When can we descend on an approach after cleared?

• A. Once established on a published segment.
• B. As soon as cleared
• C. After crossing the FAF
• D. After contacting ATC on final approach

Answer: (A)

Descent on an approach follows the published vertical profile for the segment you’re on. You may descend to the next altitude published for that segment only after you are established on that segment (initial, intermediate, or final). Being cleared for the approach isn’t by itself enough—you must be aligned with and established on the segment so you can follow the charted step-downs and continue descending accordingly. That’s why the correct timing is to descend once you’re established on a published segment. Simply being cleared, crossing the FAF, or contacting ATC on final approach doesn’t by itself authorize the descent; it’s the establishment on the segment that governs when you can descend to the charted altitudes.