Dave Butler wrote:
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AIM 5-3-3. Additional Reports

a. The following reports should be made to ATC or FSS facilities without
a specific ATC request:

1. At all times.

(a) When vacating any previously assigned altitude or flight level for a
newly assigned altitude or flight level.
...
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Richard, please explain why the citation above does not apply (assuming
the O.P.'s starting altitudes were "assigned").

The AIM doesn't say (for example) "...unless the altitude assignment is
superceded by a clearance for a visual approach".

It doesn't have to say that as it would be redundant. There is no way
to fly the visual approach clearance without descending! So, once you
are cleared for the visual, you are cleared to descend and turn as
required to execute the approach.


Matt