- Among these clearances :
1 : Climb/Descend... be leveled by XXX
2 : Climb/descend... be leveled within x minutes
3 : Climb/descend... Minimum rate xxxx ft/minute
Which one(s) do pilots like/dislike most ?
Personally am not bothered either way by any of those options but the new breed of pilot can't wait to plug it all into the FMC (that way they don't have to think!) so number 1 : Climb/Descend... be leveled by XXX would be the best option in that case.
Even if you do get a "level by XXX" you can still use the picture on the map (what is known as the banana) and level change or vertical speed to achieve the constraint.
In short, an accomplished pilot will use all the "tools in the box" to best advantage to achieve the desired result. When I watch the way some pilots do it these days, I wonder how we did it with only VOR/DME, ADF and a chart! Happy Days!!