Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 283; Flight Crew Type 283
Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation - Altitude Undershoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Chart Or Publication; Human Factors
We were given a descend via clearance on the PCIFC 2 RNAV Arrival. Because we hadn't been assigned a runway transition we both agreed that 9;000 feet would be the bottom limit. The FMS stopped at the STYFF intersection with an at or below 9;000 feet until you put a runway in for the approach. The routing on the STAR shows STYFF being the clearance limit until you have a runway transition. We were getting closer to 9;000 feet and STYFF intersection without a runway transition even though we were anticipating and briefed 30 per the ATIS. The Captain asked if we could request the RNAV Z for 30. We were told to make that request with the next controller. By the time we reached STYFF we weren't able to get radio transmission into approach for further clarification so we leveled off at 9;000 feet. Approach then asked why we stopped our descent and we explained that we were never given a transition. Approach then mistakenly thought we were on the ROOBY 3 which we were not. They gave us a heading and altitude and we continued with no further issues. This brought up the question as to what is correct. Without being assigned a runway the STAR is a bit confusing. According to the wording and the FMS your limit appears to be STYFF at 9;000 feet. However the depiction on the chart shows another waypoint after that of KAYNN at 7;000 feet before the arrival branches off depending which runway you are landing.
Air carrier First Officer reported reaching clearance limit on the PCIFC 2 arrival to LGB airport without runway transition or further clearance.