MTBrulz
5th Aug 2011, 12:03
quick question regarding ATC Approach Procedures...
here's the background:
we're flying in the carribean, no radar control, 30 NM form the airport expecting an approach via a dme arc. already cleared direct to a fix (which is an IAF) but we're flying off any published routes.
levelled at 8000' ATC says "cross fix at or above 3000', you're cleared for the approach".
here's my confusion:
can I descend to cross that fix as soon as ATC gives the clearance eventhough I'm not on a published route? or should I wait untill established on the published procedure to descend?
in other words, will ATC guarantee terrain clearance when you're off an airway, SID, STAR, Approach segment, etc?
Thanks in advance
here's the background:
we're flying in the carribean, no radar control, 30 NM form the airport expecting an approach via a dme arc. already cleared direct to a fix (which is an IAF) but we're flying off any published routes.
levelled at 8000' ATC says "cross fix at or above 3000', you're cleared for the approach".
here's my confusion:
can I descend to cross that fix as soon as ATC gives the clearance eventhough I'm not on a published route? or should I wait untill established on the published procedure to descend?
in other words, will ATC guarantee terrain clearance when you're off an airway, SID, STAR, Approach segment, etc?
Thanks in advance