If a descent at 'pilot's discretion' is given by ATC and the altitude change is 6,000 feet or less, the pilot shall

• A. Initiate the descent immediately unless the immediate descent would take you into inclement weather.
• B. Maintain current altitude.
• C. Descend only when weather permits.
• D. Climb to the assigned altitude.

Answer: (A)

When ATC says descend at pilot's discretion and the altitude change requested is 6,000 feet or less, you should begin the descent immediately. The intent is to expedite the descent to meet ATC flow while you still have the flexibility to avoid hazards. The only exception is if descending right away would put you into inclement weather or other unsafe conditions; in that case you would hold or seek an alternate clearance rather than descend into the hazard.

This behavior aligns with the clearance you’ve been given: you’re allowed to initiate the descent promptly, rather than waiting for a separate instruction, as long as you can do so without creating a weather or safety risk.