How many times do we see this type of discussion here? It is good to have it but lets face it, it is Air Traffic Control not Air Traffic Consultation! Positive control is the catch phrase and there are only three types of descent clearance in my book.
1) 'Request Descent', Decsend .....
2) When Ready Decend....
1 & 2 Have no vertical restrictions, be that traffic or otherwise.
3) Descend..... Be level .... By ....
Descend..... with xxxxFPM
If a controller wants a rate, let him/her specify it, otherwise let the driver drive the acft.
A thought for the future, would it be easier to take the pilot out of the flight deck or the controller out of the centre?
cos i cant spel
[ 22 August 2001: Message edited by: TrafficTraffic ]