B737 captain is confused by the MAYSA3 RNAV SID departing phx; in that there is a top altitude of 8;...

Narrative:

The MAYSA3 RNAV SID is unusual in that there is a top altitude of 8;000 feet; but in the initial climb instructions it says to cross goaly at or below 9;000 feet. In the routing instructions it also says to maintain 8;000 feet all the way through the transition. The clearance given said climb via the SID. I don't think I have seen another SID with a top altitude below the first hold down altitude. It seems possible that aircrew might mistakenly climb to 9;000 feet if cleared to climb via the SID. I'm trying to figure out a situation where the 9;000 feet would come into play if the top altitude is always 8;000 feet; just a bit confusing. I am submitting this as soon as possible for your consideration to help avoid deviations. No deviation has occurred.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B737 Captain is confused by the MAYSA3 RNAV SID departing PHX; in that there is a top altitude of 8;000 feet; but in the initial climb instructions it says to cross GOALY at or below 9;000 feet.

Narrative: The MAYSA3 RNAV SID is unusual in that there is a top altitude of 8;000 feet; but in the initial climb instructions it says to cross GOALY at or below 9;000 feet. In the routing instructions it also says to maintain 8;000 feet all the way through the transition. The clearance given said climb via the SID. I don't think I have seen another SID with a top altitude below the first hold down altitude. It seems possible that aircrew might mistakenly climb to 9;000 feet if cleared to climb via the SID. I'm trying to figure out a situation where the 9;000 feet would come into play if the top altitude is always 8;000 feet; just a bit confusing. I am submitting this ASAP for your consideration to help avoid deviations. No deviation has occurred.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1324069
Time
Date	201601
Local Time Of Day	0601-1200
Place
Locale Reference	PHX.Airport
State Reference	AZ
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B737-700
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Parked
Route In Use	SID MAYSA3
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Captain
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 147
Events
Anomaly	No Specific Anomaly Occurred All Types

B737 captain is confused by the MAYSA3 RNAV SID departing phx; in that there is a top altitude of 8;000 feet; but in the initial climb instructions it says to cross goaly at or below 9;000 feet.