One of the instructions indicates:
File an altitude appropriate for your easterly flight, above the published Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA) associated with the airway.
I requested 11000 since the MEA for V442 is 10000. However when I filed my flight plan, the clearance I was given was 9000 (which is above the 8100 MOCA). I was told "unable 11000". I assume this was for traffic? If I had requested 9000 in my flight plan, would that be appropriate even though it is below the MEA?
The ODP for Corona states:
climb in PDZ VORTAC holding pattern (Hold NE, right turns, 210° inbound) to cross PDZ
VORTAC at or above: R-141 CW R-230 4000, R-281 CW R-090 6700.
My clearance from AJO was to maintain 4000, expect 9000 in 10 minutes. Upon reaching PDZ, I stayed in the hold at 4000. Next I received a clearance to climb and maintain 6000. I climbed in the hold to 6000. I stayed in the hold since I did not have a clearance to 9000. Once I received the clearance to 9000, I asked if I could proceed on V442. At this point I was told that I did not pass the I-11 because I did not follow the ODP to get out of the hold.
Once I reached 9000 and crossed PDZ inbound on the hold, should I have joined V442? That's what I had intended on doing, but I guess I should have just done it instead of confirming with the controller? I think my question may have been confusing since my intent was not to join V442 right away, instead I was going to join it after completing my lap in the hold. In the RW I would not hesitate to confirm my actions with a controller, but I guess the standards are different for a rating? The controller was extremely busy at the time so that may have been a factor. Interaction is here at around 25:23: http://audio.pilotedge.net/2021/3/2021- ... _17510.mp3
One final question - the instructions also state:
Fly the ODP including at least one lap of the hold at PDZ (may require coordination with ATC)
I overheard someone else after me stating that he was going to fly a lap in the hold and he was also told by the controller that he would not pass the rating because the ODP does not require a hold if you're at the required altitude. This is true per the ODP, but the I-11 instructions require at least one lap. If I am above 6700 upon reaching PDZ or upon executing the parallel entry, do I need to fly a lap to pass the rating even though the ODP doesn't require it?
Thanks!
Patrick