Clearance Clarification Clarence
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I don't like having to ask but I dislike the uncertainty more.
It also highlights to us controllers that pilots might have a different interpretation of the instructions to what we expect.
BCQ> In the example you give the controller reiterated the descend by reporting point instruction and so this would still stand. However, by the book, if s/he hadn't then on issuing the descend FL80 command the "to be level FL150 at BAKER" part would no longer be required to comply with the instruction.
I know several colleagues that would still nevertheless be expecting you to be level FL150 at the originally given point, but as alluded earlier, it is best practice to reiterate the level restriction if it is still required.
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BGQ:
UK AIP ENR 1.1.3 - 2.2 Level Restrictions:
NATS | AIS - Home (click ENR 1.1 General Rules)
UK MATS Part 1 (CAP493) Section 1 Chapter 4 Page 4:
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP493Part1.pdf
UK AIP ENR 1.1.3 - 2.2 Level Restrictions:
NATS | AIS - Home (click ENR 1.1 General Rules)
2.2 Level Restrictions
2.2.1 For all stages of flight, clearances to climb or descend cancel any previous restrictions or levels, unless they are reiterated as
part of the clearance.
2.2.1 For all stages of flight, clearances to climb or descend cancel any previous restrictions or levels, unless they are reiterated as
part of the clearance.
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP493Part1.pdf
7 Amendments to Clearances
7.1 When an amendment is made to a clearance the new clearance shall be read in full
to the pilot and shall automatically cancel any previous clearance. Controllers must be
aware, therefore, that if the original clearance included a restriction, e.g. “cross ABC
FL150 or below” then the issue of a revised clearance automatically cancels the
earlier restriction, unless it is reiterated with the revised clearance.
7.1 When an amendment is made to a clearance the new clearance shall be read in full
to the pilot and shall automatically cancel any previous clearance. Controllers must be
aware, therefore, that if the original clearance included a restriction, e.g. “cross ABC
FL150 or below” then the issue of a revised clearance automatically cancels the
earlier restriction, unless it is reiterated with the revised clearance.
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Pera, I'm with you on
however, in the OP query the instruction was "when level speed 220kts" and the aircraft didn't level so technically the instruction needs changing and reiterating. It is very unfortunate that there are so many law chiefs on preciseness and common sense doesn't take over but at the end of the day they are correct.
May be us controllers should avoid the loose phrase of "when level....." and introduce "speed 220kts at and below FL150" which I've used once or twice recently. Caution must be exercised though as the first time I said "Descend FL180, reduce to 250kts passing FL180" and the pilot then replied "but we're only descending FL180, so what do you want us to go down to now then?"
You cannot please everyone.
And the books reference was requested.........
the idea that a speed instruction is cancelled by a level or altitude assignment seems foreign to me...
May be us controllers should avoid the loose phrase of "when level....." and introduce "speed 220kts at and below FL150" which I've used once or twice recently. Caution must be exercised though as the first time I said "Descend FL180, reduce to 250kts passing FL180" and the pilot then replied "but we're only descending FL180, so what do you want us to go down to now then?"
You cannot please everyone.And the books reference was requested.........
I would restate it. Same with an altitude. No confusion then.
eg
speed 220K when level at A090.
Give further descent before A090 then say
Descend to A050, speed 220K passing A090
Only addition for level requirement is that if you then track the acft away from the point they had to cros a level at, specify a rate of descent ot at least something like continue present rate of desent and track direct to XXX.
eg
speed 220K when level at A090.
Give further descent before A090 then say
Descend to A050, speed 220K passing A090
Only addition for level requirement is that if you then track the acft away from the point they had to cros a level at, specify a rate of descent ot at least something like continue present rate of desent and track direct to XXX.
