Maintain

1) Concerning altitude flight level, the term means to remain at the altitude flight level specified. The phrase "climb and" or "descend and" normally precedes "maintain" and the altitude assignment; e.g., "descend and maintain 5,000". 2) Concerning other Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions, the term is used in its literal sense; (e.g., maintain Visual Flight Rule (VFR)). (FAA4)