Flymeboy
Ready for opinion no.163 from ATC?
For me, the clearance does not require you to vacate the level immediately. If it did, then there would be a reason to vacate the level, usually other traffic. Thus, if the controller required the level vacated immediately, a descent restriction should be issued, for example, rate of descent or a time restriction to cross a certain level.
The Clearance in question is a "lazy controllers clearance", and one which I use every day when there is no traffic to effect the descent. Of course I should say "When ready....." but hey, we humans are a lazy species.
Of course, as most have said, if in doubt, ask, but I reckon the argument here is one of common sense Vs ICAO standard phraseology. I'm sure someone will say that "ICAO states...blahblah" but lets face it, who pronounces it "tree niner fife "?
Hope thats cleared things up for you, but I guess not.
My opinion is that anything can be said or done in ATC as long as it is safe and all who are concerned know and understand exactly what is being done or said.
Oh, and Beaver boy.
How the hell are we supposed to improve pilot/controller relations when jokers like you are using these forums to vent your anger just because your team lost at the weekend or whatever. Reminds me of a certain alpha control. Not heard from him for a while....