USA & 250 below 10
A question for our USA cousins.
A few days ago, airborne from LAX in a 747-400. On handover to departure they said "speed restriction 280 kts". That is excellent news for us as we can climb clean at 280kts.
As we levelled at our cleared altitude of 9000' the controller gave us a frequency change, and said "resume normal speed".
Now that had me foxed. "Normal" speed is 250 below 10. So should I have slowed down and put the flaps out? !! Or.... Maintain 280 kts, or... accelerate to en route climb.
speed of 330kts?
The response of, "well ask ATC" was at the time not appropriate. The frequency was very very busy. I just stuck to 280kts and hoped for the best.
Any thoughts?