What is a top altitude on a SID?
The “top altitude” of the SID is the published or ATC assigned altitude limit until cleared to climb higher by ATC. The filed/expected altitude is not relevant, and has no bearing on the SID unless communications are lost between the pilot and ATC (14 CFR § 91.185).
How are flight altitudes determined?
According to Thrillist, a plane’s altitude is determined by its current weight and the atmospheric conditions at the time of flight. A flights direction (as mentioned above), the amount of turbulence (based on reports by other pilots in the air), and flight duration are also factors.
What does top altitude mean?
‘Top Altitude’ is the maximum altitude a pilot is cleared to climb to in the initial SID clearance, or when receiving a ‘Climb via’ clearance from ATC.
What does cleared to destination airport as filed mean?
“Cleared to (destination) airport as filed” does NOT include the en route altitude filed in a flight plan. An en route altitude will be stated in the clearance or the pilot will be advised to expect an assigned or filed altitude within a given time frame or at a certain point after departure.
When to withhold landing clearance to arrival aircraft?
ATC will normally withhold landing clearance to arrival aircraft when another aircraft is in position and holding on the runway. Never land on a runway that is occupied by another aircraft, even if a landing clearance was issued. Do not hesitate to ask the controller about the traffic on the runway and be prepared to execute a go-around.
When to call ground control for flight clearance?
Participating pilots call clearance delivery or ground control not more than 10 minutes before proposed taxi time. IFR clearance (or delay information, if clearance cannot be obtained) is issued at the time of this initial call‐up.
When are you cleared to descend on a star?
When you’re cleared on to a STAR and cleared to descend (NOT a “Descend Via” clearance) are you cleared to descend to the cleared altitude without respecting the published STAR altitude restrictions?