"Greg Esres" wrote in message
...

Normally. ;-) But the .65 has limited meaning for non-controllers,
which is why it is helpful to have those with vast experience moving
traffic, such as you, flesh out the application of various sections.


You questioned my statement, "A pilot's report of leaving an altitude on a
PD descent/climb cannot be used to assign the altitude reported leaving, but
it can be used to assign an altitude that provides minimum vertical
separation from that altitude, so it is still useful." You asked if there
was "some section that expressly allows that, or is it allowed because not
expressly forbidden?" Your message included a quote of the pertinent
paragraph!

Paragraph 6-6-2 tells controllers to assign an altitude to an aircraft only
after the aircraft previously at that altitude has reported at or passing
through another altitude separated from the first by the appropriate minimum
when the aircraft previously at the altitude has been issued a clearance
permitting climb or descent at pilot's discretion.



FAA Order 7110.65P Air Traffic Control

Chapter 6. Nonradar

Section 6. Vertical Separation

6-6-1. APPLICATION

Assign an altitude to an aircraft after the aircraft previously at
that altitude has reported leaving the altitude.

PHRASEOLOGY-
REPORT LEAVING/REACHING (altitude/flight level).

REPORT LEAVING ODD/EVEN ALTITUDES/FLIGHT LEVELS.

(If aircraft is known to be operating below the lowest useable flight
level),

SAY ALTITUDE.

or

(If aircraft is known to be operating at or above the lowest useable
flight level),

SAY FLIGHT LEVEL.

or

If aircraft's position relative to the lowest useable flight level is
unknown),

SAY ALTITUDE OR FLIGHT LEVEL.

NOTE-
Consider known aircraft performance characteristics, pilot furnished
and/or Mode C detected information which indicate that climb/descent
will not be consistent with the rates recommended in AIM.

REFERENCE-
FAAO 7110.65, Procedural Preference, Para 2-1-3.
FAAO 7110.65, Vertical Separation Minima, Para 4-5-1.
FAAO 7110.65, Separation, Para 7-7-3.
FAAO 7110.65, Separation, Para 7-8-3.
FAAO 7110.65, Separation, Para 7-9-4.


6-6-2. EXCEPTIONS

Assign an altitude to an aircraft only after the aircraft previously
at that altitude has reported at or passing through another altitude
separated from the first by the appropriate minimum when:

a. Severe turbulence is reported.

b. Aircraft are conducting military aerial refueling.

REFERENCE-
FAAO 7110.65, Military Aerial Refueling, Para 9-3-11.

c. The aircraft previously at the altitude has been:

1. Issued a clearance permitting climb/descent at pilot's
discretion.

2. Cleared to CRUISE (altitude). However, do not use Mode C to
effect separation with an aircraft on a cruise clearance.

NOTE-
An aircraft assigned a cruise clearance is assigned a block of
airspace from the minimum IFR altitude up to and including the
assigned cruising altitude, and climb/descent within the block is at
pilot's
discretion. When the pilot verbally reports leaving an altitude in
descent, he/she may not return to that altitude.

REFERENCE-
P/CG Term- Cruise.