Citation V/Ultra/Encore (C560)
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 64; Flight Crew Total 8265; Flight Crew Type 1028
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Enroute from ZZZ; I was the pilot flying from the left seat; the Chief Pilot was in the right seat and working the radios. Near Foothills (ODF) VOR; Atlanta Center asked what kind of approach we would like. We replied the visual; and were told to expect the visual and report the airport in site. We were then cleared to descend to 7;300 feet. The IAF is DAYEL intersection at or above 7;000 feet (16.3 miles from the airport.) I had planned to remain at 7;300 feet until 4.5 miles from JASVU intersection (9.7 miles from the airport and 3680 feet above minimums.) As it came time to descend I request the Chief Pilot to set the Altitude Select for 5;700 feet for the JASVU crossing; he complied; and we started down. The airport was in sight. We were VMC but still on the IFR flight plan; after descending 300-500 feet; I had it in my mind we were already cleared for the visual approach and I asked the Chief Pilot if we were. About that time Center said; I see you have started descent and we replied that we had and canceled the IFR flight plan. We did not report the airport in sight; and apparently were not yet cleared for the visual. The close proximity to the airport; the need to start down; being in VMC and having heard 'expect the visual;' prompted me to start down; thinking that we had been cleared for the Visual. The Chief pilot didn't catch it either until I questioned him. There was no traffic conflict or separation loss. The Center did not mention any deviation. Although the proper crew co-ordination is for the pilot not flying to handle and talk on the radios; I have always found that if I talk on the radios as the pilot flying; it is easier to stay 'in the loop' on what is going on. Lesson learned is basic; if in doubt ask.
A corporate flight crew began a visual approach descent without clearance from ZTL because they heard 'Expect the Visual' and began a descent when they felt they would have normally.