On 5 Jan 2005 19:26:45 -0800, wrote:

OK... 1st, stepdown fixes are after the FAF... they are between the FAF
and the MAP.

The only IFR altitude that your are allowed to go below on an IFR
flight plan is the MDA or DA, and then only after you have the three
requirements satisfied as specd in FAR 91.175.

There is no provision for going below a step-down fix under an IFR
flight plan... VMC or IMC.

IE, You can not go below a segment minimum altitude unless it is the
final segment and the criteria are met, OR you have come out into VMC
and cancel IFR.

I heard this very scenario on MBS approach last night.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

Gene