Question about Approaching KLAX

[davidkang1109]

Hi everyone.

I had a long flight last weekend from RKSI to KLAX about 11 hours flight.

LA Center was online and also the Tower.
While I was approaching the coverage of LA Center, I contacted him as below

P: LA Center good day, KAL0000 with you. FL 370.

I was about a few miles away from TILT and then he said something but I could only understand partially. I should've asked him again to make sure but there was much traffic so I missed my chances.

The words I heard was something like " Intercept TILT ------(I guess decent by WURLL) WURLL, DIRBY1 Arrival"

I read back what I heard(partially) and I could move on but the problem was, when I requested him, permission to decent, he said he already gave me the instruction.

Does anyone have an idea what the LA Center was trying to say? I am quite new to VATSIM I need some help.

Thank you.

[Nick Christopher]

Hi, David. The center controller probably gave you a DESCEND VIA instruction. That means you were to descend according to the altitude restrictions on the STAR.

What STAR were you on?

[davidkang1109]

Thank you for your reply. I was going for DIRBY 1 and by the time I heard from the controller, I believe I was about VESPA or ENI.
Would you mind letting me know some sample phrases I should be aware of? coz I spent the rest of the weekend searching for terminology but nowhere to be seen. I wish I knew more terms so I could fully understand it especially after 10 hours of flight. .

I should try text-only for my next time visit to KLAX.




Thanks.

[Matthew Kramer]

David, if you are ever unsure about an instruction feel free to ask the controller. They would much rather you clear up confusion in the moment than doing something they weren't expecting.

From cruise, you'll often hear the instruction "Descend at pilot's discretion to Altitude," meaning you can descend however you'd like to the altitude you are given.

You might hear, "Descend via the _____ Arrival," which means you are cleared to descend but must meet the altitude and speed restrictions on the STAR.

You might enjoy reading our controller training materials. Though they are meant for ATC students, we've laid out some basic controlling information in a digestible way.

[davidkang1109]

Thank you very much for your help!
I will read the link and give it a shot again!