In a descend via clearance, what must be included?

• A. Altitude restrictions as published.
• B. Pilot discretion for altitude.
• C. Climb to altitude first.
• D. No altitude information necessary.

Answer: (A)

When you’re cleared to descend via a procedure, you’re authorized to follow the published vertical path and you must include all altitude restrictions shown on that procedure. In other words, descend along the route while meeting each step-down altitude at the fixes and not descending below the published limits unless ATC gives you a different altitude. This keeps you on the safe, obstacle-free altitude profile specified by the chart and ensures proper sequencing into the approach.

The other ideas don’t fit because a descend via clearance is not a free handle on altitude; you don’t rely on pilot discretion for an arbitrary descent. You aren’t required to climb to an altitude first, since the clearance is about descending along the published path. And altitude information is essential—the published restrictions define how you must descend.