Part 4/9:
Upon reaching the Alpha Juliet Oscar VOR, the first officer began their approach briefing. However, they failed to cover essential items, most importantly the minimum altitude of 6,800 feet for the holding pattern. While the weather seemed clear over the airport, conditions can quickly change in mountainous areas, as would soon become apparent.
The Crucial Moment: Misunderstanding the Clearance
At 08:47 AM, the approach controller issued instructions that sparked a crucial misunderstanding regarding their clearance to descend. The incorrect use of terminology, coupled with the pilots’ expectations, led them to believe that they needed to stay at altitude until specifically cleared for the approach.