TCAS Intro

NBAA 2003
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Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System(TCAS)
NBAA 2003
Traffic Alert and Collision

Avoidance System
空中交通警戒与防撞系统
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Civil Aviation Flight University of China
NBAA 2003
The TCAS, short for traffic-alert and collision avoidance system,

is an independent system; it can perform its functions completely
without the assistance of any ground system. Such independence is
necessary in oceanic and other non-radar airspace.
TCAS is an advisory system designed to alert the flight crew to

potential conflicts with other transponder-equipped airplanes flying
in the same area. If these other airplanes which are usually called
intruders, are equipped with an air traffic control radar beacon
system ATCRBS or mode S transponder, they will be interrogated
and tracked by TCAS.
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Currently, there are three versions of the TCAS system in use or in

some stage of development; TCAS I, II, and VI.
TCAS II provides TAs as well as RAs ， but only involves vertical
evasive movement. In addition, the TCAS II system exchanges data
with other TCAS II or higher level systems to coordinate resolution
advisories. This is to prevent two TCAS equipped aircraft from
executing the same evasive maneuver.
TCAS I is a similar system to TCAS II but it is intended for
smaller airplanes and does not provide vertical corrective
information.
TCAS IV provides TAs and RAs involving both vertical and
horizontal maneuvers.
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TCAS II is the most common system and provides the necessary

vertical manoeuvre advice. In accordance with the Joint
Airworthiness Requirements, as of the year 2000, all commercial
aeroplanes over 15 000 kg, and with a seating capacity of 30 or more
passengers, when operating in European airspace, must carry TCAS
II.
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TCAS II system
The TCAS system consists of an ATC/TCAS control panel, a TCAS computer
and directional antennae. The system requires that an operating mode S
transponder be installed in the TCAS airplane. The TCAS system interfaces with
other navigation systems and uses EFIS displays for visual advisories and the
digital audio control system for aural advisories.
O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a
D ire c tio n a l A n te n n a
D is p la y
A T C /T C A S M ode S X PD R
C o n tro l P a n e l
TCA S O th e r
C o m p u te r N a v ig a tio n
S y s te m s
O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a Figure 7.1

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TCAS Computer
The TCAS computer contains a receiver, a transmitter and processors required to
determine if nearby airplanes (intruders) will intersect the flight path of the TCAS
equipped airplane (own airplane).
The TCAS computer interrogates airplanes in the airspace around its own
airplane on a frequency of 1,030 MHz, and the computer receives responses to its
interrogations on a frequency of 1,090 MHz. The computer uses these responses to
track intruders and display the intruder’s bearing and range, and to require vertical
avoidance maneuver of the flight crew.
D is p la y
TCA S O th e r
S y s te m s
O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ir e c tio n a l A n te n n a

Figure 7.1
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Antenna
TCAS-II installations require top and bottom antennae. The top antenna must be
directional and have direction finding capability. The bottom antenna may be either
omni-directional or directional.
The associated Mode-S transponders installations also require top and bottom
antennae. The Mode-S transponder has two complete receivers, one per antenna.

D is p la y
TCA S O th e r
S y s te m s
O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a

Figure 7.1
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ATC Transponder
The ATC transponder receives pulse-coded signals from air traffic control
ground stations and TCAS equipped airplanes. These signals are interrogations.
The transponder responds to the interrogations with pulse-coded signals.

D is p la y
TCA S O th e r
S y s te m s
O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a

Figure 7.1
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ATC/TCAS Control Panel

The ATC/TCAS control panel controls both the ATC and TCAS systems. The
control panel is directly connected to the ATC transponder. The mode S
transponder sends control information to the TCAS computer.

D is p la y
TCA S O th e r
S y s te m s

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Display
All information from the TCAS computer concerning responding aircraft
transponders is displayed on an electronic vertical speed indicator (VSI) or on the
EFIS display.
TCAS audio
TCAS audio is sent to the digital audio control system to be heard in the flight
compartment.
D is p la y
TCA S O th e r
S y s te m s

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TCAS II principle of operation

