When Air Traffic is Light, ATC Lets You Take Your Time Landing

Controllers cant just look where the traffic is now. Were mentally projecting every route ahead to see future conflicts. If Ive got two 120-knot aircraft at the same altitude converging on a point 20 miles away, in 10 minutes theyll be waving to each other. Something-like an altitude change-must be done in 10 minutes. If I need to use immediately in that altitude clearance, I screwed up by waiting way too long.

tkarmer

Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

"At pilot's discretion" is an ATC clearance offering pilots the flexibility to initiate climbs or descents whenever they wish, at any rate, and to temporarily level off at intermediate altitudes.
This type of clearance is issued when ATC has no immediate traffic concerns, allowing pilots convenience, comfort (e.g., for medical flights), or operational preference, unlike standard clearances that require prompt action.
The key restriction for "pilot's discretion" is that once an altitude has been vacated, a pilot may not return to it without obtaining a new ATC clearance.
"Pilot's discretion" can also be inferred in certain clearances, such as "cross (fix) at" specific altitudes, or when instructed to "descend/climb via" a STAR or SID.

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When an air traffic controller needs you to climb or descend quickly, they pepper their phraseology with “immediately,” “expedite,” or “no delay.” Is there a counterpart, for less stressful situations? Of course there is: “At pilot’s discretion.”

Even though it involves less urgency than a standard ATC altitude clearance, that phrase comes with some definite expectations. Some may be obvious. Others not so much.