Originally Posted by
grrowler
There has been some discussion at my place of work about the legality of levelling off for deceleration and configuring above your ATC cleared altitude. Eg you are cleared to 2500’/ cleared for the approach, but the FMS has a level decel at 3000’.
Can you fly the descent managed, levelling at 3000’ until approach slope intercept (normally 3 deg)!or must you force the aircraft down to the cleared altitude and intercept approach slope from there?
It is a bit pedantic in my opinion, but if anyone has any references it would be greatly appreciated.
Depends where You are, and often the answer will be found in the AIP Enroute section 1. As an example, for the UK :
3.2.2.4.1 In order to ensure that controllers can accurately predict flight profiles to maintain standard vertical separation between aircraft,
pilots of aircraft commencing a climb or descent in accordance with an ATC Clearance should inform the controller if they anticipate that their rate of climb or descent during the level change will be less than 500 ft per minute, or if at any time during such a climb or descent their vertical speed is, in fact, less than 500 ft per minute.
The above is complemented by the rules of CDO below 6000 ft where applicable.