On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 20:13:36 GMT, "Bob Gardner" wrote:

When I was an examiner, I would have expected you to fly the approach
profile as published. Once upon a time I decided to forego the "descent and
maintain 2200 feet" on the way in to BFI's ILS 13R, thinking that I would
stay at 3000 and intercept the glideslope high....got chided by Seattle
Approach for doing so. Over the years I have learned that ATC expects you to
do the expected.

Bob,

Here at the other end of the country, I routinely stay at my assigned
altitude until intercepting the GP. ATC doesn't care, nor does an FAA
examiner with whom I've ridden several times.

HOWEVER, my clearance is NOT descend and maintain 2200' ... Rather, I
might be at 3000', and my clearance might be something like "maintain at or
above 1800' until established; cleared for the ILS 14 approach".

If I received a clearance that said "descend and maintain 2200', cleared
for the approach" I would treat that as an altitude assignment, and descend
to 2200' expeditiously.


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)