Hi all,When I was instructed to descent and maintain 5100ft at 60 miles north of KCEC, I had a feeling that it was too low as I was like flying on tree tops. After I landed, I took a look at the chart, the clearance is 5000ft in that area. Question is, how does RC determine how high to fly near an approach? Thnx.

the msa you give on the airport screen.jd

Does RC get this info from FS database?

afraid not. based on brute force computing on geo data available on the internet

Ha! I see, thnx. It would be nice if RC uses a database of sectionals.

KCEC for version 4 can be a problem because of the steep terrain on the eastern side. Note on the chart list only an approach from the west or south is listed over the water. RC probably samples terrain closer to the airport although the quad shows 8100 toward the east. A northern approach is not listed perhaps for traffic reasons.This is best served by using an IAP approach in RC which will let you stay high until the IAF and do descending procedure turns as appropriate by doing your own NAVIGATION. You can also use NOTAMS mode which will let you stay high ignoring altitudes but still having to adhere to vectors but then you might have to do a steep descent. You can also insert 8100 into the MSA and see what happens.I also find it odd that you got a descent to 5600 at 60 nm out (if that is what you stated). You might get that if you select an IAP but I do not think that choice comes up that far out. An IAP gives you the GS intercept altitude or at 10 nm out if I recall as soon as you select it.

i overlooked that. 5600 at 60nm out? can you send me the .pln?was this a prop or a turboprop?jd

GPS direct from Victoria BC to KCEC FL210 on a Flight1 PC-12.RC start the descent around 60nm north of KCEC. After the initial descent instruction, Req Visual, Req IAP, etc were available. I requested ILS rwy 11. RC then ask me to descent to 5100. I followed and continue to fly according to the plate. I was skimming the mountain tops until I hit the open ocean, then turn right onto rwy 11. The weather was mostly over cast, so some times I saw the mountains close below. I am sure it would've been a scary flight if it were for real. LoL.

You requested an IAP at 60 nm out. RC gave you clearance down to 5100 for the final approach, not minimum descent until you are within a shorter radius of the airport. You were not cleared to descend to 5100 at 60 nm, but on final. You are responsible to provide your own safe altitude here until you are on final. Use the MEAs on the STAR and plate you are using for the navigation paths you choose.The final approach radius is probably measured 15 nm out from the airport center but ion this version it is an average in all directions.Notice the IAF located at the airport center (in this case you descend to 5100 over it). Then you can proceed in a descending pattern outbound and turn inbound on the LOC at 2100.

I see, thank you.