Unclear Clearance

"Daniel Roesen" wrote in message
...
* Ron Rosenfeld :
Hm... interesting. "optimum rate consistent with the operating
characteristics of the aircraft". This is fuzzy.

Nothing wrong with giving the pilot discretion over the rate of descent.
However, there is a requirement to notify ATC if climb/descent rates
will
be less than 500 fpm.

OK, that makes sense. Never heard of that requirement yet, thanks for
that. Will check our regulations here about comparable requirements.

You seem to be defining "optimum" as equivalent to "economic". I see no
such implication in the US.

Well, what other interpretations of "optimum rate of descend" would
you have in mind? If they didn't have anything specific in mind, they
could have written "any rate consistent with the operating
characteristics". Which would be kinda superfluous as you should never
climb/descend with a rate not being consistent with the operating
characteristics.

I believe FAAO 7110.183 has all the performance expectations for various
aircraft from ATC's perspective. Good luck finding it.. I have a 6 year old
version and cant find it online right now.




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