Appendix A Appendix A. Example TCAS II V7.1 AFMS.
INTRODUCTION.
Descriptive material and procedures in this Airplane Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS) example may, when appropriate, be replaced by reference in the AFMS to the TCAS II equipment supplier’s pilot operating guide. However, the AFMS reference to this guide must specify date and revision level; and not be open ended, such as, “or later revision,” unless the pilot’s guide is specifically FAA approved. Also, the AFMS must define the specific configuration approved from the various options contained in the pilot’s guide; for example, which model control panel, whether the pilot initiated self-test is available in flight, range features, TA vertical display features, and so forth.
-EXAMPLE
AIRPLANE FLIGHT MANUAL SUPPLEMENT (Example for an aircraft equipped with IVSI/RA displays) DESCRIPTION.
The TCAS II is an on-board collision avoidance and traffic situation display system with computer processing to identify and display intruding and threatening collision aircraft, and issue resolution advisories in the form of vertical maneuver guidance on the pilot and copilot’s instantaneous vertical speed indicators (IVSI). From the transponder replies, TCAS II determines relative altitude, range, and bearing of any ATCRBS or Mode S equipped aircraft with altitude reporting. From this, TCAS II will determine the level of advisory using standardized algorithms. The TCAS II will resolve multiple aircraft encounters. ATCRBS equipped aircraft that only reply with Mode A information will not provide altitude information;
therefore, TCAS II will not issue resolution advisories for these aircraft but can issue traffic advisories. The TCAS II will not detect aircraft that are not equipped with transponders.
The TCAS II installation consists of one TCAS II processor, one top mounted directional antenna, one bottom mounted blade (or directional antenna), one Mode S transponder with control panel and top and bottom antennas, one traffic advisory display with control panel (if not combined with the IVSI/RA indicators), two resolution advisory displays, one overhead speaker for voice messages, (caution/warning lights), and associated wiring.
The TCAS II provides two levels of advisories:
1. If the traffic gets within 25 to 48 seconds, depending upon altitude, of projected Closest Point of Approach (CPA), it is then considered an intruder, and an aural and visual traffic advisory (TA) is issued. This level calls attention to what may develop into a collision threat using the traffic advisory display and the voice message, “TRAFFIC - TRAFFIC.” It permits mental and physical preparation for a possible maneuver to follow and assists the pilot in achieving visual acquisition of the intruding aircraft.
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Appendix A
2. If the intruder gets within 15 to 35 seconds, depending upon altitude, of CPA, it is considered a threat, and an aural and visual resolution advisory (RA) is issued. This level provides a recommended vertical maneuver using modified IVSIs and voice messages to provide adequate vertical separation from the threat aircraft or prevents initiation of a maneuver that would place the TCAS II aircraft in jeopardy. The TCAS II is considered a backup system to the “SEE AND AVOID” concept and the ATC surveillance. The TCAS II resolution advisories are annunciated by the following voice messages, as appropriate, along with the expected pilot response:
(1) “CLIMB, CLIMB”--climb at the rate depicted by the green (fly to) arc on the IVSI, nominally between 1,500 and 2,000 fpm.
(2) “DESCEND, DESCEND”--descend at the rate depicted by the green (fly to) arc on the IVSI nominally between 1,500 and 2,000 fpm.
(3) “MONITOR VERTICAL SPEED”--ensure that vertical speed is out of the illuminated IVSI red arc until the RA is completed.
(4) “LEVEL OFF, LEVEL OFF” -- reduce vertical speed to zero feet per minute. A green arc will be illuminated beginning at zero feet per minute. This can be issued as the initial RA or as a subsequent RA.
(5) “CLEAR OF CONFLICT”--range is increasing, and separation is adequate.
Expeditiously return to the applicable ATC clearance, unless otherwise directed by ATC.
