[B767Driver]

The below is copied from the AIM.

Notice the subtle difference in language pertaining to "established in a holding pattern", then later on " maintain last assigned altitude until leaving the holding pattern and established on the inbound course".

Here's a question for y'all. When you are cleared for an approach from a hold...and have not yet intercepted the holding course...do you descend? Or do you wait until intercepting the holding course to descend to the holding altitude??





3. If an aircraft is established in a published holding pattern at an assigned altitude above the published minimum holding altitude and subsequently cleared for the approach, the pilot may descend to the published minimum holding altitude. The holding pattern would only be a segment of the IAP if it is published on the instrument procedure chart and is used in lieu of a procedure turn.

m. For those holding patterns where there are no published minimum holding altitudes, the pilot, upon receiving an approach clearance, must maintain the last assigned altitude until leaving the holding pattern and established on the inbound course. Thereafter, the published minimum altitude of the route segment being flown will apply. It is expected that the pilot will be assigned a holding altitude that will permit a normal descent on the inbound course.