Workload; Communication Breakdown; Human-Machine Interface; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
Filed to fly the SUNSS RNAV STAR into PHX. ABQ Center cleared us to cross ITEMM at FL240 and then descend via the KOOLY STAR. Per company directive the Captain (pilot not flying) told the Controller we were unable the KOOLY and had to remain on flight plan. The Controller than gave us ITEMM direct SQUES 'descend via' the SUNSS STAR which had us crossing SUNSS at 11;000 FT and 250 KTS. As we began our descent to cross SUNSS the Controller asked our altitude we stopped at 20;500 FT and the Captain relayed our understanding of the clearance. He indicated he had not given the via instruction that we had understood. The Controller then cleared us to cross SQUES at 12;000 FT and 250 KTS which is actually part of the KOOLY STAR. I am not sure what the problem with the MD 80 fleet and the arrivals into PHX are but the confusion on the Controllers' part as well as our own is making the situation more difficult to manage than I believe is necessary. If we are going to continue to be restricted not to fly the PHX arrivals then ALL of the ABQ Center controllers need to be aware of this. They should not clear us for a procedure we are not able to do. It just leads to too much confusion for all.
[No substantive additional information was included in the secondary narrative.]
Confusion reigned when ATC and the MD-82 flight crew struggled with ATC desire to clear them via the KOOLY RNAV STAR and the flight crew advised they had been directed by company bulletins to only accept the RNAV STAR by which they had been flight planned; in this case the SUNSS RNAV STAR.