Intercepting the ILS

We intercepted at 3000 and rode it down more out of inertia than anything
else. We did have a "maintain 2200" instruction while at three but not a
"descend and maintain." As I recall, I was coming from the northwest and had
picked up the localizer 20 miles or so out. Three is pretty popular around
here for the lowest altitude prior to an approach, and in retrospect I think
the controller just wanted me to make a hole for someone else to fit into.
Gotta admit I felt a little sheepish about getting called on it because I
knew better.
"Garner Miller" wrote in message
...
In article , Bob Gardner
wrote:

FWIW, I have been chewed out by Seattle Approach for intercepting higher
than the published GSIA of 2200 for the ILS 13R.

Nevermind the "Which airport" question if my cancel didn't work, I
found it; Boeing field, I assume.

I can't see why they would have chewed you out -- if the instruction
was something like "Maintain 2500 until established on the localizer,
cleared the ILS 13R," you did nothing improper. If he wanted you at
2200, he should have instructed you to do so; the chart only lists it
as a minimum altitude, as most do.

What if you weren't DME-equipped? How would you know you were within
10NM of NOLLA, and thus safe to descend to 2200? You really wouldn't,
unless you had done the procedure turn, or the controller had cleared
you with a "You're X miles from NOLLA" (and X happened to be less than
10 miles).

--
Garner R. Miller
ATP/CFII/MEI
Clifton Park, NY =USA=
http://www.garnermiller.com/