When can you descend during an instrument approach?

The correct understanding of when to descend during an instrument approach is when you are established and cleared for the approach. This means that you must have received explicit clearance from air traffic control (ATC) for the approach procedure you are about to conduct. It is crucial to be established on the designated route and to follow the published approach procedure as designed.

Once you are cleared for the approach, you may begin your descent in accordance with the altitude restrictions and procedures provided in the approach chart. This ensures that you maintain safe separation from other aircraft and terrain as you navigate to the airport.

Entering a holding pattern does not inherently grant you clearance to descend; it is a means of managing traffic and may serve as a step in the process leading to an eventual approach clearance. Similarly, after takeoff, there are specific protocols to follow until you receive the appropriate clearances and ATC instructions that dictate when and how to descend. Simply sighting the airport is also not a criterion for initiating a descent, as you must be on the approved approach path in compliance with IFR regulations.