircraft X?'. Rather than reissuing the instructions or simply confirming it was for Aircraft X; the tower controller replied something to the effect of 'obviously it wasn't blocked because you're replying.' My FO was speechless at this amazing disregard for safety so I keyed the mic and said 'the call sign was blocked so we're confirming rather than risk a violation.' The tower controller then replied; 'WOW!' and then very slowly; condescendingly and unprofessionally replied; 'Aircraft X; clearrrred into possssition and holllld runwaaaaay onnnne ninnnne riggggght.' Besides being unforgivingly unprofessional this was a complete failure of understanding the importance of clear and concise communication that is absolutely critical for safety. I shudder to think of the potential disastrous consequences this tower controller's attitude; unprofessionalism and careless disregard for safety could lead to. Upon landing; I called SFO tower and spoke with [the] tower supervisor; listened to my comments and said he would pass it along to the controller's supervisor. I asked the [Supervisor] to mark and save recorded tapes for the time during our departure. I also let [Supervisor] know I wanted to file an official complaint. [Supervisor] said he would have the controller's supervisor call me. I request specific follow-up on this matter.
B737 Captain reported confusion due to a stepped on transmission from ATC. When they queried ATC; the Controller responded unprofessionally.