I have been given several " Descend at Pilot's descretion" instructions, but there is no fix or waypoint attached to the command , like "descend at PD to 11,000 at XXX VOR or XXXXX waypoint. When do I have to reach 11,000 feet, when no waypoint is given?

Hi Bob,As I understand it those calls are the controller basically letting you know that he's going to need you to descend in the not too distant future and letting you decide whether to maintain altitude for a while or start down immediately. I think such clearances were particularly requested by those who wished to allow their FMC's to handle the descent as programmed. Eventually you will get a more decisive instruction to descend.If there is an actual crossing restriction involved extra information will be given (something like 'you can expect a clearance to cross 40 miles from BOS at 12000 feet').Sometimes you may be told 'start down now, I need you level in 30 miles or less'.Sometimes when told to descend you will have the option to request it 'at pilot's discretion'. This may or may not be granted.Hope this helps,All the best,John

>I have been given several " Descend at Pilot's descretion">instructions, but there is no fix or waypoint attached to the>command , like "descend at PD to 11,000 at XXX VOR or XXXXX>waypoint. When do I have to reach 11,000 feet, when no>waypoint is given? Adding to John's post:The PD is granted because there is no foreseen conflict with other aircraft - therefore you have the luxury to start the descent at a time of your choosing and to descend at a vertical rate of your choosing.RC4 currently gives an unsolicited PD descent out of FL240 to a lower altitude and that PD descent has no crossing restriction associated with it. A PD descent out of cruise may be requested when Center initially starts you down. Should the PD descent be approved, it is also granted without an associated crossing restriction. -michaelRC4 Beta Team

OK, and that is basically what I have been doing with the PD's. I look at my FMC and see when it recommends that I start the descent , and use that as a gauge. So far it has worked out prefectly, but just wanted to be sure I was understanding this subject.

>OK, and that is basically what I have been doing with the>PD's. I look at my FMC and see when it recommends that I>start the descent , and use that as a gauge. So far it has>worked out prefectly, but just wanted to be sure I was>understanding this subject. Bob, I think its time to update your sig: put Radar Contact 4 *prior to* VATSIM ;-)-michael

>>OK, and that is basically what I have been doing with the>>PD's. I look at my FMC and see when it recommends that I>>start the descent , and use that as a gauge. So far it has>>worked out prefectly, but just wanted to be sure I was>>understanding this subject. >>Bob, >>I think its time to update your sig: put Radar Contact 4>*prior to* VATSIM ;-)>>-michaelI was thinking about that last evening. Glad you reminded me.... :)

>>I think its time to update your sig: put Radar Contact 4>>*prior to* VATSIM ;-)>>>>I was thinking about that last evening. Glad you reminded>me.... :)You da man! :)