a bit of editing, merging and moving to tidy up. Unfortunately, this post ended up by me rather than the intending poster (76mike) .. apologies for the finger trouble on my part .. JT
Sorry; I'm still confused. Do we have a consensus on a reasonable answer for the VERY IMPORTANT question (and thread) "Descending once cleared for the approach"?
If I may restate the question: Say you're at 8000 feet. And the controller has told you to proceed direct to ABC VOR, and has cleared you for the approach. Also, say he has omitted an altitude to maintain. Finally, the approach plate says cross the VOR at 2500 feet.
When do you leave 8000 for 2500? Yes, we could ask the controller. Yes, we could be conservative, cross the VOR at 8000 feet, and then descend. However, in lieu of these two options, is there a "Textbook" answer?
Much thanks,
Mike