Descent clearance?
Joined: Oct 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: Near VTUU or EGPX
I never got the MAINTAIN bit in the US phraseology.
What is anyone going to do other than stay at the level once they reach it ?
As for "when ready" clearances, that normally shows the controller is well ahead of the game.
What is anyone going to do other than stay at the level once they reach it ?
As for "when ready" clearances, that normally shows the controller is well ahead of the game.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 111
From: Somewhere over the rainbow
I'm curious to know how it works in the US or European about descent or climb instruction by ATC in a STAR or SID?
If the ATC says: ABC descend to 3000 feet but you are in the middle of the STAR at 5000 feet and there is an altitude constraint at the next waypoint'' at or above 5000 feet ''15 nm ahead of you?
Do you clarify if there is any restrictions before initiating the descent?
In China, when ATC asks you to climb or descent they expect you to do it without delay and with an high ROC or ROD. You don't need to clarify if there is any restrictions. I can't find it written anywhere but in the 6 years + flying in China never the ATC asked us to comply with the altitude restrictions depicted on the SID/STAR.
If the ATC says: ABC descend to 3000 feet but you are in the middle of the STAR at 5000 feet and there is an altitude constraint at the next waypoint'' at or above 5000 feet ''15 nm ahead of you?
Do you clarify if there is any restrictions before initiating the descent?
In China, when ATC asks you to climb or descent they expect you to do it without delay and with an high ROC or ROD. You don't need to clarify if there is any restrictions. I can't find it written anywhere but in the 6 years + flying in China never the ATC asked us to comply with the altitude restrictions depicted on the SID/STAR.
Last edited by pineteam; 29th January 2021 at 07:31. Reason: Typo
