Originally Posted by
IO540
One was a 737 pilot and the other was an A340 pilot.
They appear to be flying procedural NDB approaches (outside the UK) so the "TOD" would be the FAF - the start of the final inbound leg on which you are tracking the NDB inbound.
No,
IO540, TOD (Top Of Descent) is the point at which you leave cruise level to begin descent to destination. It is neither the FAF nor the point at which you descend from platform height within a procedure. Terminology is important.
With regard to a non-precision approach, such as a NDB approach, the approach aid must be both initially identified and monitored all the time during which it is being relied upon for tracking guidance. Whether this is done manually (i.e. aurally) or automatically is immaterial. However, it must be monitored during the approach, for obvious safety reasons.
In my opinion, your 737 and A340 pilots either misunderstood the question - or are misled in their belief.
JD
