Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Chart Or Publication; Human Factors; Procedure
In VMC conditions; we were cleared by Center for the RNAV Approach. Reaching [the IAF] I noticed that the FMS was programmed to make a turn outbound. We had briefed a Visual Approach backed up by the RNAV Approach and had the runway in sight. I thought that there was an error in the programming of the FMS. Most RNAV approaches with a 90 degree T-shaped base to final turn do not include a procedure turn. This approach is an exception. I overlooked that detail. I disconnected the autopilot and turned inbound to the runway. I called for the flight director to be cleared and hand flew the rest of the approach visually with no flight director. The First Officer sequenced the FMS so I had lateral and vertical guidance in addition to the PAPI and runway; which I could see visually. The approach; landing; and taxi in was uneventful. The cause of the event was the expectation of doing a Visual Approach and not noticing that No PT was not depicted. With clear weather and the runway in sight; I was in the mindset of doing a visual approach even though we were cleared for the RNAV. Additionally; there were 2 other aircraft in the pattern. A light single engine aircraft and a military C-130. After crossing a fix I was thinking about the spacing between us and the other aircraft in the pattern based on making a turn inbound. We were warned that this airport was an unstable high energy approach airport; so I was focused on slowing and configuring for landing early. We are also experiencing light to moderate turbulence; so more attention than normal was required to maintain the desired airspeed. I selected continuous ignition during the approach due to moderate turbulence.We should have noticed that this approach was unusual in that it did not have No PT. We could have requested the visual approach from center; so we would not be required to fly the 7NM holding pattern in lieu of a procedure turn.
Air Carrier pilot reported flying a Visual Approach instead of the RNAV they were cleared for at a non-towered airport.