Originally Posted by
PiperPower
This reminds me of an instrument stage check I had. I flew the ILS exactly as published, and intercepted the glideslope at the published intercept altitude.
I passed the checkride, but afterwards my examiner asked me, "why wouldn't you have just intercepted the glideslope at 3,000 since that's where we were when we intercepted the localizer? (glide slope intercept was 2,700). I was confused as to the reason he was asking me... I think I said something like, "because the approach says the GS intercept altitude is 2,700." Then he went off about how you can intercept it from any altitude, and it doesn't say anywhere that you have to be at the GS intercept altitude.
I didn't want to argue with him, especially since I passed, but I thought he was incorrect.
What he said is correct IF the controller didn't issue something to the contrary, i.e. 'maintain 2700 until established,' in which case he expects you to start your descent (if required) immediately.
If the controller says, 'maintain
at or above 2700 until established' by all means intercept at 4000' or whatever and follow the glideslope down. The fact remains: FAF is at a fixed
geographic location at a fixed altitude. It doesn't move around.