(6) “CLIMB, CROSSING CLIMB, CLIMB, CROSSING CLIMB”--climb at the rate depicted by the green (fly to) arc on the IVSI, nominally between 1,500 and 2,000 fpm. Safe separation will best be achieved by climbing through the threat’s flight path.
(7) “DESCEND, CROSSING DESCEND, DESCEND, CROSSING DESCEND”- descend at the rate depicted by the green (fly to) arc on the IVSI, nominally between 1,500 and 2,000 fpm. Safe separation will best be achieved by descending through the intruder’s flight path.
(8) “MAINTAIN VERTICAL SPEED, MAINTAIN”--continue the existing climb or descent rate, or other vertical speed, as depicted by the green (fly to) arc on the IVSI.
(9) “MAINTAIN VERTICAL SPEED, CROSSING MAINTAIN”--continue the existing climb or descent rate, or other vertical speed, as depicted by the green (fly to) arc on the IVSI. Safe separation will best be achieved by not altering the existing vertical speed and climbing or descending through the threat’s flight path.
The following voice messages annunciate enhanced TCAS II maneuvers when initial RA does not provide sufficient vertical separation. The tone and inflection indicate increased urgency.
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Appendix A
(1) “INCREASE CLIMB, INCREASE CLIMB”--climb at the rate depicted by the green (fly-to) arc on the IVSI, nominally between 2,500 and 3,000 fpm. Received after “CLIMB” advisory, and indicates additional climb rate is required to achieve safe vertical separation from a maneuvering aircraft.
(2) “INCREASE DESCENT, INCREASE DESCENT”--descend at the rate depicted by the green (fly-to) arc on the IVSI, nominally between 2,500 and 3,000 fpm. Received after “DESCEND” advisory, and indicates additional descent rate is required to achieve safe vertical separation from a maneuvering aircraft.
(3) “CLIMB – CLIMB NOW, CLIMB – CLIMB NOW”--climb at the rate depicted by the green (fly-to) arc on the IVSI, nominally between 1,500 and 2,000 fpm. Received after a “DESCEND” resolution advisory and indicates a reversal in direction is required to achieve safe vertical separation from a maneuvering threat aircraft.
(4) “DESCEND – DESCEND NOW, DESCEND – DESCEND NOW”-descend at the rate depicted by the green (fly-to) arc on the IVSI, nominally between 1,500 and 2,000 fpm.
Received after a “CLIMB” resolution advisory and indicates a reversal in direction is required to achieve safe vertical separation from a maneuvering threat aircraft.
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Appendix A Figure A-1. TCAS II/Transponder Control Panel (Example) Table A-1. TCAS II/Transponder Function Selector TEST Holding the TCAS II/Transponder function selector in TEST for 2 to 3 seconds will activate the system test sequence. In the TEST position, read maintenance messages on the display. Use discretion when selecting TEST in flight, since both TCAS II and the transponder will be inhibited for approximately 20 seconds. The function selector is spring loaded to STBY.
STBY Activates TCAS II and XPDR warmup cycles.
XPDR Transponder is on. TCAS II is in warmup cycle.
TA Transponder is on. Only the “Traffic Advisory”, or “TA” function of the TCAS II is on. No “Resolution Advisories” will be received in this position. The written warning “TA ONLY” will appear on the display, and the yellow “RA OFF” flag will be in view on both IVSIs.
TA/RA Transponder is on. All TCAS II functions are on. No TCAS II flags should be present on either IVSI.
XPDR Fail Light (Red) Indicates a transponder system failure when the transponder is on. Comes on during “TEST”, but goes off after approximately 3 seconds if the transponder is OK.
Code Indicator Indicates code selected with the code selectors.
IDENT Causes the word IDENT to flash in the aircraft data block on the ATC display.
ALT RPTG Provides automatic altitude reporting to ATC.
Code Selectors Select the transponder code. Left and right selectors consist of a large knob and a small knob. Each knob controls one digit of the code.
