If you hear "maintain FL280, cleared for the approach," what should you do?

When instructed to "maintain FL280, cleared for the approach," the correct action is to maintain the current altitude of FL280 while also beginning to configure and prepare for the approach procedure. This phrase indicates that your aircraft is cleared to conduct the approach while your altitude is to be held steady at FL280 until further instructed.

In instrument flight rules (IFR) operations, it's common for air traffic control (ATC) to issue instructions that involve maintaining altitude during an approach. This helps ensure separation from other aircraft and allows for a safe and orderly arrival into busy airspace. It is essential for pilots to listen carefully to the ATC instructions and comply with them to maintain safety and protocol in the airspace.

The idea is to prepare for the approach without immediately descending unless ATC specifically instructs you to do so. Therefore, you should maintain the altitude but also be vigilant about the approach, which may include aligning with the correct navigation aids or preparing for the approach's vertical profile when directed by ATC update.