SID & STAR clearance
 

I've seeing different opinions regarding this issue...

Let's suppose you're performing a STAR that has this minimum altitudes for each waypoint:
A: FL180
B: FL100
C: FL060
Once you've passed WPT "A", ATC clears you to FL080. My question is: do you still have to pass WPT "B" at or above FL100?

In the same way, what if you have altitude restrictions in a SID? For instance, if you had a SID from "C" to "A" using the altitude examples as maximum ones - when cleared to FL 330, would you respect the FL's or would you climb irrestrictly?

Best regards,

PP

You're flying a STAR. Therefore follow the STAR. Those height restrictions are there to fit in with various airspace/traffic patterns, therefore,if you are on a STAR, follow the STAR. If the restrictions were not to be applied, then you would have just been 'cleared direct XXX descend to FLxxx'. If in doubt, ASK!

If you are instructed to descend FL80 without a B restriction, then it can be disregarded, but if you have been told previously to descend FL100 level B and then recleared by another controller FL80, you must comply with B. However being routed direct beyond points A/B cancels the restriction unless reinforced.

ALL levels published in the STAR charts have the proviso "or as instructed by ATC", if there is any doubt, make sure you check with ATC or a serious consequence may soon happen.

On a similar note of STARs, speed control is the same. Those published can be ammended by ATC, so if instructed fly IAS 300kts+ until advised then don't ever slow to 250kts just because the STAR says so. You'll be suprised just how many still do, and their suprise when the subsequent paperwork arrives in the office 3 days later. :ouch: