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?
First of all the "descent clearance" is not a clearance, it is an instruction and you have to obey. However, the approach clearance is in fact a clearance and you can execute it in a manner that fits your needs. You have every right to act as you desire unless you are regulated by ATC with IAS or VS, or unless it is specified otherwise in the AIP (Jepp, Navtech, Lido or whatever you have in the cockpit)