Trying reading the AIM, Section 5 and Section 4 5-4-1a1. For questions like these AIM usually has the answer. Also, try terps.com -- good site talking about instrument flight procedures and Terps criteria. While most of the world's controllers know they are responsible for terrain clearance while under radar contact, that's not necessarily the case in South America. I am always VERY VERY VERY VERY careful about accepting anything less than Min Safe Alt from a controller. A prudent choice in South America is to NOT use radar vectors (Min Sector Altitudes), but instead fly the entire letdown procedure. Controllers in other parts of the world have been fine (although I haven't flown in Africa), but don't trust South America.
[This message has been edited by Roadtrip (edited 15 September 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Roadtrip (edited 15 September 2000).]