Originally Posted by
jrmyl
From the AIM---
5-3-3. Additional Reports
a. The following reports should be made to ATC or FSS facilities without a specific ATC request:
1. At all times.
(a) When vacating any previously assigned altitude or flight level for a newly assigned altitude or flight level.
I don't like to make that report either, but it is right there in black and white.
I almost always get a thank you from ATC when letting them know we're vacating an altitude (as in receiving pilot's discretion to a new altitude). I know the airspace is already clear for us, but it never hurts to let them know, they can get ready to prepare the handoff or simply just to know that we're starting down.