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Appendix A Figure A-2. TCAS II – Traffic Display (Example) Table A-2. Displayed Aircraft Symbols (Examples) Arrow indicates that the target is climbing ↑ or descending ↓ at a rate of at least 500 fpm.
Relative altitude is displayed in the proximity of the aircraft symbol in hundreds of feet. A “+” preceding the relative altitude indicates the target is above you and a “-“ indicates it is below you.
Unfilled white diamond. Non-threatening traffic without altitude reporting. If altitude reporting, the altitude data will be displayed.
+07 Solid White diamond. Proximity traffic 700 feet above. Non-threatening, altitude reporting traffic within 1200 feet vertically and 6nm horizontally. Aircraft without altitude reporting will be assumed to be co-altitude and will be displayed as a solid diamond when within 6nm even though they may not be within 1200 feet vertically.
↓ -03 Solid yellow circle. “TA”, 300 feet below, descending with a rate of at least 500 fpm.
+00 Solid red square. “RA”, level at your altitude.
Own-ship. Airplane symbol in white just below the center of CRT. On a dedicated display or when in the TFC Mode on a combination TCAS II/RADAR Display.
(Compass Arc) This arc is repeater of the Captains compass. (Not required for TCAS II Display) (Range Rings) 3nm – Small ring with ticks at clock positions 5 NM – Large ring made of dots.
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Appendix A Figure A-3. TCAS II Traffic Display (Example) Table A-3A. Paddle Switch REL ALT/FL Switch REL ALT Paddle switch is spring loaded to the center position. Display shows relative altitude “REL ALT” in hundreds of feet above (+) or below (-) your aircraft.
FL Allows display of traffic flight levels, referenced to 29.92, for 15 seconds. Your FL is displayed in lower left corner. Three digits are shown, except for negative flight levels that are shown as – xxx. When the current barometric pressure is not available and the TCAS II aircraft is below FL 180, the FL position is automatically inhibited.
RANGE The maximum forward range on the traffic display is set at range selected by the range knob. Ranges of 3, 5, 10, 20 NM are available and the selected range is annunciated on the traffic display.
BRT Knob Controls brightness of the display.
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Appendix A Table A-3B. Above/Norm/Below Switch ABOVE Displays altitude-reporting traffic from 2700 feet below to 9900 feet above the TCAS II aircraft. The selection of this mode is annunciated by ABOVE being displayed on the traffic display. This selection has no effect on the functioning of the collision avoidance logic.
NORM Displays altitude reporting traffic from 2700 feet below to 2700 feet above the TCAS II aircraft.
BELOW Displays altitude-reporting traffic from 2700 feet above to 9900 feet below the TCAS II aircraft. The selection of this mode is annunciated by BELOW being displayed on the traffic display. This selection has no effect on the functioning of the collision avoidance logic.
OFF-SCALE TRAFFIC ADVISORY - If TCAS II tracks an intruder that is outside the selected range of the display but that has entered the Caution or Warning areas, one-half of the appropriate symbol will appear at the appropriate bearing at the edge of the display area. The symbol will appear in its proper color and have its data tag displayed, providing there is room.
For example, a TA intruder with a high closure rate, and which is directly ahead and 300 feet below your airplane will appear as an amber-filled half circle at the 12 o’clock position on the edge of the display area. The data tag “-03” will appear below the half symbol. If this intruder is above your altitude, the data tag is not visible. An off-scale RA intruder will appear as a redfilled half square with data tag displayed if room permits.
NO BEARING ADVISORIES - When TCAS II cannot track the bearing of an intruder, the traffic advisory will appear in the lower center of the display just below the own-airplane symbol. The advisory will present appropriate color-coded traffic information. This phenomenon usually is caused either by temporary antenna shielding (caused by steep bank angles) or a failure in the TCAS II bearing antenna. Up to two lines of information can be displayed. “TA 5.2 -06↑” for example means an intruder is creating a Traffic Advisory 5.2 nautical miles away, 600 feet below, and climbing in excess of 500 FPM. This advisory is written in amber or yellow. “RA 0.6 00” means resolution advisory traffic is 0.6 nautical miles away at the same altitude. This advisory is written in red. TCAS II’s ability to compute a traffic or resolution advisory is not degraded by lack of bearing information.
