Safe Handling of

TCAS Alerts
TCAS RAs are not correctly followed in more than 40% of
cases according to a recent study published by Eurocontrol,
making non-compliance with TCAS RAs one of the top 5 Air
Traffic Management (ATM) operational and safety risks.
This article explains how the TCAS Alert Prevention (TCAP)
and AP/FD TCAS functions can improve the situation by
respectively reducing the number of RAs in congested
airspace, and assisting flight crews to follow TCAS RAs in an
optimum manner. The article also recalls the TCAS warning
procedure step-by-step, with and without the AP/FD TCAS
function and provides guidance for training flight crews.

This article is also available on safetyfirst.airbus.com and on the Safety

first app for iOS and Android devices.

Safety first - September 2021 Page 1/12

TCAS ALERTS IN OPERATIONS
Flight crews reacted correctly to a TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA) in only 58.7%
of cases according to a recent study published by Eurocontrol(*) in April 2021. In
29.8% of cases, the flight crew reacted by modifying the aircraft trajectory but
did not reach the expected target. In 11.5% of cases, the flight crew did not
react, or they reacted excessively and sometimes had the opposite reaction to Only a third of
what the RA requested.
the “climb” and
Flight crews must always remember that a prompt and accurate response to “descend” RAs
TCAS RAs is important to maintain the highest level of safety.
were correctly
(*)“The assessment of pilot compliance with TCAS RAs, TCAS mode selection, and serviceability
using ATC radar data” issue 2.1 published on 09-APR-2021 by Eurocontrol.
followed”
The Eurocontrol study observed a low level of compliance with “Climb” or
“Descend” RAs: only 33.7% of the “climb” and “descend” RAs were correctly
followed, 44.2% did not reach the expected target, and 22.1% were not flown
correctly.

(fig.1) Flight crew

response to TCAS RAs
(data from the Eurocontrol
study*)

Why “level off” RAs are triggered in congested airspace?

The TCAS warning logic uses the current trajectory of the aircraft to predict (fig.2) Example of an
collision threats. This does not anticipate the expected level off when the aircraft RA triggered when
finishes its climb or descent and reaches its expected flight level. If another reaching a cleared flight
aircraft approaches on an adjacent flight level, it can trigger a “level off” RA, or a level, near an aircraft
“level off” with a corresponding “climb” or “descend” RA (fig.2). This is more likely flying on an adjacent
to occur in congested airspace. flight level

Safety first - September 2021 Page 2/12

“Level off” RAs made up 65% of all observed RAs in the Eurocontrol Study. ICAO Level off”
recommends that the flight crew manually select a lower vertical speed when RAs made up
approaching the target flight level to prevent the triggering of “level off” RAs. This
solution is effective but not always optimal, because it requires intervention by
65% of all
the flight crew. This is why Airbus developed the TCAS Alert Prevention (TCAP) observed RAs in
function. the Eurocontrol
Study.

TCAP PREVENTS RAS

The TCAP function is an improved _ALT*- altitude capture law for flight guidance
computers. When a TCAS Traffic Advisory (TA) is triggered for an aircraft that is
almost at its target flight level, the _ALT*- guidance mode will engage earlier and
use a reduced vertical speed to reach the target altitude. This will prevent the
need for an RA (fig.3). If the _ALT*- guidance mode is already engaged when the
TA is triggered, the TCAP function will further reduce the _ALT*- vertical speed to
prevent the RA.

If an Operator has a mixed fleet configuration of aircraft with and without the
TCAP function activated, the flight crew can still manually select a lower vertical
speed when approaching the target flight level on any aircraft depending on the
Operator’s policy.
(fig.3) Principle of the
TCAP function

Safety first - September 2021 Page 3/12

TCAP Availability
The TCAP function is installed on A350 aircraft and on A380 aircraft delivered since July 2013. TCAP is
also installed on all A320 family aircraft produced since early 2021, and on all A330 aircraft produced since
October 2017 (since February 2016 on A330 aircraft with RR engines).

