Cessna Citation Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 176; Flight Crew Total 8760; Flight Crew Type 110
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Human Factors
We approached DEN for a night landing and were told to expect the visual. We were not able to see the airport in spite of a vector by ATC. We had the localizer tuned and identified and were prepared to track it inbound. ATC told us that we could not do this without the airport in sight and we were issued an 'immediate' left turn. We were vectored around for an ILS. However; the 'missed visual' significantly increased our workload. As we intercepted the localizer; we were told that we were close in trail of a 737 and were issued the standard Wake Turbulence warning. We were also told to maintain 170 knots to the FAF. As we began our descent on the glideslope; we began to 'feel' what we perceived to be edges of the wake turbulence from the preceding aircraft. We discussed and agreed to fly the glideslope one dot high. It is my belief that in reconfiguring the descent to fly this glideslope slightly high; we began to slow. According to the post landing phone call with ATC; we started slowing approximately 2 miles prior to the FAF. Both crew members should be in stated agreement before accepting a visual approach. We should have asked for the ILS upon initial contact and once 'lined up' converted it to a visual. I believe that had we asked for an ILS to begin with; we would not have had the increased workload and would have been able to manage the aircraft more precisely. If airspeed changes are required due to wake turbulence avoidance; ATC should be notified. Contributing to this situation was an early switch to Tower and we were on Tower frequency when the slowing apparently began...therefore; there was no opportunity for direct communications with ATC. In the future; as part of my approach briefing; I will be including this 'visual approach' guidance.
Citation First Officer reported an airspeed deviation occurred on approach into DEN in an attempt to mitigate possible wake turbulence.