3-19  Once the determination is made regarding the instrument  approach and landing runway pilots use, ATC will not  permit a change to another NAVAID that is not aligned with  the landing runway. When altitude restrictions are required  for separation purposes, ATC avoids assigning an altitude  an advisory that details when to expect to commence  the descent. ATC typically uses the phraseology, “Expect  descent in (number) miles.” Standard ATC phraseology  is, “Maintain (altitude) until specified point (e.g., abeam  landing runway end), cleared for visual approach or expect  visual or contact approach clearance in (number of miles,  minutes, or specified point).”  final descent and glideslope/glidepath intercept can be  made without exceeding specific obstacle clearance and  other related arrival, approach, and landing criteria.  Arrival delays typically are absorbed at a metering fix.  This fix is established on a route prior to the terminal  airspace, 10,000 feet or more above the airport elevation.  The metering fix facilitates profile descents, rather than  controllers using delaying vectors or a holding pattern at  low altitudes. Descent restrictions normally are applied  prior to reaching the final approach phase to preclude  relatively high descent rates close in to the destination  airport. At least 10 NM from initial descent from 10,000  feet above the airport elevation, the controller issues  Figure 3-16. Assigned altitudes. 