Approach Clearance insight

[sellener777]

Just compted a flight 15 min ago:

IFR level 11000 KSNA-KPSP via M7 departure TRM direct.

On the departure just east of TEYKI (I think) I check in with socal with the wx and request the vor b. SOCAL gives me cleared VOR-B approach with no altitude.

I read it back but At this point I am a bity confused but am trying to work it out in my head as I continue to TRM

The approach has no feeder, and as I see it I will be over TRM at 11000 unless I get a descent from ATC.

Waited to see if ATC would give me a descent without asking for it but at BALDI I haven't heard anything from ATC

Over BALDI I request 8000 (safe per the departure MEA)

ATC seems confused as to why Im asking for a descent and says Ive already been cleared for the approach.

He told me a could descend via the mea's on the departure.

I stated I was unware that the approach clearance allows me to descend via a departure MEA but would be leaving 11000 for 8000 and continued to CORLA then down to 6000 to cross TRM at 6000.

I just want to clarify where the confusion was, and if I missed something.

Thanks

[Keith Smith]

This is covered in depth in the Workshops, it's definitely worth a review.

It's well known that an approach clearance while on a feeder means you can descend to the altitude associated with the feeder segment. It's less well known that you can receive a clearance while on a published route (ie, airway), in which case, you may descend as low as the MEA for the airway.

[sellener777]

Could cleared to psp via v64 trm direct cruise 11000 work?

[sellener777]

Wow! Didnt know, or forgot that!

I will review.

Thanks Keith!

[HRutila]

Could cleared to psp via v64 trm direct cruise 11000 work?

Yes, same deal, but the cruise clearance also lets you climb, which isn't preferable for ATC in most cases.

[Keith Smith]

The SID has a published route to TRM, so the SID is just as good for this example. Yes, a cruise clearance could've been issued. We generally don't issue them, however, because 90% of pilots don't know what they are. They also allow you to execute ANY approach at the destination. If the controller wants to dictate which approach will be flown, he/she won't issue a cruise clearance. Instead, they'll issue a clearance for a specific approach.

If you're established on a published route (ie, a transition of a SID or an airway), then they can leave out any crossing restrictions. Crossing restrictions need only be given if you're a random route, and they need only apply until you're established on a "published route or segment of the approach."

[sellener777]

Followed u on askacfi back in 2013
lol


Im on the same page now!