"Andrew Sarangan" wrote in message
oups.com...

While flying at 3000 ft, I get a clearance that says "maintain 3000
until established on the localizer, cleared ILS...." If I am already
at 3000, what exactly is the purpose of "maintain 3000"?


To ensure you do not descend below 3000 before you intercept the localizer.



The purpose of the "maintain 3000" is to caution the pilot that the
approach clearance does not imply that he can start descending right
away.

In this context, I take the "maintain 3000 until established" to mean
"maintain at least 3000 until establshed".


So you can climb above 3000? Nope, it means just what it says, 3000 until
established, no more and no less.