Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 2000; Flight Crew Type 1800
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
I've been flying and talking to the NY TRACON for 35 years now out of ISP (Long Island; NY). Over the past couple of years or so I've noticed that the controllers are getting more reluctant to accept pop-up IFR clearances. Two years ago I requested a pop-up IFR clearance because of unexpected IMC and the Controller said that I would need to file with Flight Service. I called the TRACON after landing and the Controller said that sometimes pilots request pop-ups when they only want a practice approach and that if I want to get the controllers attention; I should tell the controller that I am about to go IMC. This past weekend another pilot on frequency requested a pop-up because of a broken layer at 1;200 FT and the Controller said that they were no longer able to accept pop-ups because 'Flight Service is now a private company'. I'm not sure what the connection is but I believe safety is being compromised.
General Aviation pilot voiced concern regarding ATC handling by N90; noting the Controller's reluctance in issuing a pop-up IFR clearance unlike in previous years.