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Merlin · October 16th, 2006, 00:37

"Pilot's Discretion" means just that... you do it when you are ready to. In this case, they are basically saying, 'we don't want to have the resposibility of reminding you when to descend because we really don't care WHEN you do it.'

If something comes up and they need you to get down (or stay up), they will tell you.

You might also hear, "Descend at pilots discretion to cross XYZ at 10,000". Which again, basically means that they don't care when you do it, as long as you hit the fix at the prescribed altitude.

An "unable" response to a PD directive can certainly be given, but usually because you couldn't make the altitude restriction even if you went down now, which is certainly an acceptable answer.

Regardless, if you don't like it or it seems strange to you (ie, maybe too far out), ask them about it. They'll either have a very good reason or change it to a PD.

Rereading your post, here's a better answer... don't let ATC crash your airplane!

What I mean is, if you can't accept a clearance for safety reasons, then you can't accept a clearance. Tell them that you can't and tell them why. You might even give them a possible solution, "We can take a turn to the N/E/W/S to get closer to land, then descend". They WILL find a solution. Just be aware that you might find yourself in the way with no where to go as you buzz along east of Galveston with storms sending all IAH traffic over Scholes. It's their job to deal with you, but the solution may be to send you WAY out of your way.

Jeremy

October 16th, 2006, 00:37	#4
Merlin Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 142	Re: descend at pilot's discretion? "Pilot's Discretion" means just that... you do it when you are ready to. In this case, they are basically saying, 'we don't want to have the resposibility of reminding you when to descend because we really don't care WHEN you do it.' If something comes up and they need you to get down (or stay up), they will tell you. You might also hear, "Descend at pilots discretion to cross XYZ at 10,000". Which again, basically means that they don't care when you do it, as long as you hit the fix at the prescribed altitude. An "unable" response to a PD directive can certainly be given, but usually because you couldn't make the altitude restriction even if you went down now, which is certainly an acceptable answer. Regardless, if you don't like it or it seems strange to you (ie, maybe too far out), ask them about it. They'll either have a very good reason or change it to a PD. Rereading your post, here's a better answer... don't let ATC crash your airplane! What I mean is, if you can't accept a clearance for safety reasons, then you can't accept a clearance. Tell them that you can't and tell them why. You might even give them a possible solution, "We can take a turn to the N/E/W/S to get closer to land, then descend". They WILL find a solution. Just be aware that you might find yourself in the way with no where to go as you buzz along east of Galveston with storms sending all IAH traffic over Scholes. It's their job to deal with you, but the solution may be to send you WAY out of your way. Jeremy __________________ I do what the voices in my wife's head tell me to do.