Hello everyone,

I have a very simple question on the STAR charts. In the charts shown in the link, there are numbers like "4500-2300" above the route lines. I have circled them out. Does that mean I have to fly that section between 2300 ft to 4500 ft? I am not sure about that.

Any idea is welcome.

Thanks.

Link to the chart (screenshot): https://dl.dropbox.com/u/58117713/2012-12-18%2023.10.40.png

I believe the number with the * is the minimum obstruction altitude. The other number is the minimum enroute altitude. Generally, you fly only down to where ATC clears you. The little lightning bolt lines that go to waypont names will generally indicate any altitude restrictions, for example 10000 with an line underneith would mean cross that point at or above 10000. A line above and below, would mean cross at 10000. These are the numbers you would use for decent planning. ATC must always give you clearance to descend and sometimes will ask you to follow the STAR profile if applicable. So those numbers really just alert you to the minimum decent altitude and you should never go lower.

Oh, thank you!