Originally Posted by groundfloor
As for the TCAS bleating "Traffic Traffic" within a CTR at the critical phases of flight - the one I am used to only gives a visual filled in white diamond - perhaps the mode selector needs to be in the correct position for take off and landing, that would be TA only?
Really?
Α filled diamond shown in either cyan or white, but not the same colour as
the own aircraft symbol, is used to depict Proximate Traffic. Proximate
Traffic is
non-threat traffic that is within 6 nm and ±1200 ft from own
aircraft.
Your advice about mode selection also happens to be BS.
The Sensitivity Level (SL) on large commercial aircraft changes automatically between SL1 and SL2 depending on the aircrafts proximity to ground. In other words, the system will make automatic mode changes and the pilot only has to ensure that the transponder is switched on. Aural annunciations are inhibited below 500±100 feet AGL and RA's are inhibited below 1000ft +- 100 ft.
Therefore, it is quite possible to have threat traffic announced aurally and with a solid amber circle on the TCAS display while on an approach. And yes, despite your views, it is distracting to get a TA at 600' while on an ILS approach.