EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
On descent into CUU; approach cleared us to fly the KIPAL1C STAR; then to fly the RNP 18L approach to Runway 18L. We informed the Controller that we are unable to fly RNP approaches; and requested the VORDME2 to Runway 18L from the KIPAL waypoint; which we were approaching. The Controller instead issued a clearance to proceed direct to CUU VOR; without any further approach clearance. I was unsure of his intentions; but given the terrain I stated we were unable to fly direct to the VOR and again requested the VORDME2 to Runway 18L from KIPAL. The Controller granted the request and cleared us for the approach. It was clear that the Controller assumed we could fly RNP approaches; and it was my impression that Controller wanted to clear us for a visual approach which would not have been safe given the substantial terrain between our location and the airport.
EMB-145 Captain reported requesting a new arrival clearance to MMCU airport after the Controller issued an RNP approach that the aircraft was not equipped to execute.