"Geo. Anderson" wrote in message
...

Checkride in about three weeks & I am trying to figure out cruise
clearance. Simple enough, cleared between the MEA and the altitude


It is described well enough in the Pilot/Controller Glossary in the AIM:

CRUISE - Used in an ATC clearance to authorize a pilot to conduct flight at
any altitude from the minimum IFR altitude up to and including the altitude
specified in the clearance. The pilot may level off at any intermediate
altitude within this block of airspace. Climb/descent within the block is to
be made at the discretion of the pilot. However, once the pilot starts
descent and verbally reports leaving an altitude in the block, he may not
return to that altitude without additional ATC clearance. Further, it is
approval for the pilot to proceed to and make an approach at destination
airport and can be used in conjunction with:
a. An airport clearance limit at locations with a standard/special
instrument approach procedure. The FAR's require that if an instrument
letdown to an airport is necessary, the pilot shall make the letdown in
accordance with a standard/special instrument approach procedure for that
airport, or
b. An airport clearance limit at locations that are within/below/outside
controlled airspace and without a standard/special instrument approach
procedure. Such a clearance is NOT AUTHORIZATION for the pilot to descend
under IFR conditions below the applicable minimum IFR altitude nor does it
imply that ATC is exercising control over aircraft in Class G airspace;
however, it provides a means for the aircraft to proceed to destination
airport, descend, and land in accordance with applicable FAR's governing VFR
flight operations. Also, this provides search and rescue protection until
such time as the IFR flight plan is closed. (See Instrument Approach
Procedure)


--------------------
Richard Kaplan, CFII

www.flyimc.com