Doesn't sound like a recent accident to me, sounds like TWA514, but that was
over thirty years ago.

To some of us that's recent.

If you are (umpty ump) miles south of the IAF, but
above the initial approach altitude, and get cleared for the approach,
when can you descend?

Immediately. If the aircraft is not yet established on a segment of a
published route or instrument approach procedure ATC must assign an altitude
to maintain until it is. Sometimes in the situation I described here
aircraft report on the localizer on initial contact with GRB approach, when
they are 30 miles or so from the field. They can be cleared for the
approach at that time, "cross SENNA at or above 3000, cleared ILS runway
three six approach."


IF the controller fails to assign an altitude to maintain when giving
the approach clearance umpty ump miles out, I presume the existing
altitude assignment remains valid until the aircraft is established, in
this case until SENNA, the start of the heavy black line. Yes?

Jose
--
Get high on gasoline: fly an airplane.
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