Basic Principles of TCAS
The TCAS computer forms a protected area around own airplane. This protected
area represents the time until the intruder will be at closest point of approach to
own airplane.
This “time to endanger” is called TAU. The protected area is called the TAU
area. Traffic advisory TAU (TA TAU) defines an area around the TCAS airplane.
If this area is penetrated by intruder and the intruder meets the relative altitude
restrictions, the TCAS would issue a traffic advisory alert. Resolution advisory
TAU is established for RA warning in a similar manner.
C PA
RA
15～ 35s C PA
15～ 35s
20～ 48s
TA T ra ffic A d v is o ry T A U
20～ 48s
Figure 7.2
R e s o lu tio n A d v is o ry T A U
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A TA is normally issued 5 to 20 seconds in advance of the resolution advisory
(RA). The RA is issued when time to closest point of approach (CPA) is between
15 and 35 seconds. It is rare, but possible, for a RA to be issued without being
preceded by a TA.
C PA
R A
15～ 35s C PA
15～ 35s
20～ 48s
TA T ra ffic A d v is o ry T A U
20～ 48s
R e s o lu tio n A d v is o ry T A U
Figure 7.2
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TCAS performs interrogations of intruder airplane transponders and
computes the intruder’s range to own airplane and the rate of change of the
range (closure rate).
If the intruder is reporting its altitude, the TCAS computer computes the
relative altitude and the rate of change of altitude of the intruder.
Using replies received by the TCAS directional antenna, the TCAS

computer determines the bearing to the intruder.
From these data TCAS tracks and continuously evaluates the threat
potential of intruders to its own airplane. TCAS provides Traffic Advisories
(TA) and Resolution Advisories (RA) to the flight crew.
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TCAS Advisories
A traffic advisory informs the flight crew of the relative position

(distance and usually bearing) of intruders.
In addition to relative position, the traffic advisory display shows

the intruder’s relative altitude.
When appropriate, TCAS provides resolution advisory. The

resolution advisory only prescribes maneuvers in the vertical plane.
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TCAS Transmission/Reception
The TCAS computer exhibits the characteristics similar to an

ATCRBS/mode S ground station.
It uses interrogation and reply signals from transponders to detect and

track intruders.
TCAS transmits and receives signals on a top and a bottom directional

antenna.
Interrogation of transponders is performed on 1,030 MHz and reception

of return signals is accomplished on 1,090 MHz.
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TCAS Detection
TCAS only detects the presence of intruders equipped with

operating transponders.
Resolution advisories are issued only concerning intruders with

active altitude reporting.
Intruders with active transponders but not reporting their altitude

will be tracked and processed for traffic advisories only.
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TCAS Detection
Mode S transponders announce their presence by transmitting a
downlink message containing the airplane’s mode S, 24 bit address
approximately once every second. This transmission is called squitter.
TCAS determines the mode S address of mode S intruders by listening

for the squitter transmissions or by listening for mode S replies to all call
interrogations from ground stations.
TCAS will add the intruder to its roll call and interrogate and track the
intruder using mode S interrogations.
TCAS actively searches for ATCRBS mode C transponder equipped

intruders using an ATCRBS only all call.
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TCAS Detection
If the intruder aircraft is equipped with TCAS II, the two TCAS
computers are able to coordinate the resolution advisories in each
aircraft to achieve optimum separation, with the least disruption to
either.
This is designed to ensure that both flight crews do not take the
same avoiding action and worsen the danger of collision.
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TCAS Displays
All information from the TCAS computer concerning responding aircraft
transponders is displayed on an electronic vertical speed indicator (VSI) or on the
EFIS display.
TCAS Displays on Electronic VSI G ree n A rc
O th e r T ra ffic T a rg e t 1 2 R N G 10
.5 4 R A T a rg e t
O w n A irp la n e S y m b o l
-0 3 6
0
+12 6
-0 5
T A 2 .0 + 0 2 4
.5
P ro x im a te T ra ffic T a rg e t
1 2
T A T a rg e t
R e d A rc N o B e a rin g 2 N M R a n g e R in g
Figure 7.3
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There are four alternative intruder symbols, indicating the threat

potential presented and the vertical movement of the intruder.
G re e n A rc
.5 4 R A T a rg e t
-0 3 6
0
+12 6
-0 5
T A 2 .0 + 0 2 4
.5
1 2
T A T a rg e t
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• An open diamond symbol in white or cyan. Traffic beyond 6 nm range or more

