How should you respond to a TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA) during approach or cruise?

How should you respond to a TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA) during approach or cruise?

• A. Wait until ATC instructs you
• B. Immediately follow RA instructions to maintain safe vertical separation
• C. Disable TCAS
• D. Ignore RA and continue approach

Answer: (B)

When TCAS issues a Resolution Advisory, the instruction to change vertical flight path takes precedence over other considerations. The advisory is generated to prevent an imminent collision, so you must act immediately to maintain safe vertical separation. This means you should directly follow the RA’s command—climb or descend as directed—and use the aircraft’s automation (flight director or autopilot) to execute the maneuver at an appropriate rate. Do not wait for ATC instructions, do not disable TCAS, and do not ignore the RA. After the maneuver has resolved, you can return to your cleared flight path and inform ATC as needed. In short, RA requires prompt, automatic compliance to ensure immediate safety, regardless of ongoing approach or cruise operations.

When TCAS issues a Resolution Advisory, the instruction to change vertical flight path takes precedence over other considerations. The advisory is generated to prevent an imminent collision, so you must act immediately to maintain safe vertical separation.

This means you should directly follow the RA’s command—climb or descend as directed—and use the aircraft’s automation (flight director or autopilot) to execute the maneuver at an appropriate rate. Do not wait for ATC instructions, do not disable TCAS, and do not ignore the RA. After the maneuver has resolved, you can return to your cleared flight path and inform ATC as needed.

In short, RA requires prompt, automatic compliance to ensure immediate safety, regardless of ongoing approach or cruise operations.