The following sections cut / pasted from a Boeing QRH (
Quick Reference Handbook) wherein I've highlighted some sections in red for added emphasis...
ACTION IN THE EVENT OF A RESOLUTION ADVISORY (RA)
Accomplish recall procedure without delay. NEVER MANOEUVRE IN THE OPPOSITE SENSE because TCAS could be co-ordinating manoeuvres with other aircraft. It should be stressed that excessive pitch rates should not be made unless the approaching aircraft is seen and the situation requires such a response.
RA manoeuvres require only small pitch attitude changes that should be accomplished smoothly and without delay. Properly executed, the RA manoeuvre is mild and does not require large or abrupt control movements. Remember that the passengers and cabin crew may not all be seated during the manoeuvre and shouldn't be subjected to other than moderate accelerations ('g' forces).
Pilot Response :
General: Follow the instructions in the QRH. Do not turn. Note the specific instructions for a Climb RA in a landing configuration. Although RA manoeuvres require only small pitch attitude changes they must be accomplished smoothly and without delay.
Traffic Advisory (TA): The Handling Pilot should adjust the EHSI MAP range or the TCAS IVSI range so that the conflict is clearly visible. Look for traffic using the display as an aid. Call out any conflicting traffic. Do not manoeuvre unless visual contact confirms that separation is not adequate. An intruder is identified as one whose flight path brings it to within 20 to 48 seconds of closest point of approach.
Resolution Advisory (RA): Disconnect the autopilot and authothrust, ignore existing Flight Director pitch demands and respond to the RA by referring to the IVSI or the EHSI as appropriate. Maintain the pre-existing IAS.
TCAS IVSIs presentation:- The “safe” vertical speed band is indicated in green. An initial RA assumed that the PF will respond within 5 seconds using a smooth manoeuvre to enter and maintain the green arc. If a subsequent corrective RA is given, the assumed manoeuvre time is 2.5 seconds.
TCAS EHSI presentation:- The aircraft/s pitch must be adjusted to fly the aeroplane symbol just out of the red region on the EADI. There is no green “safe” area.
One suspects that understanding the simple concepts contained within the instructions above are wayyyy beyond the comprehension of a Daily Mail journo!
