-----Original Message-----
From: Newps ]
Posted At: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 2:24 PM
Posted To: rec.aviation.ifr
Conversation: Requesting a hold from ATC for descents
Subject: Requesting a hold from ATC for descents

....

You also must also factor in pilot incompetence. I can't begin to
tell
you how many times these jet pilots, almost always from the majors
like
NWA and UAL as well as from the regionals like Skywest, report on the
freq 35 miles out at FL230 or higher. This is not centers fault as
the
descent clearance was given about 200 miles out. Center usually gives
a
PD descent and these guys continually foul it up. So to illuminate
your
mistake I will drive you right at the airport and make you beg for
mercy.

I seem to remember a "keep-em-high" program years ago that kept everyone
as high as possible for as long as possible to preserve fuel and reduce
noice. Could that policy still be in effect for some carriers?