Crossing Restrictions

[Mrh90]

What constitutes a crossing restriction on an arrival? For example, if the chart says expect to cross an intersection at 10,000 and 250 knots and ATC does not issue the clearence, do you cross at 10,000 and 250 knots or do you cross at your present altitude and airspeed?

Also, what if a 121 carrier is outside the final approach fix and the weather is reported as 100 OVC and 1/2 mile and the mins are 200 and 1/2. Can they shoot the approach with just the visibility, or do they need the cloud clearence also. Thanks

 

[EatSleepFly]

On an arrival you just fly the route and not the altitudes unless ATC specifies otherise (by saying "descend via XXX arrival" or similar).

Visibility (RVR) trumps ceiling; you can shoot the approach as long as your Ops Specs allow approaches with 1/2 mile visibility (which they will).

 

[Cardinal]

You wouldn't climb if a controller said to "expect 8,000 10 minutes after departure," so in the same sense the notes on the arrival are not binding, just do whatever ATC tells ya to do. If your droning towards the fix level at FL510 without a descent clearance and the "expected" restriction starts to look barely doable, it may be time to ask ATC if they're going to need you to comply.

Only the visibility is controlling, and 121 carriers must have the visiblility prior to beginning the approach. The ceiling is considered only when selecting an alternate and determinining the need for a second alternate.