A380 aircraft delivered before July 2013 can be retrofitted using the activation Service Bulletin (SB)
A380-22-8011.

Operators can retrofit TCAP on older A320 family and A330 aircraft. These aircraft must be fitted with a
minimum standard of TCAS and a minimum standard of FMG(E)C. The minimum TCAS computer standard
must be:

○ ACSS TCAS 2000 Change 7.0, or

○ ACSS T2CAS Std 1, or
○ ACSS T3CAS Std 1, or
○ Collins TCAS TTR920 Change 7.0, or
○ Honeywell TCAS TPA81A Change 7.0.

On A320 family aircraft, the TCAP function is automatically activated on aircraft equipped with the
following:

- An FMGC with flight guidance Standard PI17, PC20 or a subsequent standard

- Wiring installed by Mod 38790 (+Mod 30248 if T2CAS) between the FMGC and the
TCAS/T2CAS/T3CAS computer.

On A330 aircraft, an activation service bulletin is necessary in addition to installing an FMGEC with flight
guidance standard HJ2 or H3.

AP/FD TCAS ENSURES AN OPTIMUM

HANDLING OF THE TCAS RAS
Sometimes the flight crew does not comply with RAs as expected or performs a
maneuver that is too weak or excessive (fig.4). To help the flight crew perform (fig.4) Response to
optimum maneuvers in accordance with the RA, Airbus developed the AP/FD TCAS RAs are not
TCAS function. always optimum

Safety first - September 2021 Page 4/12

AP/FD TCAS enables the flight crew to follow TCAS
RAs with AP ON or FD guidance
The AP/FD TCAS function is an additional flight guidance mode of the autoflight
system available for A320, A330, A350 and A380 aircraft. This function enables
flight crews to either keep the autopilot ON to automatically follow the RA, or to
manually perform the RA maneuver using FD guidance (fig.5): ① When a TA is
(fig.5) AP/FD TCAS
triggered, the -TCAS mode is armed. ② When an RA is triggered, the TCAS-
mode is engaged and targets a vertical speed 200 ft/min inside the RA green ensures optimum
band. ③ When the aircraft is clear of conflict, the TCAS mode then reverts to a handling of the TCAS
V/S +/-1000- vertical speed mode toward the initially selected altitude. RAs

The AP/FD TCAS function assists flight crews to:

● Correctly respond to the RA and in a timely manner
If the flight
● Perform a maneuver only to the extent necessary crew prefers to
● Perform a maneuver with a moderate load factor to ensure passenger follow the RA
comfort and to reduce the risk of injury.
● Prevent the triggering of TCAS alerts on other aircraft. using the
standard TCAS
Possible reversion to the standard procedure
warning
If the flight crew prefers to follow the RA using the standard TCAS warning procedure, they
procedure, they can revert to it at any time. However, an Airbus analysis of more
than 130 000 flights performed by A350 and A380 aircraft confirms the
can revert to it
confidence of flight crews in the AP/FD TCAS function: in 91% of the RA at any time.
situations, the flight crew kept the autopilot ON.

Safety first - September 2021 Page 5/12

AP/FD TCAS Availability
AP/FD TCAS is installed on all A350 and A380 aircraft. The function is installed by default on all A320 family
aircraft produced since February 2017, and on all A330 aircraft produced since April 2012.

