You were clear for the approach because you were the only
IFR in the area and the minimum altitude for the area was
4,000 until you reached a part of the published approach.
You owned all altitudes from 7,000 feet on down, until you
reported 'out" of an altitude.
It never hurts to ask...The contact advisory meant you could
leave the Center and go to CTF. Cancel when you're on the
ground or landing assured, whichever you prefer.


--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P

--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
some support
http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm



"Mitty" wrote in message
...
| OK, just to distract you guys from "IFR with a VFR
GPS" ---
|
| Flying into Grand Marais MN last week (KCKC) I was out
maybe
| 30 miles at 7000 and got "Cleared for the approach,
maintain
| 4000 until established. Contact advisory ... "
|
| The reason for the early clearance was, I think, that I
was
| at the edge of Center's radar and comm coverage. (Grand
| Marais is near the Canadian border on the north shore of
| Lake Superior. There was nobody around.)
|
| But I really didn't want to fly that last 30 miles at 4000
| as there were clouds about there and maybe a little ice.
I
| wanted to stay at 7. So I queried: "Center, that 4000
was
| pilot's discretion, right?" and got a "Right."
|
| Did I need to ask? Should I have assumed pilot's
| discretion? She did not tell me to descend, just gave me
| the altitude limit.