Originally Posted by
Fortissimo
In many parts of the USA, pilots will often operate with TCAS in TA mode to avoid 'nuisance' RA because of parallel runway ops, mixed GA traffic etc. and the operators think this is quite acceptable as the airspace is designated as congested. The chances are that the UAL aircraft never got an RA because the automatics were not enabled. The danger comes when these guys operate over in Europe, which the US regards as congested in all areas, so it is quite possible that one half of a conflict is only receiving TA. So long as the other party follows the RA adequate separation should result, though the experts might be able to point out circumstances where this may not be good enough.
yeah, pull the other one.....
Every 121 operator is required to have TCAS, and not in TA only mode. Every RA is required to be followed (if the UAL crew didn’t they will absolutely get a call from their safety department). When we go to Europe, we behave just like the rest of you.