Citation Excel (C560XL)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 90; Flight Crew Total 3850; Flight Crew Type 160
Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors
While on our descent into Richmond; VA (RIC); We were issued 'descend Via' the SPIDR1 arrival. We set up the arrival into the FMS and armed the VNAV function of the autopilot. ATC then issued SEVERAL series of 'descend and maintain' clearences; voiding the 'descend via' clearances. This initiated several sequences of arming/re-arming the VS and/or VNAV functions of autopilot. Upon the last 'descend via' clearance; it appeared to me that the autopilot was not going to capture the VPATH. I then hit direct 8;000 feet + execute on the FMS. This then eliminated all remaining waypoints on arrival. We then went into heading mode until we went back and programmed remaining waypoints. This also made us about 1;000 feet high on a crossing restriction; thus the reason for this report. Contributing factors were the pilot flying's (first officer) lack of experience on the aircraft and with RNAV 'descend Via' arrivals and the VNAV function of the autopilot; However; another contributing factor was ATC kept changing the clearance from descend via to descend and maintain which added to the complexity. Had there remained the original descend via clearance; this would not have resulted in the confusion. Corrective action: flight crew must have better coordination. Asking the lead pilot if input is correct before just hitting buttons on FMS. As a pilot I need continued experience in the aircraft and RNAV SIDS/STARS. Also remaining vigilant that the airplane is doing what we want. Personally; I feel like the RNAV arrivals add complexity to an already critical phase of flight and are a violation waiting to happen for flight crews across the country. Human Factors: Affecting quality of performance was constant change of clearance by ATC which we need to adapt to. Remain sharp as a pilot and be prepared for the various differences in ATC centers across US.
CE-560XL First Officer reported difficulty dealing with a descend via clearance; in part because of crew errors; but also in part because of multiple ATC clearance changes.