Cessna Citation Sovereign (C680)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors
I was pilot flying. During ILS Runway 17 approach at SLC using LNAV to finish SKEES4 arrival we were cleared direct to BOOOT; and then IVOCY; PRYES and TIFUL (FAF). The crew discussed letting the system auto change to green needles to complete the approach. Shortly after that SLC Approach Control gave us a vector of 120 degrees to intercept the final approach and maintain 7;500 feet until established. Heading was selected. I should have selected green needles at that time. But I did not and was waiting for the system to intercept the inbound course forgetting heading mode was selected.When we went through the approach course; I was trying to figure out why instead of making an immediate correction. I started to make a correction at about the same time SLC Approach gave us an immediate heading change to the southwest and a climb; due to high terrain to the east of our position. On our new heading we were cleared to intercept the final approach course followed by an uneventful approach and landing.I should make sure trying to use automation does not interfere with proper control of the aircraft. Need to confirm we are using the correct navigation mode for what we are trying to do.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
CE-680 flight crew reported loss of situational awareness and over-reliance on automation resulted in a track deviation leading to a terrain alert from ATC during the approach to SLC.