Clear to intercept localizer

I don't know about other places, but around here I frequently hear:
"Intercept the localizer and track it inbound."
This seems to be most frequently used in visual conditions when the controller
probably expects to clear the aircraft for a visual approach, but the aircraft is
too far from the airport to pick it up visually and is close to the localizer.

Mike
Pvt/IFR N44979 PA28-181 at KRYY

Matt Whiting wrote:
Nathan Young wrote:

On 2 Oct 2005 17:17:13 -0700, "
wrote:


I want out to play last week. I requested clearance from EMT to RAL
for ILS to rwy 9. Shortly after I was level at 4000, I was cleared to
intercept localizer. As I tracked localizer, the glideslope started
down and I started down with it. At 3,700, ATC called to ask me to
remain 4000. I climbed back to 4000 and about 30 seconds later, was
cleared to decent.

I did not think about it at the time, but does clear to intercept
localizer mean I cannot decent until I am clear to decent? BTW, the
glideslope was functioning.



Once you have an approach clearance, you can descend to the altitudes
shown on the chart.

However...

It is very common for the controller to give you a vector to the
localizer and an altitude restriction until you are established on the
localizer. Typically, this would be something like: "N123, fly 130
to intercept localizer, maintain 4000 until established, cleared ILS 9
@ RAL."

Perhaps that happened, and you just missed the altitude restriction?


This seems less likely, but maybe the clearance was only to intercept
the localizer and no approach clearance was given. I can't imagine why
a controller would do this, but stranger things have happened.


Matt