Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

The goal of this Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System Training (TCAS) is to provide applicants in depth knowledge of the system and its operation. It includes information on system performance, proper use of TCAS controls, and proper responses to TCAS alerts.

THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE SUBJECTS

• Surveillance

• Collision avoidance

• Use of controls

• Self Test

• Range selection

• Above/Below mode

• Absolute or relative altitude

• ACAS and transponder operating modes

• Display interpretation

• Other traffic

• Proximate traffic

•  Non-altitude reporting traffic

• No bearing TAs and RAs

• Off-scale TAs and RAs

• Use of the TA-only mode

• Normal/Complex RAs

• Crew coordination

• Expected call-outs

• Conditions under which an RA may not be followed

• Communications with ATC

• Advisory thresholds

• Time to closest point of approach (CPA)

• Issues based on distance

• Variation with altitudes

• TCAS limitations

• Non-transponder-equipped aircraft

• Aircraft with an inoperable transponder´

• Barometric altimeter

• Radio altimeter

• Transponder

• Design limitations

• Stall warnings, GPWS/TAWS warnings, and wind shear warnings

• ACAS inhibits

• Increase descent RAs

• Descend RAs

• All RAs

• Aural annunciations

• Maximum altitude or certified ceiling

• Case study

• Flight Crew 

• Dispatch