than 1200 ft vertical separation. It is called other traffic target.
• A solid diamond symbol in white or cyan. Traffic within 6 nm range, but not
computed to present a threat. It is called proximate traffic target.
• A solid circle in amber. It is called traffic advisory target.
• A solid square in red. It is called resolution advisory target.
G re e n A rc
.5 4 R A T a rg e t
-0 3 6
0
+12 6
-0 5
T A 2 .0 + 0 2 4
.5
1 2
T A T a rg e t
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Provided that the intruder aircraft is responding with SSR mode C

or S, the symbol will show the relative altitude numerically in
hundreds of feet.
If the intruder is above or below the interrogating aircraft, the
numeric annotation will be preceded by a plus or minus sign.
If the relative altitude of the intruder is changing by more the 500
ft per minute, it is emphasized by an accompanying arrow pointing
up or down, as appropriate. G re e n A rc
.5 4 R A T a rg e t
-0 3 6
0
+12 6
-0 5
T A 2 .0 + 0 2 4
.5
1 2
T A T a rg e t
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TCAS Displays on Electronic VSI
The circular scale has colored arcs superimposed upon it to
indicate safe and unsafe climb and descent rate areas when a
resolution advisory exists.
Unsafe areas are indicated by a narrow red arc; the advised rate of
change of altitude by a broad green arc.
G re e n A rc
.5 4 R A T a rg e t
-0 3 6
0
+12 6
-0 5
T A 2 .0 + 0 2 4
.5
1 2
T A T a rg e t
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TCAS Displays on Electronic VSI
There are two types of RAs, Corrective and preventive.
Corrective RAs instruct the pilot to climb or descend at a predetermined rate to
avoid a conflict. Preventive RAs instruct the pilot not to change altitude or heading
to avoid a potential conflict.
1 2 1 2
.5 4 .5 4
+05 6 6
0 -0 5
0 6
6
.5 4 .5 4
1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2
.5 4 .5 4
6 6
0 +03 0
6 6
-0 3
.5 4 .5 4
1 2 1 2
Figure 7.4
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1 2 1 2 1 2
.5 4 .5 4 .5 4
+06
6 6 6
0 0 0 +05
6 6 6
-0 3
.5 4 .5 4 .5 4
1 2 1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2 2
1
.5 4 .5 4 .5
+05 4
+08
6 6 6
0 0 -0 8 0
-0 4 6 6 6
-0 4
.5 4 .5 4 4
.5
1 2 1 2 1 2
Figure 7.5
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TCAS Displays on EFIS
In EFIS equipped aircraft the intruder symbols are displayed on
the EHSI and the RA avoidance maneuver is shown by the command
bars on the EADI.
GS 262 180
TAS 300 11:55
30 /20
0
10 10
RNG 10 10 10 R e s o lu tio n
A d v is o ry
/ CRL 5 281
0
(re d )
Figure 7.6
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10 10 10 10
10 10 10 10
20 20 20 20
20 20
10 10
10 10
10 10
10 10
20 20
Figure 7.7
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10 10
10 10
10 10
10 10
20 20
20 20
20 20
10 10
10 10
10 10
10 10
20 20
Figure 7.8
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TCAS Aural Messages

Traffic Alert Aural Message
“TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC” is announced at the time each traffic
advisory is issued. This announcement directs the flight crew to
monitor TCAS display as an aid to visually acquiring the intruder.
The traffic advisory may be a new intruder or a other or proximity

intruder which has been upgraded to a traffic advisory. Normally a
traffic advisory will precede a resolution advisory by 15 seconds.
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TCAS Aural Messages

Resolution Advisory Aural Messages
• Preventive Resolution Advisory Aural Message

When the EADI airplane symbol is not inside the resolution
advisory pitch command, the advisory is preventative. This advisory
requires no flight crew action other than ensuring that the airplane
symbol does not cross the resolution advisory pitch command.
The aural command, “MONITOR VERTICAL SPEED,

MONITOR VERTICAL SPEED”, tells the flight crew to maintain
the current vertical rate.
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TCAS Aural Messages

• Corrective Resolution Advisory Aural Message (initial action)
When the EADI airplane symbol is inside the resolution advisory pitch
command, the advisory is corrective.
The aural command “CLIMB, CLIMB, CLIMB” (or DESCEND”) requires a

maneuver at the rate indicated by the pitch command, nominally 1500 feet per
minute.
“CLIMB, CROSSING CLIMB—CLIMB, CROSSING CLIMB”(or

“DESCEND”) indicates that own airplane flight path will cross the intruder flight
path when performing the maneuver.
The aural command “REDUCE CLIMB—REDUCE CLIMB” (or “DESCENT”)

tells the flight crew to reduce the rate of vertical speed to that shown on the EADI.
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TCAS Aural Messages

