Question: I’m confused about the altitudes shown on some IFR plates, such as the STAR [standard terminal arrival route] for the LENDY Eight Arrival [to John F. Kennedy International Airport/KJFK in New York].
In this example (above), I thought the altitudes shown for segments (like FL 180 between LVZ and JENNO) indicated the altitude you should fly—so 18,000 feet in this case. But then next to JENNO intersection it says “Expect FL 230.” So which is it? Should the segment be flown at 18,000 feet or 23,000 feet?
Obviously it’s whatever the controller tells you, but in the absence of an instruction from a controller, which would it be? I see this on a number of plates.
Answer: On the LENDY 8 Arrival STAR, FL 18000 indicates the minimum en route altitude (MEA) is 18,000 feet. The notation “Expect FL 230” is for planning purposes, so you know when to begin the descent, which means, of course, have briefed the approach and have the aircraft configured. Air traffic control wants you to be ready when it clears you for the approach.
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