EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Total 2900; Flight Crew Type 500
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Human Factors
We were on the RNAV approach to Runway 33 in BGR. Level at 3;000 feet; we were cleared direct to ELSUH and cleared for the approach. We passed ELSUH at 3;000 feet and I began a slow descent to 2;300 feet for CUVOT; the final approach fix. As I passed through about 2;400 feet we received the 'TERRAIN TERRAIN PULL UP' aural warning with a red GND PROX annunciation on the PFD. I initiated the GPWS escape maneuver; and almost immediately the warnings extinguished. I eased the aircraft nose down; and we were at about 2;900 feet by the time we were fully level. At this point; we were about 4 miles from the FAF; and only about 600 feet above the minimum altitude at the FAF; so I elected to continue the approach. The remainder of the flight was uneventful.Although we were established on the final approach course and above the minimum altitude for that segment; I'm assuming the warning was triggered based on our rate of closure with the 1;251 feet hill depicted on the chart. This approach is notorious for triggering the GPWS even when the approach is being followed appropriately. Executed GPWS escape maneuver; returned to normal flight.This is just a poorly designed approach. It is not reasonable for an instrument approach procedure to trigger EGPWS as frequently as it does. The problem could be solved by moving ELSUH in about 4 miles- this would put ELSUH 4 miles outside of CUVOT; leaving plenty of room for aircraft to descend from 3;000 feet to 2;300 feet and preventing aircraft from descending until the 1;251 feet hill is passed. I would be genuinely interested in passing this suggestion along to the FAA; if an appropriate channel exists.
EMB-145 Captain reported a terrain issue associated with the RNAV Runway 33 Approach into Bangor; Maine.