Beginning on February 2, 2015, at 0900lcl (1400Z) Boston ARTCC will begin issuing Descend Via clearances to all properly equipped RNAV aircraft inbound to Boston Terminal Area.  The effected RNAV arrivals that will utilize these procedures are, ROBUC, OSSHN, QUABN, ZELKA and ROZZE STARS. 

Pilots are expected not to begin the vertical descent portions of any of the STARs until advised by a Boston ARTCC controller to "Descend Via."  Speeds are expected to be complied with unless otherwise specified by the controller at Boston ARTCC. 

Pilots will be expected to comply with the appropriate transitions issued.  If no transition is issued, a pilot can expect Radar vectors to final from Boston Approach.

Pilots should adhere to their company policy and procedures for operating on performance-based procedures.  It is important to emphasize proper Crew Resource Management (CRM), where pilots should ensure a procedure is thoroughly briefed and reviewed, particularly with these new and amended RNAV procedures before beginning the procedure profile.

As Boston ARTCC phases in descend via operations, here are some important pilot considerations and procedural notes:

1. You are not cleared for the vertical profile until ATC issues a “Descend Via” clearance.
2. You cannot climb to a higher altitude when issued descend via clearance.
3. If you were issued a speed to maintain and are later issued a descend via clearance, all published speeds become mandatory; unless the controller specifically assigns a speed after the descend via clearance is issued.
4. If you are vectored off the arrival you will be given an altitude to maintain. When you are "re-cleared" on the arrival, a clearance to join the arrival only gives you lateral clearance. You will be issued a new "descend via" clearance to rejoin the vertical profile.
5. Minimum Enroute Altitudes (MEAs) are not part of the vertical profile.  An MEA is based on obstruction clearance and DME NAVAID reception.  They are not ATC procedure restrictions.  Coded restrictions are depicted at the fix/NAVAID or waypoint, and are part of the vertical profile.

Notes:

• Boston ARTCC will issue a transition to the primary landing runway.  If Boston Approach assigns the secondary landing runway, expect radar vectors.
• The following transitions are ATC assigned only:
• QUABN3 STAR: WHATE transition is ATC assigned only
• ROZZE1 STAR MUCOW and CRIBB transitions are ATC assigned only

Any questions please contact Fran Scalley at Boston ARTCC Airspace & Procedures.  603-879-6678