I`ve nerver been told to turn while starting descent unless you`re in NAT airspace, turn 90º and offset by 30 NM. . .. .But over europe in our sims we`ve always been told, not to turn unless instruted by ATC to do so, and you can indeed turn without letting ATC know, in case you know there is traffic bellow, or congested airway and no other airway or traffic to the side, weel... GOOD CAPTAIN JUDGMENT!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" /> But first have a look to the TCAS and see the traffic and have a tought about the terrain, look to the charts or enquire ATC. . .. .Turning while putting the oxygen masks on, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="confused.gif" /> is against safety. Acording to the Boeing FCTM (I don`t know the airbus procedures) you put the oxygen mask on, talk to your partner to see if he is ok (bad time for a pilot incapacitation) and then analyse... structural damage or not? Only after that you can start the descend and turn wherever you want! . .. .Cheers <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />