FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsEasy
A pilot is cleared for a 'descend via' clearance on a Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR). The STAR indicates a crossing restriction of 'FL190A' at a fix. What is the pilot expected to do?
- ADescend to and maintain FL190 until passing the fix, then continue descent at pilot's discretion.
- BDescend to FL190 and maintain that altitude until cleared to descend further.
- CDescend to, but not below, FL190 and cross the fix at or above FL190.
- DDescend to FL190 and cross the fix at exactly FL190.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Descend to, but not below, FL190 and cross the fix at or above FL190.
The 'A' suffix in FL190A indicates 'at or above'. Therefore, the pilot must cross the fix at or above FL190.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This implies maintaining the altitude, which is incorrect, and also allows for pilot discretion descent which is not part of a 'descend via' clearance.
- B. This option implies maintaining FL190, which is incorrect for an 'at or above' restriction.
- D. This implies crossing at exactly FL190, which is incorrect for an 'at or above' restriction.
STAR Altitude Restrictions
Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) charts include altitude restrictions at specific fixes, which can be 'at', 'at or above', or 'at or below'.
- Altitude restrictions on STARs guide descent.
- 'A' suffix means 'at or above'.
- 'B' suffix (or no suffix) means 'at or below'.
- A solid line means 'at'.
Memory trick: STARs set the stage for your descent with altitude rules.