The AP/FD TCAS can be installed on A320 family and A330 aircraft that comply with the minimum system
prerequisites listed below:

Minimum system prerequisites for A320 family aircraft

FMGC H2C13 or S6C13 or H2BPC13 or S7PC13 for
MOD 152224 or MOD 152225 or MOD 154191 or MOD 155031
aircraft fitted with CFM engines

FMGC H2I12 or S6I12 or H2BPI12 or S7PI12 for aircraft

MOD 152967 or MOD 152968 or MOD 154192 or MOD 155032
fitted with IAE/PW engines

FWC H2F5 MOD 37871

EIS: EIS2 S8-2 or EIS1 V70 MOD 38146 or MOD 150603

TCAS change 7 or T2CAS or T3CAS MOD 27740 or 27698 or 36559 or 34637 or 39146

FDIMU with new FDIU Standard S15 MOD 150037 or MOD 150038

FCU standard 4 MOD 38132

Wiring provisions MOD 38790

Minimum system prerequisites for A330 aircraft

FMGEC P4H3 or P5H3 or P5H3 or T5AH3 MOD 205773 or MOD 204758 or MOD 207492 or MOD 204775

FWC T3 MOD 58751

EIS: EIS2 L7 or EIS1 V513 MOD 57115 or MOD 201332

MOD 47392 or 52992 or 58449 or 46986 or 47572 or MOD

TCAS Change 7.0 or T2CAS or T3CAS
46728

FDIMU Standard L10 (Only if in EIS1 V513

MOD 58688
configuration. Not necessary for EIS1 V514)

FCU Standard 3 MOD 200272

MOD 57112 and MOD 56759 and (MOD 200939 (for TCAS) or
Wiring provisions
MOD 201160 (for T2CAS or T3CAS))

Safety first - September 2021 Page 6/12

Many in-service aircraft have all prerequisites for
activation of AP/FD TCAS
An analysis of the in-service fleet shows that only slightly more than 30% of
A320 family and A330 aircraft have the AP/FD TCAS function activated. The
analysis also shows that a number of A320 family and A330 aircraft have all the
system prerequisites installed and only need to activate the function to be able to
use it. Operators should contact their Airbus Customer Support Director for
information on the service bulletin about activating the AP/FD TCAS function on
A320 family and A330 aircraft.

(fig.5) AP/FD
TCAS installation
status for A320
family and A330
aircraft

AP/FD TCAS: Mixed Fleet is not an Issue

Despite the possibility of retrofitting the AP/FD TCAS function on in-service A320 When
and A330 aircraft, some Operators may not be able to equip a full fleet with AP/FD operating a
TCAS. This should not stop Operators from activating the function on their capable
aircraft, because operations with a mixed fleet are possible.
mixed fleet,
flight crews can
When operating a mixed fleet, flight crews can easily check the Aircraft
Configuration Summary (ACS) table in the QRH during cockpit preparation. This
easily check the
will tell them if the aircraft has the AP/FD TCAS function activated. Aircraft
Configuration
In addition, flight crews must know how to apply both TCAS warning procedures
(with and without AP/FD TCAS function), because even with the AP/FD TCAS Summary (ACS)
activated, they will need to apply the standard TCAS warning procedure if the table in the QRH
AP/FD TCAS function is inoperative.
during cockpit
Both procedures are described in the FCOM and QRH Memory Items part [MEM] preparation.
SURV / TCAS WARNING.

Step 1: If a TA is triggered, select the appropriate procedure to apply

● If TCAS is NOT displayed on the FMA, it is not available or not

installed. If an RA is triggered, the PF announces “TCAS, I have control”
and must be prepared to apply the standard TCAS warning procedure.
● If TCAS is displayed as armed on the FMA, the flight crew can use the
AP/FD TCAS function in automatic or manual flight. In this case, the PF
announces “TCAS blue”, ensures that the autothrust is engaged, and
prepares to either fly the potential RA maneuver using autopilot or
manually fly the RA with FD guidance.

Safety first - September 2021 Page 7/12

Step 2: Use the appropriate level of automation to follow the RA
Depending on the availability of the TCAS mode, the PF follows the RA with the
appropriate level of automation:

● If the TCAS mode is not available or does not engage when the RA
is triggered, the PF disconnects both the AP and the FD and flies the
green on the V/S scale as per the standard TCAS warning procedure.

