Steven P. McNicoll wrote:
"Doug" wrote in message
oups.com...

There was a fairly high profile case some years ago with a commercial
aircraft in Maryland. ATC cleared him to descend prematurely.



Sounds like you're referring to TWA514. ATC didn't issue a descent
clearance, ATC issued an approach clearance. The pilot descended through an
intermediate altitude.


It wasn't MD either, was just over the ridge here in Virginia.