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Originally Posted by MidlifeFlyer If ATC gave SINCA as a clearance limit, shouldn't it have also given an EFC time? |
Although it stands to reason, I don't think they have to. I.E, the lost comm situation where the clearance limit is reached with no EFC time...the course of action is different than if one was issued.
Commonly, you will get this verbage if there is a good chance you will have to make a turn in holding due to traffic saturation. The controller is not ready for your airplane to progress further along the arrival. In a few minutes, you'll either get holding instructions or a new clearance limit. Typically, you will be issued something like, "N12345, you are cleared to KATL via radar vectors, fly heading 330 and descend and maintain 17,000'." Not only do you have a new clearance...but you have a new clearance limit as well...this time all the way to the airport.
You raise a good question though...and it'll have me in the books to dig a little deeper now.