Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 7200; Flight Crew Type 1000
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification; Confusion
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Weather; Human Factors
I was given clearance to fly the RNAV/GPS approach. I was cleared to 1;500 FT and told to proceed to an approach intersection and to report intercepting the glideslope information. I reported this and was told I was cleared for the approach. I began my descent in anticipation of flying into the glideslope. Approach Control then called me and queried me being at 800 FT when I was cleared to 1;500. I reported back that I was in the approach and was going to remain at 800 FT until I intercepted the glidepath. The Controller seemed satisfied with this explanation. In retrospect I commenced my descent too early. I should have remained at 1;500 FT until I had fully intercepted the glideslope.
A C182 pilot flying a RNAV/GPS approach was cleared to maintain 1;500 FT until glideslope intercept but continued his descent to 800 FT thinking he would fly into the glideslope while descending.