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B737-700 captain reported some confusion as to the cleared altitude on the dryye 1 RNAV arrival into dfw.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1414352 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201612 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1801-2400 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZFW.ARTCC |
| State Reference | TX |
| Environment | |
| Light | Night |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | B737-700 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Captain Pilot Flying |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 186 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types |
Narrative:
We were cleared directly to the knead fix on the dryye 1 RNAV arrival. The controller issued the clearance 'descend via the dryye 1 arrival.' we read that back; then set 5000 ft in the MCP mode control panel) altitude window (verifying the aircraft was still in the VNAV path mode). We then noted a possible misunderstanding: the knead fix has a published crossing altitude (and speed); but the lowest published altitude on the arrival is at swvay; and is printed as 'expect to cross at 5000 ft.' we discussed it; and agreed that a strict interpretation of the clearance would mean our lowest altitude to which we were cleared was 12;000 ft. We called back; explained our concern; and were then issued 'cross knead at 12;000 ft.' the controller seemed to immediately understand why we'd asked the question. We weren't notably tired; but were flying the final leg of our day. Radio traffic was light; thus clarification was easily done. Had we been seriously fatigued; and the frequency congested; we believe this could have resulted in a possible deviation. As printed; it appears this could cause some confusion.if the arrival will require the expected 5000 ft crossing; perhaps a very prominent note regarding 'descend via' clearances could prevent possible confusion.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: B737-700 Captain reported some confusion as to the cleared altitude on the DRYYE 1 RNAV arrival into DFW.
Narrative: We were cleared directly to the KNEAD fix on the DRYYE 1 RNAV Arrival. The Controller issued the clearance 'descend via the DRYYE 1 Arrival.' We read that back; then set 5000 ft in the MCP Mode Control Panel) altitude window (verifying the aircraft was still in the VNAV PATH mode). We then noted a possible misunderstanding: the KNEAD fix has a published crossing altitude (and speed); but the lowest published altitude on the arrival is at SWVAY; and is printed as 'EXPECT to cross at 5000 ft.' We discussed it; and agreed that a strict interpretation of the clearance would mean our lowest altitude to which we were cleared was 12;000 ft. We called back; explained our concern; and were then issued 'cross KNEAD at 12;000 ft.' The Controller seemed to immediately understand why we'd asked the question. We weren't notably tired; but were flying the final leg of our day. Radio traffic was light; thus clarification was easily done. Had we been seriously fatigued; and the frequency congested; we believe this could have resulted in a possible deviation. As printed; it appears this could cause some confusion.If the arrival will require the expected 5000 ft crossing; perhaps a very prominent note regarding 'descend via' clearances could prevent possible confusion.
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.