Originally Posted by
JohnBurke
It's not. When the controller issued a vector, the controller took responsibility for traffic and terrain separation. The vector was at 2,800 and heading 120. The next clearance provided a new altitude; cross TELEX at or above 2100. Descent may be commenced upon receipt of that clearance to cross TELEX at 2100 or higher.
The controller could not issue a lower altitude, even a crossing altitude as the new limit, while on a vector, unless that altitude was possible between the point of issuance and the crossing (TELEX), and that altitude is above MVA.
The original poster was cleared down to 2100' and could have descended to and maintained that altitude to cross TELEX. It's pilots discretion on the descent in this case; descent can be commenced at
any time to cross TELEX at or above 2100.
MSA is an emergency altitude and while on vectors for the approach, is irrelevant.
I agree with your analysis. However, since the clearance was not what I would consider the "standard" hand off to intercept and commence an ILS, I still would query the controller if I got the same thing tomorrow.
MSA may not restrict a pilot or controller during vectors, but I wouldn't say it's irrelevant.