You are cleared for the VOR RWY 4 approach at Janesville VOR. When is the earliest you may descend from 4,000 MSL?

The correct answer is that the earliest you may descend from 4,000 MSL is outbound abeam the Janesville VOR. This procedure is grounded in the principles of VOR approach procedures, which dictate that unless otherwise specified, descent from the initial altitude in these approaches should not begin until you are established on the procedure.

In instances where the approach involves a specific point, such as the VOR, the abeam position provides a visual reference that indicates you have safely completed the required segment of the approach prior to starting your descent. This allows for a safe transition to the next phase of the approach, ensuring that altitude restrictions and terrain clearance are adequately maintained.

Other options do not align with approach procedure guidelines. For instance, being established on the inbound course is not the correct point to initiate descent, as it's necessary to wait until you're outbound for proper clearance. Similarly, the potential option about being on an intercept heading relates to positioning but doesn't address the necessary altitude clearance directly. Finally, passing the VOR would typically indicate that you've completed the approach segment, but it does not specify the positional reference needed for a safe descent. Hence, the requirement to be outbound and abeam the VOR precisely defines the safe point for the descent to begin