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When can you descend on an instrument approach?
Per the Instrument Procedures Handbook, “Once cleared for the approach, pilots may descend in the TAA sector to the minimum altitude depicted within the defined area/subdivision, unless instructed otherwise by air traffic control.
When can you descend on a star?
The short answer: Yes, you can begin your descent right away to meet the crossing restrictions of the STAR. In this case, you can begin your descent as soon as you receive the “descend via” clearance from ATC.
What is established on RNAV approach?
An aircraft is considered to be established on-course during RNAV and RNP operations anytime it is within 1 times the required accuracy for the segment being flown. For example, while operating on a Q-Route (RNAV 2), the aircraft is considered to be established on-course when it is within 2 nm of the course centerline.
When do you have to comply with altitude restrictions?
Once established on the depicted arrival, to descend and to meet all published or assigned altitude and/or speed restrictions. When otherwise cleared along a route or procedure that contains published speed restrictions, the pilot must comply with those speed restrictions independent of any descend via clearance.
When to descend at pilot discretion to meet published restrictions?
Descend at pilot’s discretion to meet published restrictions and laterally navigate on a STAR. When cleared to a waypoint depicted on a STAR, to descend from a previously assigned altitude at pilot’s discretion to the altitude depicted at that waypoint.
What’s the procedure for a fuel efficient descent?
The procedure for a fuel efficient descent is based on an altitude loss which is most efficient for the majority of aircraft being served. This will generally result in a descent gradient window of 250-350 feet per nautical mile.
When to turn to outbound leg when holding at VOR station?
When holding at a VOR station, pilots should begin the turn to the outbound leg at the time of the first complete reversal of the “to-from” indicator. See GEN 3.4, Paragraph 12, Two-Way Radio Communications Failure, for holding at the approach fix when radio failure occurs. Holding pattern airspace protection is based on the following procedures.