@ error_401
It's a bit lengthy but this is the correct procedure for the UK, taken from the Manual Of ATC :
10.4 Final Approach
10.4.1 Aircraft on radar approaches should be positioned so as to maintain a period of level flight before commencing descent on:
a) the nominal glide path for a surveillance radar approach; or
b) the glide path of a pilot interpreted approach aid;
except in an emergency or when continuous descent approach procedures are in operation.
10.4.2 Aircraft should be vectored to close the intermediate and final approach tracks at not less than 5 miles from touchdown.
10.5 ILS/MLS Approach
10.5.2 Aircraft wishing to make an ILS/Microwave approach are to be vectored either onto the localiser or given a closing heading enabling the pilot to complete the turn on. The pilot may state a preference. In either case the pilot is to be instructed to report established on the localiser. Heading instructions are to be given until he reports established. When established, the aircraft is to be cleared to descend on the ILS/Microwave.
10.5.3 There may be occasions when controllers anticipate that pilots will intercept the ILS/Microwave glide path before being able to report to ATC that they are established on the localiser. This may occur for a number of reasons including conditions of high RTF loading. Under such circumstances, controllers may issue a conditional clearance to pilots to descend on the ILS/Microwave before they report to ATC that they are
established on the localiser. This clearance, to descend on the ILS/Microwave when established on the localiser, is only to be issued after the aircraft has been instructed to turn on to a closing heading to intercept the localiser. The associated phraseology is detailed in Attachment to Appendix E, Page 13. After issuing this conditional clearance, controllers shall monitor Mode C responses, when available, prior to the aircraft reporting established on the localiser.
It has been discussed here before, but the important point is that you do not decend on the Glide Path until specifically cleared to do so. The phraseology is :-
ILS approaches Turn left/right heading (three digits), report established on the localiser.
Closing the localiser from the left/right; report established.
Descend on the ILS, QFE (pressure) millibars.
Descend on the ILS, QNH (pressure) millibars, elevation (number) feet.
When established on the localiser, descend on the ILS, QFE (pressure) millibars/QNH (pressure) millibars, elevation (number) feet.
Pilots often ask "am I cleared for the approach ?" As you can see , this is not approved UK phraseology
Clear as mud now ?