• Corrective Resolution Advisory Aural Messages (increased action)
Increased action, corrective resolution advisory commands are changes from
initial action corrective resolution advisory commands. These commands require
flight crew action immediately.
The aural command “CLIMB, CLIMB NOW—CLIMB, CLIMB NOW” (or

“DESCEND”) follows a descend (climb) advisory and it has been determined by
the TCAS computer that a reversal of vertical speed is necessary to provide
adequate airplane separation.
The aural “INCREASE CLIMB—INCREASE CLIMB” (or “DESCENT”) tells

the flight crew to increase the vertical maneuver to the pitch command indicated on
the EADI, nominally 2500 feet per minute.
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TCAS Aural Messages

End of Threat Aural Message
The announcement “CLEAR OF CONFLICT” indicates that the TCAS
encounter has ended and the intruder range has started to increase. At this time the
flight crew should return to the previous clearance.
Self-Test Aural Messages

At the end of a TCAS self-test, the TCAS computer announces “TCAS
SYSTEM TEST OK” if the TCAS system has passed the BITE test, “TCAS
SYSTEM FAIL” if the TCAS computer has failed, or “TCAS SYSTEM TEST
FAIL” if an input to the TCAS computer has failed.
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功能测试
无方位无高度报告协调反向
模式
迎面迎面迎面
400 节的接近率
400节的接近率 600 节的接近率
1000节的接近率
后方后方
Dallas 起飞干扰
Dallas 起飞干扰
200 节的接近率
400节的接近率
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Control Panel
Control for the TCAS II system is normally provided on a combined
ATC/TCAS controller.
X P D R FA IL
X PD R X PD R
2034
O N
1 2 TA
STB Y
A T
TA
T /R A C
C A
S
1 2
ID E N T
A LT SO U R C E TCA S TEST
Figure 7.9
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X P D R F A IL
X PD R X PD R
2034
O N
1 2 TA
STBY
A T
TA
T /R A C
C A
S
1 2
ID E N T
The four-position mode selector switch allows selection of STBY, XPDR, TA

ONLY, and TA/RA.
The TEST button starts a self-test of the control panel, the ATC, and the TCAS
system. The status of the control panel (PASS or FAIL) will be shown in the
display window. STBY inhibits the transponder from replying.
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X P D R F A IL
X PD R X PD R
2034
O N
1 2 TA
STBY
A T
TA
T /R A C
C A
S
1 2
ID E N T
The two-position XPDR select switch selects which transponder shall be active.
The two identification code select switches are comprised of inner and outer
controls and are used to select the four digit identification code. The four digit octal
code ranges from 0000 to 7777 and appeals in the liquid crystal display window
along with ATC 1 or ATC 2 (whichever is selected as the active transponder).
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X P D R F A IL
X PD R X PD R
2034
O N
1 2 TA
STBY
A T
TA
T /R A C
C A
S
1 2
ID E N T
The two position of ALT SOURSE switch allows selection of ADC 1 or ADC 2
as the source for altitude for mode C replies.
The amber XPDR fail light comes on for a failed ATC system.
Pressing IDENT button turns on a special pulse to be added to the transponder
replies for approximately 18 seconds that aids the ground station in identifying the
airplane.
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Crew Response
For TCAS II to be effective, the pilot:
• must not maneuver on the basis of the Traffic Display or Traffic Advisory;
• must not maneuver horizontally;
• must obey all TCAS RAs and RA changes including sense reversals;
• must initiate the first maneuver required by a RA within 5 seconds of the
RA being given;
• must initiate any subsequent maneuvers required by RA changes within
2.5 seconds of the RA change; and
• conduct all maneuvers so as to generate a vertical acceleration of one
quarter of 1 g (0.25 g).
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Crew Response
If the aircraft is under Air Traffic control when a TCAS resolution
advisory is received, the pilot is required to obey the TCAS
command and inform ATC ‘TCAS climb/descent’ as appropriate.
Upon receipt of the TCAS message ‘clear of conflict’, the aircraft

must be returned to the ATC assigned flight level.
Should a maneuver instruction be received from both TCAS and

