B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 102; Flight Crew Type 8190
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airport; Human Factors; Procedure
We were abeam the field at 10;000 feet; assigned 210 knots. The Captain asked the Approach Controller what our sequence was. He said something to the effect 'what does that mean; when you are in ATL you get down as fast as you can'. So; I extended the landing gear; and we hurried down. The Captain and I were discussing that his comment wasn't reasonable; because we don't want to commit with gear until we know where we are in the lineup. We turned base around five to seven miles. If we would not have changed our configuration (gear) it could have been 15-20 miles. Also; we had a former (other carrier) aircraft; and couldn't see very far below us on TCAS to build situational awareness. The frequency was not congested. During the descent; the Captain asked the Approach Controller for his phone number. We simply wanted to discuss how information (time permitting) helps us make decisions; which increases our efficiency. I believe we have a joint responsibility for safety and efficiency. The Controller was obviously annoyed and bullying. He gave us a base turn and failed to point out traffic on final that was around 1.5 miles away; and below us. We called the traffic and field in sight. He cleared us for the visual; maintain 180 knots to the marker; and contact Tower there. I turned toward the numbers; and was 2.7 miles behind another carrier. I told the Captain; 'I'm going to slow down a bit to stay behind the other aircraft.' The Approach Controller asked us if we were going 180 knots. We explained why we were unable. He said 'now you are going to talk to my supervisor!' At that moment; we were one to two miles outside the marker at 150 knots; and 2.5 miles behind the other aircraft. The aircraft cleared the runway when we were at 300 feet. I am fine with that margin; but the only reason it worked out was because of pilot judgment. We landed and taxied back uneventfully.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B737-700 flight crew reported the TRACON Controller was unhelpful when they queried about their sequence on approach. The flight crew did not comply with their speed assignment on final approach due to spacing issues.