Usa Atc - Expected Rates Of Descent

[rossmattinson]

For any US ATC experts:

Below is an extract from the US FAA AIP. Does anyone know what the expected handling of the aircraft is to acheive an 'optimum rate' of climb or descent referred to below. We were discussing this inbound to Dallas and thought that nothing had changed i.e. ATC will expect you to descend with throttles closed to 1000' above the cleared level or are you allowed to descend in such a way to acheive your optimum vertical path - we know in the US they like to descend you very early costing fuel.

d. When ATC has not used the term "AT PILOT'S DISCRETION" nor imposed any climb or descent restrictions, pilots should initiate climb or descent promptly on acknowledgement of the clearance. Descend or climb at an optimum rate consistent with the operating characteristics of the aircraft to 1,000 feet above or below the assigned altitude, and then attempt to descend or climb at a rate of between 500 and 1,500 fpm until the assigned altitude is reached. If at anytime the pilot is unable to climb or descend at a rate of at least 500 feet a minute, advise ATC. If it is necessary to level off at an intermediate altitude during climb or descent, advise ATC, except when leveling off at 10,000 feet MSL on descent, or 2,500 feet above airport elevation (prior to entering a Class C or Class D surface area), when required for speed reduction