[diogenes ghost]

"They cannot order a pilot to do anything that the pilot deems unsafe."

Well, that is correct.....and incorrect.

ATC never "orders" pilots to do anything.

They issue "clearances" that the pilot is required to obey, unless he is concerned for "safety of flight."

If he chooses not to follow a valid clearance, and can show it was a reasonable call on his part, the matter is dropped.

[rjsimmon]

They issue "clearances" that the pilot is required to obey, unless he is concerned for "safety of flight."

A 'clearance' is only the authorization to do something, not a directive. For example, your flight clearance is only an authorization to fly a specific route to a destination on your flight plan. You are given 'clearance' through airspace. You are given 'clearance' to commence an approach or to land. None of these 'clearances' are directive, merely allowance.

If he chooses not to follow a valid clearance, and can show it was a reasonable call on his part, the matter is dropped.

That is what I said.