So center gave us a crossing restriction and the other pilot started going down. Center then gives us a handoff and I tell the next controller, “Center, 1234 passing FL210 to cross ABC VOR at FL180.” The controller then says, “1234, cross DEF VOR (the next VOR in the arrival) at 14,000.” The other pilot then sets 14,000 in the autopilot and tells me since the new controller didn’t say to cross ABC at FL180 like the last guy, then we no longer had to worry about it.

I could tell that we were going to make the first assigned crossing restriction and I really didn’t want to start something with this guy, but I have never heard of that before. Is there a FAR or something in the AIM saying that a new controller must reissue clearances assigned by a previous controller?

I asked a fellow I work with this question (who is both an experienced pilot and a former controller) and his **initial** thought was the same as the guy you flew with (if the controller did not restate it then it does not apply), but cautioned that he wouldn't bet his life on it
In any case - he said he was going to do some research on it and see if he could find my a reference/answer. I'll pass it along if he follows through. Until then - we have an awful lot of experience in both respects here on the forum and I will bet there will be a good discussion born of this question. Thanks for bringing it up!

USMCFLYR

I'd be interested to hear the replies on this one.

Personally, I would just worry about the newest crossing restriction. Just like a lower or higher altitude clearance on the way down or up from a previous clearance.

Just my .02

All else fails, ask the controller if he/ she still wants the previous crossing. It's free to ask.

I would have asked the new controller, both sides of the fence make mistakes all the time...

Yes to both these responses and the same was actually my co-worker's first response too; but without getting in deep into a scenario based question - what say the rules? Let's talk *technical* for a second.

USMCFLYR

FAAH 7110.65U, para. 4-2-5 b. When route or altitude in a previously issued
clearance is amended, restate all applicable altitude restrictions.

In your example, the new controller's instructions erased the previous clearance. If he needed you at ABC at FL180 and DEF at 14000, he should have stated both altitudes.

Thanks for the reference too.

Yep. But be careful in Canada when flying a STAR, that is NOT the case. Often the center controller will give you a clearance for a fix on the arrival, but not a "descend via the arrival clearance". When being handed off to approach (Terminal), they'll usually give you the next/subsequent crossings. That/those clearance(s) does not allow one to descend below a previously issued restriction.

Your clearance got amended, and you follow the most recent one. In this case, you are no longer expected to cross ABC at FL180, and are instead expected to now cross DEF at 14,000.