Originally Posted by Wizofoz
He replied with "It's in the AIP".
He is right. AIP ENR-1.7 4.1.6 Nothing in there I can see about it not being required if you're already identified, so my reading is the overly-officious ATCO is correct, but that's not to say the requirement to
not do so isn't buried elsewhere, like so many of our other fine regulations, exemptions and fluff...
Originally Posted by The AIP
4. CHANGE OF LEVELS 4.1
ATC Approval Required
4.1.1 The pilot in command must commence a change of level as soon as possible, but not later than one (1) minute after receiving that instruction from ATC, unless that instruction specifies a later time or place.
4.1.2 ATC may require that an assigned level must be reached by a specific time, distance or place. If a pilot in command doubts that the restriction can be met, ATC must be advised immediately.
4.1.3 ATS advised expectation of a level restriction does not authorise a pilot to climb or descend to meet that restriction.
4.1.4 An expectation of a level restriction is not required to be read back.
4.1.5 A requirement to report at a time or place given in the same clearance as a descent/climb instruction does not require the new level to be reached by the specified time or place.
4.1.6 The pilot in command of an aircraft, receiving an instruction from ATC to change level, must report:
a. when the aircraft has left a level at which level flight has been conducted in the course of climb, cruise or descent; and
b. when the aircraft leaves a level for which ATC has requested a report.
4.1.7 ATC may provide vertical separation between two climbing aircraft, not otherwise separated, by means of a step-climb. Pilots in command, who are subjected to a step-climb, must adopt the following procedure: a. The pilot in command of the lower aircraft must report approaching each assigned level in the sequence. b. The pilot in command of the higher aircraft, on hearing the lower aircraft report approaching each assigned level, must report the last vacated level.
4.1.8 Step-descents reverse the above para 4.1.7 procedure.
4.1.9 ATC may specify a rate of climb or descent. Other considerations are as follows:
a. The phrase “STANDARD RATE”, when included in a clearance, specifies a rate of climb or descent of not less than 500FT per minute, except that the last 1,000FT to an assigned level must be made at 500FT per minute.
b. In the case of a step-climb or descent, the specified rate will be applicable to all level clearances issued in the course of the step climb or descent. If unable to comply with the prescribed rate, the pilot in command must advise ATC.
4.1.10 Cruise Climb is not used in Australian administered airspace. Where possible, block level clearances will be issued upon request.
4.2 ATC Approval Not Required
4.2.1 In airspace where ATC approval is not required to change level, the pilot of an IFR flight must report present position and intention to ATC approximately one (1) minute prior to making any change