gaga1976
The instruction for controllers is found in the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP493). I don't have one to hand to give the exact reference but will advise shortly. Unless of course one of my learned colleagues jumps in first. In the meantime, any UK AIP published STAR will provide the Captain with the following:
DESCENT PLANNING
Pilots should plan for possible descent clearance as detailed in the table below. ACTUAL DESCENT CLEARANCE WILL BE AS DIRECTED BY ATC
For example, Bovingdon STARs to Heathrow
http://www.ais.org.uk/uk_aip/pdf/ad/32LL0702.pdf
There is no corresponding entry in the UK AIP that I can see to relate to the MATS entry, nor is it repeated in the ICAO documents. However it does also appear in the US ATC manual, which is available on the web from the FAA site. I don't have a CAP413 (RT Manual) to hand either to check that, but will in a day or so.
Perhaps it would be prudent for the CAA to put the text from the MATS Part 1 in the AIP and then it is clear for all to see on both sides of the mike........in UK airspace at least.
PS PPRuNe Towers is not Captain PPRuNe but nor is he PPRuNe Radar. I'm the one they keep down below in the darkened room.
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PPRuNe Radar
ATC Forum Moderator
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[This message has been edited by PPRuNe Radar (edited 09 September 2000).]