Gulfstream Jet Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 3700; Flight Crew Type 115
Confusion
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
Between the AEX VOR and JERNY intersection on the SKNRD4 arrival into IAH; we were given a 'Descend Via' clearance from our cruise altitude of FL430. After we had initiated the descent; we were assigned a heading of 180 for spacing. We inquired as to what our new altitude clearance was; but were again told to 'descend via' the arrival. The controller was saturated; so we did not press the issue that a descend via clearance was invalid now that we were not on the lateral track of the STAR. We opted to reset the altitude preselector to FL240 so as to not go below the crossing restriction over the BEATL intersection (between FL240 and FL280). We were subsequently recleared direct to DOOBI and continued with the descend via clearance.This is another case of controller's not correctly utilizing 'climb via' and 'descend via' clearances.
G280 Captain is cleared to descend via the SKNRD4 to IAH. Once the descent is initiated; ATC issues a heading for spacing. When the crew asks for a new altitude assignment; they are told to descend via the arrival although they are no longer on the arrival.