ATC simultaneously, the pilot is required to obey the TCAS
instruction and advise ATC accordingly.
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Crew Response
At radio altitudes of less than 1000 ft the TCAS will not give a
resolution advisory involving a descent, and below 1500 ft AGL it
will not recommend an increased rate of descent.
All resolution advisories are inhibited at radio altitudes of less than

500 ft, and traffic advisories at less than 400 ft.
It is usual for GPWS alerts and warnings to take precedence over

TCAS, and a windshear warning will be awarded the highest priority.
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The Use of TCAS

• TCAS provides no protection against aircraft which either do not have a
transponder or the transponder is not switched on.
• To maximize the effectiveness of TCAS, all aircraft should be equipped

with a transponder and the transponder should be used whenever the aircraft
is in flight.
• A Mode A/C transponder with pressure altitude encoder is sufficient to

provide maximum protection in an encounter with a TCAS I/II equipped
aircraft.
• TCAS can only display the relative altitude of a threat aircraft and TCAS
II can only generate RAs if the threat aircraft is replying Pressure Altitude.
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The Use of TCAS

• Transponder control panels have provision to switch off pressure altitude
reporting. This provision is used to allow pilots to disable pressure altitude
reporting when the pressure altitude data is known to be erroneous.
• To maximize the effectiveness of TCAS, all aircraft should operate at all

times with their transponder on and altitude reporting enabled.
• Altitude reporting accuracy is verified by ATC. Should this validation fail,

the pilot is instructed to disable altitude reporting, the transponder should
remain on. The failure should be recorded in the maintenance log.
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TCAS
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TCAS Intro

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NBAA 2003

Traffic Alert and Collision

The TCAS, short for traffic-alert and collision avoidance system,

TCAS is an advisory system designed to alert the flight crew to

Currently, there are three versions of the TCAS system in use or in

TCAS II is the most common system and provides the necessary

O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a Figure 7.1

O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ir e c tio n a l A n te n n a

O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a

O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a

O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a

O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a

ATC/TCAS Control Panel

O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a

O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a Figure 7.1

O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a O m n i-d ire c tio n a l A n te n n a Figure 7.1

TCAS II principle of operation

TCAS II principle of operation

TCAS II principle of operation

Using replies received by the TCAS directional antenna, the TCAS

TCAS II principle of operation

A traffic advisory informs the flight crew of the relative position

In addition to relative position, the traffic advisory display shows

When appropriate, TCAS provides resolution advisory. The

TCAS II principle of operation

The TCAS computer exhibits the characteristics similar to an

It uses interrogation and reply signals from transponders to detect and

TCAS transmits and receives signals on a top and a bottom directional

Interrogation of transponders is performed on 1,030 MHz and reception

TCAS II principle of operation

TCAS only detects the presence of intruders equipped with

Resolution advisories are issued only concerning intruders with

Intruders with active transponders but not reporting their altitude

TCAS II principle of operation

TCAS determines the mode S address of mode S intruders by listening

TCAS actively searches for ATCRBS mode C transponder equipped

TCAS II principle of operation

TCAS Displays on Electronic VSI G ree n A rc

There are four alternative intruder symbols, indicating the threat

• An open diamond symbol in white or cyan. Traffic beyond 6 nm range or more

Provided that the intruder aircraft is responding with SSR mode C

TCAS Aural Messages

The traffic advisory may be a new intruder or a other or proximity

TCAS Aural Messages

• Preventive Resolution Advisory Aural Message

The aural command, “MONITOR VERTICAL SPEED,

TCAS Aural Messages

The aural command “CLIMB, CLIMB, CLIMB” (or DESCEND”) requires a

“CLIMB, CROSSING CLIMB—CLIMB, CROSSING CLIMB”(or

The aural command “REDUCE CLIMB—REDUCE CLIMB” (or “DESCENT”)

TCAS Aural Messages

The aural command “CLIMB, CLIMB NOW—CLIMB, CLIMB NOW” (or

The aural “INCREASE CLIMB—INCREASE CLIMB” (or “DESCENT”) tells

TCAS Aural Messages

Self-Test Aural Messages

The four-position mode selector switch allows selection of STBY, XPDR, TA

Upon receipt of the TCAS message ‘clear of conflict’, the aircraft

Should a maneuver instruction be received from both TCAS and

All resolution advisories are inhibited at radio altitudes of less than

It is usual for GPWS alerts and warnings to take precedence over

The Use of TCAS

• To maximize the effectiveness of TCAS, all aircraft should be equipped