Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 230
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
Cleared for the WLEEE 5 Arrival and expect the RNPZ 17L Approach. The First Officer briefed the arrival to join the approach at XWING for the RNP Z; but did not close the route until we were about to cross XWING. The automation error on both pilots was due to our misunderstanding of ATC instructions and anticipation of approach clearance from XWING. By the time we both realized our automation error; Approach Control directed us to turn right and climb to 3500 feet. We were vectored for the ILS 17L Approach to landing. On landing we called ATC on the phone and discussed what happened. Verify with Approach Control what their intentions are when we reached the IF for the approach/point on the WLEEE 5 arrival.
B737-700 Captain reported a track deviation occurred when the flight crew failed to properly program the FMC.