Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
During a practice FMS (Flight Management System) backed up visual approach to Runway 33 in Syracuse we received a terrain warning while descending on the base leg. We had been at 5;000 feet MSL on the downwind and started a turning descent to 2;000 feet MSL which was our planned crossing altitude for the 5 NM runway extension we had set up in the FMS. We misjudged the required descent and descended too much too soon. We had also prepared for a GPS to Runway 33 just in case the weather would not permit the visual; but we neglected to brief a tower on the base leg of the visual and whilst descending we got an obstacle warning. We initially used the AP (autopilot) to turn away from the Tower but subsequently disengaged and leveled off as we turned away from it.Failed to evaluate obstacles in vicinity of airport and descended too early. Took evasive action. Brief obstacles from an approach plate even if flying a FMS backed up visual.
CRJ-700 Captain reported taking evasive action after receiving an obstacle warning from the GPWS on a visual approach to SYR.