Date: 202105
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: RNO.Airport, NV
Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Initial Approach
Airspace: Class E NCT
ATC / advisory: TRACON NCT
Aircraft component: GPWS
Component problem: Design
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Human factors: Situational Awareness
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Overrode Automation; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Contributing factors: Human Factors
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: On a day; VFR approach to RNO just to the north of waypoint URATE as depicted on the RNAV (RNP) Y to 16L; EGPWS alerted 'Caution; obstacle.'  The FO as pilot flying altered his flight path; yet we then received 'Obstacle; pull-up!' which the FO did.  Both the hill and obstacle at 5;101 feet MSL were in sight the entire time.  We then continued for a normal uneventful landing.  Enroute; we had discussed extensively the challenges of RNO; including terrain; single runway; engine failure considerations; and higher than typical descent rates and true airspeeds; and were comfortable with our position and closure rate with the hill and tower.Cause - EGWPS will alert for terrain or obstacles for either proximity or closure rate sooner than I expected.  By being carefully studied on the terrain and obstacles in the vicinity of RNO prior to arrival; we were well aware of the tower and hill located at the location of the EGPWS alert.Suggestions - Give a wider avoidance to high terrain or obstacles both horizontally; vertically; and with respect to closure rate.


Second narrative: Cleared visual approach 16L RNO. Turned to intercept extended final near FAP WORTH. Had briefed and set up for RNAV (RNP) Y 16L and using it as backup to visual. Dialed in 6;400 and began descent to FAP altitude turning base to final. EGPWS alerted 'Caution; Obstacle'. As PF I verified obstacle in site and continued turn to final away from it. Soon after alert 'Obstacle; Pull up' occurred. I disconnected the AP and initiated a climbing turn away from obstacle that we had kept in site the entire time. Alert ceased very quickly and we continued an uneventful and stable approach and landing. Approach briefing had included a good discussion on RNO hazards including single runway operations; EO considerations; mountainous terrain; high descent rates and TAS. We knew where the obstacle/ hill was on the approach and felt comfortable with our position relative to it on the visual approach.Cause - The preceding aircraft was denied the instrument approach. Visuals in mountainous terrain create unique challenges. Being cleared to follow proceeding aircraft and maintain spacing may have also caused a more square pattern than desired which brought us closer to the obstacle.Suggestions - Maintain the practice of following IAP ground track even on a visual approach if not intimately familiar with the terrain. Also; be cognizant of how EGPWS tracks descent and closure rate. The warnings certainly came quicker than we expected. I would give high terrain an even wider berth.


Synopsis: Air carrier flight crew reported a CFTT event while on the RNAV (RNP) Y RWY 16L approach to RNO airport.