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2 Answers

IFR ATC Phraseology

Asked by: 8124 views Instrument Rating

Hi:

I had my first solo IFR flight today (I just obtained the rating) and I had a question about my flight. I flew the ILS 36 approach into Ocala which includes a VOR arc. I was assigned an alt of 3000 and told to report "when established" on the arc. The approach plate assigned alt for the arc is 2000. I maintained my alt until told my ATC to descend to 2000 but could I have descended sooner after I was "established" on the arc. What exactly does "report when established" mean? Does it simply refer to the course or the alt as well? 

Thanks, Tim

2 Answers



  1. Matthew Waugh on Sep 18, 2010

    You did the right thing.
    You might be getting yourself confused by the fact that a controller might clear you for the approach, but that you cannot descend until established on a segment of the approach. The Dulles accident. Being established and reporting that fact is not an approach clearance. 
    You were not cleared for the approach, therefore your last assigned altitude by ATC is in effect.

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  2. ATC-Mike on Sep 20, 2010

    When your Cleared for an approach and instructed to maintain xxx until established is when you can descend once your established.
    and thats to keep you above the mva until your established
    Report established is just course. Just so he could know when ur on the approach. 2000 is probably an at or above altitude anyways.

    REF. 7110.65t ch. 4.8 and 5.9

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