Originally Posted by
EMAW
I agree with you on programming the FMS. But the original question was what if you are given an early descent, well outside of the arrival? Do you transition to 280 when you intercept it? Once you are on the arrival? Or by the first fix with a restriction? I have yet to have them leave me above where I transition to 280 until getting on the arrival.
Just thought of something else. Going along with what you said you would normally be on the STAR descending if on the optimized profile descent, and you wouldn’t be able to maintain 280 at the top of descent. My theory is that that is why the first fix, in this case KOZAR isn’t speed restricted, even though it really is via a floating restriction.
So lets say you're a 1000 miles out and given a descent to FL200 because it's the only smooth ride. I wouldn't be concerned at all about the transition airspeed / STAR at this point. So you get down to FL200 and decide to go 310. Unless told otherwise by atc, you can hold that 310 inside of Kozar and then slow to 280 for EEZI, is how i read it... but because this is unusual I'm probably going to ask what speed they want (as I'm approaching Kozar).
Re your second paragraph - yes / agreed, the intention of the note is to restrict your speed a bit.