Regional Jet CL65; Undifferentiated or Other Model
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Undershoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
Aircraft X checked onto departure and were instructed to 'Climb via SID' which was a GRZZZ3 Departure. Aircraft X reaching 9000 FT questioned which altitude they were to climb to. Departure replied 'Top altitude FL200' and Aircraft X continued their climb to FL200. Pilots questioning the phraseology of 'Climb via SID' has been an ongoing problem at ABQ because of Clearance Delivery assigning 'Climb via SID; except maintain 90' and pilots confused over 'Climb via SID's' instructions. Aircraft on clearance should be instructed to 'Climb via SID' with no altitude restrictions; and if Approach needs an altitude restriction this will be given upon aircraft check in. -OR- All pilots need to be on the same page that when departure clears an aircraft to 'Climb via SID' this deletes the clearance delivery restriction previously given.
Reporter stated that they would like the climb via phraseology fixed; it has been going on for about 5 years and still causes problems.
ABQ TRACON Controller reported pilot confusion on how high too climb on a 'Climb via SID'; except maintain a specific altitude.