Originally Posted by
Talon1011
From AIM, Section 5-4-1:
2. Pilots navigating on STAR/RNAV STAR/FMSP procedures shall maintain last assigned altitude until receiving authorization to descend so as to comply with all published/issued restrictions. This authorization will contain the phraseology “DESCEND VIA.”
(a) Clearance to “descend via” authorizes pilots to:
(1) Vertically and laterally navigate on a STAR/RNAV STAR/FMSP.
(2) When cleared to a waypoint depicted on a STAR/RNAV STAR/FMSP, to descend from a previously assigned altitude at pilot's discretion to the altitude depicted for that waypoint, and once established on the depicted arrival, to navigate laterally and vertically to meet all published restrictions.
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Of course, the above mentioned notam clarifies the procedure for this particular airfield. This AIM reference is given as reference for most situations.
The AIM has
NO relevance to procedures outside the U.S. Zero, zip, nada.
As to the question, it is best to be VERY careful about descending below any altitude that is published, even in the U.S. Mistakes happen. Outside the U.S., I would not do it unless sure that's what ATC wants, AND sure that terrain is not a factor, regardless of the legality of it.