16 Traffic Alert And Warning System Flashcards
With regards to TCAS, what do the following symbols mean:
- Solid White/Cyan Dimond/Lozenge
- Empty White/Cyan Dimond/Lozenge
- Solid Yellow/Amber Circle
- Solid Red Square
- Solid White/Cyan Dimond/Lozenge: Proximate Traffic
- Empty White/Cyan Dimond/Lozenge: Other Traffic
- Solid Yellow/Amber Circle: Traffic Advisory (TA)
- Solid Red Square: Resolution Advisory (RA)
What does the number above a TCAS symbol mean?
- The other AC height in relation to your AC
- e.g. +06 means 600ft above
What does the arrow next to a TCAS symbol mean?
Indicates if the AC is ascending or descending at >500ft per min
With regards to TCAS, describe the following for a Traffic Advisory (TA):
- What it identifies
- Symbol
- What it gives
- What action the Pilots should take
- Identifies potentially conflicting traffic
- Yellow/Amber solid circle
- Gives a warning regarding proximity to AC but no escape manoeuvre
- Pilots should visually identify the AC
Regarding TCAS, what distance (vertically and horizontally) will traffic become Proximate Traffic from Other Traffic?
6nm and/or +- 1200ft
With regards to TCAS, describe the following for a Resolution Advisory (RA):
- Symbol
- What it gives
- What action the Pilots should take
- Solid red square
- Provides an escape manoeuvre to avoid other AC
- Pilots must follow TCAS manoeuvre
What is the key difference between TCAS 1 and TCAS 2?
- TCAS 2 provides escape manoeuvres where as TCAS 1 can only indicate Traffic Advisories (TA)
- As such it requires a transponder capable of Mode S
What is the principle of operation of TCAS?
- Interrogates other AC transponders in order to track and predict their possible flight paths
- It is independent of ground based control
What is the size for the following TCAS regions:
- Intruder region
- Traffic Advisory region (TA)
- Resolution Advisory region (RA)
- Intruder region: 5 to 14nm
- TA region: 20 to 48 sec from CPA
- RA region: 15 to 35 sec from CPA, vertical separation 300-600 ft
For an AC operating with TCAS 2, what can be displayed if the oncoming AC has the following:
- No transponder
- Transponder Mode A
- Transponder Mode C
- Transponder Mode S
- No Transponder: TCAS will not register the AC
- Transponder Mode A: TCAS can provide a TA
- Transponder Mode C: TCAS can provide a TA or RA
- Transponder Mode S: TCAS can provide a TA or RA
With regards to TCAS, describe the classifications RA commands fall into?
- Corrective Commands: A manoeuvre is required in order to avoid a collision
- Preventative Commands: Pilot is required to maintain the current flight path in order to avoid a possible collision
What Equipment is required on the AC in order to use TCAS?
- TCAS computer
- Two directional antennas/receivers
- One on top and one underneath
- Transponder, Mode S capable
What additional inputs does TCAS receive?
- Radio Altimeter: Inhibits RA close to the ground
- ADC and Altimeter: supplies pressure altitude data
- AC Configuration: Take into account an AC reduced performance
What is the maximum number of AC TCAS can resolve at any one time?
Up to 30 AC
When are the following TCAS RA commands inhibited:
- Completely inhibited
- ‘Increased Descent’ commands
- ‘Descend’ commands
- Completely inhibited when: GPWS or Wind Sheer warnings or when below approx. 1000ft Rad Alt
- ‘Increase Descent’ commands inhibited: below approx. 1500ft Rad Alt
- ‘Descend’ commands inhibited: below approx. 1100ft Rad Alt
