DESCEND VIA PHRASEOLOGY FAQ

1. Q. When a controller issues a “Descend Via” clearance, am I required to read it back?. A. YES. Reading back the descend via clearance, along with the name and number of the procedure (BWILL TWO), assures the controller you will comply with all restrictions and you are navigating on the correct procedure and version. Include the runway transition, if assigned. Esta no.

2. Q. What phraseology do I use when handed off to the next frequency?. A. As you do today, report your flight number or aircraft identification, followed by your current altitude; then state “Descending Via the (STAR Name & Number) .” If you were issued a runway transition, include it as well (“Landing South” “Runway Eight” etc.) Example: “Flight 222, Flight Level two three zero; descending via the (Star Name/Number) arrival, landing south” Note: You do not state the altitude you are descending to when descending via to the published “Bottom Altitude” of the procedure. Upon initial call to the approach controller, include the current ATIS designator. Esta no.

3.Q. I received a “Descend Via (Procedure Name/Number), EXCEPT MAINTAIN (Altitude)” clearance and read it back correctly. What do I say when I check in with the next controller?. A. As you do today, report your flight number or aircraft identification, followed by your current altitude; then state the altitude you’re descending to, followed by “Descending Via the (STAR Name/Number). Example:“Flight222,FlightLeveltwothreezeroforeightthousand;descending via the (Star Name/Number) arrival”. Está no.