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Appendix A Figure A-4. TCAS II Instantaneous Vertical Speed Indicator (Example) Red Arc Green Arc Key to Colors in Figures A-8
Appendix A Table A-1. Instantaneous Vertical Speed Indicator Indicates vertical speed in feet per minute. The IVSI is a normal instantaneous vertical speed indicator, and the presence of the lights or the flags will not interfere with the ability of the needle to indicate vertical speeds.
RED/GREEN EYEBROW LIGHTS. Eyebrow lights are invisible until they illuminate as part of a TCAS II “RESOLUTION ADVISORY”, or system “TEST”. These lights indicate a vertical speed regime which will provide safe traffic separation. The green lights form a wider band than red lights.
IVSI Status Window Flags T C BLACK. Normal operation. A S T C AMBER FLAG. Indicates Unusable TCAS II information. A S RT WHITE “RA OFF” FLAG. Always displayed when TCAS
A C II/TRANSPONDER function selector is in STBY, XPDR, or TA. Will also OA be displayed with selector in RA/TA if “RAs” are inhibited and/or FS inoperative.
F
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Appendix A Figure A-5. TCAS II Examples - Preventive RAS NOTE: No change in vertical speed is required when these RAs are issued.
VERTICAL VERTICAL
SPEED SPEED
(a) Preventive Aural: MONITOR VERTICAL SPEED Pilot Response: No action required Maintain the vertical speed within the green arc.
(b) Preventive Aural: MONITOR VERTICAL SPEED Pilot Response: No Action Required. If a descent is initiated, it must be limited to less than 500 fpm.
Red Arc Green Arc
VERTICAL Key to Colors in Figures SPEED
(c) Preventive Aural: MONITOR VERTICAL SPEED Pilot Response: No action required.
Descent rate cannot be greater than 2,000 fpm.
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Appendix A Figure A-6. TCAS II Examples - Initial Corrective RAS NOTE: Pilot response to these initial corrective RAs is expected within 5 seconds.
Pilots should promptly and smoothly fly to the green arc.
VERTICAL VERTICAL
SPEED SPEED
(a) Corrective Aural: DESCEND, DESCEND Pilot Response: Smoothly establish a descent rate between 1,500 fpm and 2,000 fpm
(b) Corrective Aural: CLIMB, CLIMB Pilot Response: Smoothly establish a climb rate between 1,500 fpm and 2,000 fpm.
Red Arc VERTI Green Arc SPEED Key to Colors in Figures
(c) Corrective Aural:
LEVEL OFF, LEVEL OFF Pilot Response: Smoothly reduce vertical speed to zero 1pm.
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Appendix A Figure A-7. TCAS III Examples - Modifications to Initial Corrective RAs NOTE: Pilot response to these modified RAs is expected within
2.5 seconds. Pilots should promptly and smoothly fly to the green arc.
VERTICAL VERTICAL, 6
SPEED SPEED
(a) Increase Aural: INCREASE DESCENT, INCREASE
DESCENT Pilot Response: Increase the descent rate, fly to the green arc, 2,500 fpm to 3,000 fpm
(b) Reversal Aural: CLIMB, CLIMB NOW Pilot Response: Reverse descent rate and immediately start a climb between1,500 fpm and 2,000 fpm Red Arc Green Arc
VERTICAL Key to Colors in Figures SPEED
(c) Weakening Aural:
LEVEL OFF, LEVEL OFF Pilot Response: Smoothly reduce vertical speed to between 0 and - 250 fpm.
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