● If the TCAS mode engages when the RA is triggered, the PF can either
leave the AP ON and monitor that the V/S reaches the green zone on the
PFD, or manually follow the RA using FD guidance. The FD bars will
automatically appear when the TCAS mode engages if they were
previously switched off.

Safety first - September 2021 Page 8/12

Step 3: Return to the initial trajectory when clear of conflict

When the aircraft is clear of conflict:

● If the RA was flown manually, the PF may adjust both the lateral and
vertical trajectory to resume normal navigation in accordance with ATC
instructions and may re-engage the AP and FD.
● If the RA was flown in TCAS mode, the flight guidance reverts to V/S
+/-1000 mode when clear of conflict to go back to the selected altitude.
The PF should then engage an appropriate vertical mode, or adjust the
V/S target, in accordance with ATC instructions.

The “Operational use of the TCAS” video available on the Worldwide Instructor
News (WIN) website provides detailed information about the TCAS and how to
use it. The video also describes the AP/FD TCAS function and provides answers
to frequently asked questions.

The “Getting to Grips with Surveillance” brochure issue 2 also provides

information about the TCAS and is available for download on the AirbusWorld
portal.

Refer also to our first Safety first article on AP/FD TCAS published in February
2009: “Airbus AP/FD TCAS mode: a new step towards safety Improvement”.

Safety first - September 2021 Page 9/12

Training on TCAS Warning Procedures
The Airbus Flight Crew Training Standards (FCTS) manuals provide
recommendations for both type rating and recurrent training programs on how to flight crews
train flight crews to apply the TCAS procedures. The manuals contain should be trained on
recommendations to define the training objectives in line with ICAO (doc 9995
Manual of Evidence-Based Training) and IATA recommendations how to apply the
(Evidence-Based Training Implementation Guide). FCTS manuals are available TCAS procedure
for download from the AirbusWorld portal.
both with and
During the type rating and recurrent training courses, flight crews should be without the AP/FD
trained on how to apply the TCAS procedure both with and without the AP/FD
TCAS function. This is to ensure that the flight crew will react correctly to a TCAS
TCAS function.
warning if the AP/FD TCAS function is not available or if it is inoperative on their
aircraft.

Evidence-Based Training (EBT) programs recommend that the TCAS procedure

training should be performed at least one time every three years.

Upcoming modification (May 2022) of the TCAS Warning procedure in

approach:

The TCAS WARNING procedure will be updated in May 2022 to standardize the
procedure on all Airbus aircraft (all aircraft types, with or without AP/FD TCAS)
and to comply with EASA and FAA regulation requirements. The procedure will
be amended as follows:

● If any ‘’CLIMB’’ audio indicator sounds during the final approach:

GO AROUND……………………………..…………………….PERFORM.

Safety first - September 2021 Page 10/12

Contributors: It is crucial that flight crews respond promptly and accurately to TCAS
Christophe BAROUX Resolution Advisories (RAs) to maintain the highest levels of safety.
Product Development However, TCAS RAs are not always followed as expected in
Architect - Upgrade
operations according to a study published by Eurocontrol in April
Services
Customer Support 2021. This confirms why non-compliance with TCAS RAs is identified
as one of the current top-5 ATM operational risks.
Florence CARDONA
Airframe Services
Marketing The TCAP function can improve the situation by preventing RAs in
congested airspace. The AP/FD TCAS function can provide
Cédric CORRAL
Flight Management &
assistance to the flight crew for following the TCAS RAs in an
Auto Flight Systems optimum way.
Manager
Design Office The TCAP and AP/FD TCAS functions are now activated on all newly
Xavier DUREPAIRE built aircraft. Many A320 family and A330 in-service aircraft have all
Training & Flight Ops the system prerequisites and can easily activate the AP/FD TCAS
Pilot Instructor function. Airbus encourages Operators to contact their Customer
Customer Support
Support Directors for details on how to implement AP/FD TCAS on
Maria Luisa LOPEZ their aircraft and benefit from this function.
VILLAREJO
Product Safety Flight crews can identify if an aircraft is equipped with the AP/FD
Enhancement
Product Safety TCAS function by checking the Aircraft Configuration Summary table
in the QRH. In addition, the flight crew will know if the AP/FD TCAS
Christine VILLENEUVE
Product Development function is available when the TCAS guidance mode is displayed as
Architect - Upgrade armed on the FMA in the case of a TA. Flying a mixed fleet of aircraft
Services with or without the AP/FD TCAS function is therefore not an issue.
Customer Support
During type rating and recurrent training, flight crews should be
trained on how to apply both TCAS warning procedures, with and
without the AP/FD TCAS function, so that they can apply the
standard TCAS procedure if the AP/FD TCAS function is not
available.

