Currently listening to SYR Tower/Approach feed and had a question regarding Runway 10 Approach Clearance. I've never heard them do this before so I wonder if someone could chime in as to why they're doing it.
Basically, as soon as aircraft make initial contact with Syracuse Approach they're cleared for the ILS approach. I've usually heard them vectored down to a lower altitude then cleared closer to the airport for the approach. First time I've seen it done this way.
Example:
EGF4057: Syracuse APP, Eagle Flight 4057 checking in, 11,500 for 11,000 with India.
SYR: Eagle Flight 4057, roger. Syracuse Altimeter 29.82, 17 miles from SOLVA, descend and maintain 3,000 until established, cleared ILS 10 approach.
ILS Plate:
http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/SYR/IAP/ILS+OR+LOC+RWY+10/pdf