Let me "axe" you a question

[NoMoreRedInk]

When you hear people say "axe" instead of ask, does it sound ignorant to you?

Normally, I don't even notice it or maybe I just don't hear it often in my highly educated Chapel Hill town, but I was on a plane and the pilot informed us to "axe the gate attendant about connecting flights" and it bothered me. Frightened me, in fact. I would expect a pilot, who is shepherding a couple hundred of people through the air at Mach .6 to have an outstanding grasp of the language and to inspire confidence in those who are depending on him for safe passage.

If a gas station attendant "axed" me to turn my car off, then no problem.

If my brain surgeon "axed" if I had any questions prior to him putting me under, then I'd get up and leave and never come back.

Is it ignorant sounding to you, or am I just being overly analytical?