In the Canada forum, there's a "Question for Canadians". There's a couple major differences between US and Canadian rules that confuse both of us when crossing the border into the other's territory. There's one Canadian airport in my neck of the woods that's controlled by US ATC. So that leaves me wondering on the differences.
In Canada, "cleared for approach...." means altitude is now pilot's discretion, assuming charted restrictions are met. I've been in cruise, way up high, ask for descent, and get an approach clearance instead. That means, descend and do whatever I want with altitude to transition to the approach. My understanding is it's different in the US.
Now for my question. In the US, when am I allowed to descend below the last cleared altitude and begin the approach?
In Canada, "cleared for approach...." means altitude is now pilot's discretion, assuming charted restrictions are met. I've been in cruise, way up high, ask for descent, and get an approach clearance instead. That means, descend and do whatever I want with altitude to transition to the approach. My understanding is it's different in the US.
Now for my question. In the US, when am I allowed to descend below the last cleared altitude and begin the approach?