PilotEdge Forums

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

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.

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

Wow! Didnt know, or forgot that!

I will review.

Thanks Keith!

sellener777 wrote: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.

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."

Followed u on askacfi back in 2013
lol


Im on the same page now!