FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCHard
A flight is cleared to descend via a published STAR that depicts a crossing restriction of 'cross ABC intersection at or above 10,000 feet.' ATC does not issue any additional altitude instructions. How should the crew comply with this restriction?
- ADisregard the restriction unless ATC specifically restates it verbally
- BTreat the altitude as advisory only and descend at pilot discretion
- CCross ABC intersection at or above 10,000 feet as published, since 'descend via' clearance includes published restrictions
- DLevel off at the last assigned altitude and await further clearance before crossing ABC
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Cross ABC intersection at or above 10,000 feet as published, since 'descend via' clearance includes published restrictions
When an aircraft is cleared to 'descend via' a STAR, the crew must comply with all published altitude and speed restrictions on that procedure unless otherwise amended by ATC. The crossing restriction is not merely advisory in this context — it becomes an ATC-assigned restriction that must be met.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. ATC does not need to restate published restrictions verbally; they're incorporated by reference in the clearance.
- B. Published crossing restrictions on a 'descend via' clearance are mandatory, not merely advisory.
- D. Leveling off unnecessarily deviates from the published procedure and clearance intent.
STAR 'Descend Via' Clearance
A clearance to descend via a Standard Terminal Arrival requires compliance with all published altitude and speed restrictions unless ATC amends them.
- 'Descend via' incorporates all charted restrictions
- Restrictions are mandatory unless amended by ATC
- Absent a 'descend via' clearance, altitudes shown may only be for planning ('expect')
Memory trick: 'Descend Via' means 'Do exactly what the chart says' unless told otherwise.