Global 5000 (Bombardier)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 70; Flight Crew Total 17610; Flight Crew Type 480
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors
While being vectored for a VOR approach at Pune; India we were on a right downwind for Runway 28 and on an assigned heading of 103 degrees. We were given a descent to which I understood to be 2;800 FT and read back 2;800 FT. When reaching 2;800 FT we got an EGPWS warning 'To Low GEAR.' When initially hearing 2;800 FT; I thought it was low because on the DME ARC it states 3;800 FT. The pilot flying and our third pilot in the jump seat heard me read back 2;800 FT and didn't question my response. Shortly after receiving the EGPWS warning Approach Control told us we were at 2;700 FT and that we were cleared to 3;800 FT and to climb back up to 3;800 FT. I mentioned to Approach I had understood and read back 2;800 FT and we were climbing to 3;800 FT. This all happened rather quickly; fortunately the weather was scattered clouds and visibility was good along with the Controller catching the mistake. I feel the language barrier added to this error. I let the Controller lead me into a false sense of security when he gave us a vector of 103 degrees thinking this Military Controller is very precise; normally vectors are given in 5 degree increments. Next time I will follow my gut and question the Controller.
Global 5000 First Officer accepts a clearance to descend to 2;800 FT during approach to VAPO. This triggers a GPWS warning and a call from ATC to climb up to 3;800 FT.