Standard LAX Orcka 3 clearance climb via Sid except maintain 5,000’ ...understand that the 3000’ or below SID limit just after departure has to be selected initially as it is BELOW the 5,000’ (subsequent limit),
LAX Orcka 3 with LAS transition also Has an at or above 15,000’ point and a final SID altitude of 23,000’.Climbing through 12,000’ got an ATC clearance to climb via SID except maintain 15,000’ queried whether ATC wanted us to maintain 15,000’ or continue to top altitude of 23,000’ and she said no climb via the SID means climb to 23,000 unless given a restriction....is that not what “except maintain 15,000”’ is? I see no reason for her to mention 15,000’ as she has already said that with her climb via the SID element .....but as 15,000’ is 8,000’ lower that the top altitude I assumed that meant we had to level at 15,000’