Evidence-Based Training programs recommend training flight crews

on how to apply the TCAS warning procedures at least one time
every three years.

Safety first - September 2021 Page 11/12

 Safety first, 2021. Safety first is
published by Airbus S.A.S. 1, rond
point Maurice Bellonte - 31707
Blagnac Cedex/France.

Editor: Yannick Malinge, Chief

Product Safety Officer.
The Airbus magazine contributing to the enhancement of the safety of
Editorial team: Guillaume aircraft operations by increasing knowledge and communication on
Estragnat, Vanessa Sadi, Gwyneth safety related topics.
Duggan, Tim Roach.

20192534. Reference: Safety first is published by the Product Safety department. It is a source
X00D16031905. of specialist safety information for the use of airlines who fly and
maintain Airbus aircraft. It is also distributed to other selected
Photos by Airbus, S. Ramadier
organizations and is available on digital devices.
© Airbus S.A.S. 2021 – All rights
reserved. Proprietary Material for publication is obtained from multiple sources and includes
documents. selected information from the Airbus Flight Safety Confidential Reporting
By taking delivery of this Brochure System, incident and accident investigation reports, system tests and
(hereafter “Brochure”), you accept fight tests. Material is also obtained from sources within the airline
on behalf of your company to industry, studies and reports from government agencies and other
comply with the following
aviation sources.
guidelines:

● No other intellectual All articles in Safety first are presented for information only and are not
property rights are granted by the intended to replace ICAO guidelines, standards or recommended
delivery of this Brochure than the practices, operator-mandated requirements or technical orders. The
right to read it, for the sole
purpose of information.
contents do not supersede any requirements mandated by the State of
Registry of the Operator’s aircraft or supersede or amend any Airbus
● This Brochure and its type-specific AFM, AMM, FCOM, MMEL documentation or any other
content shall not be modified and
its illustrations and photos shall
approved documentation.
not be reproduced without prior
written consent of Airbus. Articles may be reprinted without permission, except where copyright
source is indicated, but with acknowledgement to Airbus. Where Airbus
● This Brochure and the
is not the author, the contents of the article do not necessarily reflect the
materials it contains shall not, in
whole or in part, be sold, rented, or views of Airbus, nor do they indicate Company policy.
licensed to any third party subject
to payment. Contributions, comments and feedback are welcome. Enquiries related
to this publication should be addressed to:
This Brochure contains sensitive
information that is correct at the
time of going to press.
Airbus - Product Safety department (W)
1, rond point Maurice Bellonte
This information involves a 31707 Blagnac Cedex - France
number of factors that could
change over time, effecting the
safetycommunication@airbus.com
true public representation. Airbus
assumes no obligation to update Visit us at safetyfirst.airbus.com or install the Safety first app:
any information contained in this
document or with respect to the
information described herein.

Airbus S.A.S. shall assume no

liability for any damage in
connection with the use of this
Brochure and of the materials it
contains, even if Airbus S.A.S. has
been advised of the likelihood of
such damage.

Safety first - September 2021 Page 12/12