He hasnt had his medicine today....I assume he wasnt being serious in his response.
DESCEND FL200 LEVEL 45MILES BEFORE BOVVINGDON
I am not sure what the controller is trying to achieve - you could leave your assigned level now with the minimun descent rate as you like (does ICAO specify 1000fpm?) and then at the last moment dive for the requirement so if he/she is trying to separate you with other traffic it isnt exactly positive and if all they want you at is the 200 x 45 Bovvingdon then why not say WHEN READY?
....puts on nomex suit.....
I totally disagree with the Beaver - If you are not sure of something - ASK - please
