Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 320
Confusion; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure; Chart Or Publication; Environment - Non Weather Related; Manuals
We were cleared to CALLS on a visual to [TUS Runway] 11L.  The First Officer selected 5000' as depicted on the approach chart.  Initially; it appeared to be an appropriate setting because of our higher altitude and descent rate.  The First Officer increased descent rate and reached 5000' outside the DME depicted for CALLS.  I determined that terrain was about to be a factor and directed the First Officer to climb.  As the climb was initiated; we received a momentary 'Caution Terrain' and small yellow depiction on the display.  At the same time; Approach advised that minimum vector altitude was 5500'.  We re-established altitude in compliance with the 11L ILS approach chart and completed the visual approach with ILS guidance.  Ensure that both Pilots have the appropriate approach chart in front of them and verbalize the clearance limit altitudes on the chart during a visual approach.
A B737 crew descended below 5;000 FT prior to CALLS intersection on a TUS Runway 11L night visual approach and received a momentary 'Caution Terrain' alert while climbing.