Quote:
Originally Posted by MidlifeFlyer  If a PT is never required, which is what the "the pilot decides when its required" argument comes down to, then the rules and statements about when it must be flown are, not only completely unnecessary, but an absolute contradiction. |
Agreed. But I apply similar reasoning to the idea that ATC can waive the PT. If that had been the intent, there were quite a few ways to word that more clearly and not let it be inferred from vague passages.
BTW, in scanning through the 7110.65, I've only found one section that directs ATC to clear an aircraft for a straight-in approach, and that's on the cleared direct to the IF on an RNav approach. The language says that unless ATC says that, the pilot must be allowed to do the PT if one is present at the IF (unless there is a NoPT Arrival Sector.) (Section 4-8-1)