Atlanta Center

jmcclester Rookie Zelienople PA

I have been listening to Atlanta Center and how arrivals are set-up for Atlanta Approach i.e. NE Arrivals. The transfer fix is DIRTY, all arrivals are instructed to cross this fix at a certain alt. and speed. My question is, that once this clearance is issued are pilots cleared to descend at pilots descretion?

duranme Trusted Contributor San Diego (SCT)

not unless cleared via a STAR. theyre to cross that fix at that altitude and await further instructions...

it doesnt matter if he starts descending at the time the instruction is issued, just so long as he can make the descent and be at the assigned crossing altitude by the fix.

DIESEL Newcomer

Usually what we used to get was proceed direct DIRTY, cross dirty at and maintain 14000 then descend via the the FLCON 3 or whatever star you were given on your release or an amended one from atc. there all RNAV STARS so with the autopilot on and VNAV function, the plane will basically fly all the way to a position on the downwind. there you'll get vectors to final or if it's VMC you could call the field and traffic your following. It all depends on what type of approaches there running that day. what you have to do in the plane is program the box (FMS), put in the correct STAR and dependent upon what direction there landing east or west put in the assigned runway.