View Full Version : Question for an ATCO
Roidelstein
15th Sep 2005, 14:20
Just a quick question for controllers: When you clear an A/C to descend when ready to a FL, do you expect the crew to then report when actually leaving or do you consider this an unnecessary call to make?
benedictus
15th Sep 2005, 14:24
I would say it was unecessary unless you were asked to report leaving a level
Coast
15th Sep 2005, 15:09
Unnecessary.
But here's one I like
"Centre, Speedbird 97 looking for descent"
"Speedbird 97 cleared to FL240"
"240....is that our discretion?"
What I thought: 'Of course d@&*head, you asked for it'
What I said (after drawing blood on my tongue) "Affirmative"
ATCO1962
15th Sep 2005, 16:11
I don't know how many ATC manuals still have it written, but it used to always be a requirement to report when reaching or leaving an assigned level. In today's crowded skies, it seems a little archaic, but in procedural airspace, it's a nice call to keep you in the picture.
IMHO, it's always a good, last minute check to see if, as an ATCO, you actually have a clear bit of airspace ahead of the subject aircraft as he starts his/her descent. You may have had nothing in sight when you issued the descent, but things may have changed by the time it actually starts going down. Many will say that you shouldn't have issued the descent in the first place if you didn't have a clear patch, but that kind of thinking belongs to those of us who have never issued a dodgy clearance in their careers.:ok:
Bon chance!
Barry Cuda
15th Sep 2005, 21:21
It's polite to do so, I would say, but if the frequency is busy I wouldn't worry too much about it...
in non-radar traffic, yes we do
DirtyPierre
15th Sep 2005, 22:15
Still an ICAO requirement to report leaving a level.
However, in radar airspace with a labeled display, not a big deal.
In procedural airspace, definitely a requirement.
Smurfjet
16th Sep 2005, 05:09
Within Canadian RVSM airspace, pilots are required to report reaching their assigned altitude.
Coast
16th Sep 2005, 19:51
Where did you read this? I don't believe pilots are "required" to make this report.
Smurfjet
17th Sep 2005, 03:45
Coast my mistake, I meant to say when non radar. :{ :} :hmm: