Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew FLC Overrode Automation; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Chart Or Publication; Human Factors; Procedure
As we approached DCA we were cleared to descend via the FRDMM ONE ARRIVAL. The Captain started the step downs but after a few looked as if he may be on the high end of the altitude range if he did not increase his descent rate. I pointed this out to him; and he increased his descent. Later we received another clearance to maintain 7;000 FT after LETZZ. The Captain then asked me if we still needed to comply with the rest of the altitudes on the arrival. I replied I believe so; but I'll check. I tried to confirm with ATC; but she just repeated the initial clearance of 'maintain 7;000 after LETZZ'. The Captain then immediately re-asked our question.Meanwhile; I interpreted it as we still needed to descend via the arrival and delete the altitudes listed below 7;000 FT after LETZZ. After being on a glide path to be on the high end of the crossing altitude range before; the Captain was now again too high. I tried to tell the Captain he was now too high to make the next crossing restriction at all unless he made another descent rate change; but he was still trying to understand ATC.After he did not reply to my telling him he was going to be too high; I told him again. He again was only listening to ATC. I then reached over and pulled the thrust levers to idle (he was using descent mode) but it was too late. We were too far behind to catch back up to the crossing restrictions.
When they were cleared to 'maintain 7;000 FT after LETZZ' while 'descending via' the FRDMM RNAV STAR to DCA; the flight crew of a CRJ-700 was unclear as to the necessity to comply with intervening crossing restrictions at prior waypoints. When the Captain attempted to get an ATC clarification the First Officer; believing they still had to comply; unilaterally reduced the thrust levers to idle but they were still unable. No comment regarding any clarification from ATC was included.