Chapter 6 25/11/02 3:07 pm Page 145

Communications and Navigation Aids 145

TCAS II offers a more comprehensive capability, with the provision of Resolution

Advisories (RAs). TCAS II determines the relative motion of the two aircraft and
determines an appropriate course of action. The system issues an RA via mode S,
advising the pilots to execute the necessary manoeuvre to avoid the other aircraft. An
RA will usually be issued when the point of closest approach is within 15 and 35 s and
the deconfliction symbology is displayed coincident with the appropriate warning.
A total of ten audio warnings may be issued. Examples are:
• ‘CLIMB, CLIMB, CLIMB’.
• ‘DESCEND, DESCEND, DESCEND’.
• ‘REDUCE CLIMB, REDUCE CLIMB’.
Finally, when the situation is resolved, ‘CLEAR OF CONFLICT’.

Top Fig. 6.15 TCAS

Directional architecture showing
Top Antennae related equipment and
Antennae displays (Honeywell)

Audio
ATC Mode S ATC Mode S System
Transponder 1 Transponder 2
TCAS
Transmitter
/Receiver
Annunciators
9986
VSI/RA/TA
Indicator
TCAS/
Transponder
Control
Optional
TA
Indicator

Bottom
Antennae
Bottom Optional
Antenna Bottom
Directional
Antenna

TCAS II clearly requires a high level of integration between the active equipment.
Figure 6.15 shows the interrelationship between:
• TCAS transmitter/receiver.
• ATC mode S transponders.
• VSI display showing vertical guidance for TAs and RAs.
• Optional horizontal situational indicator for RAs that could be the navigation
display.