B767,
We see a target on the TCAS go from interest to proximate. It is at 1 o'clock by the display, with a constant relative bearing and showing an altitude deviation of zero.
As we look out the window, the target turns yellow and a "Traffic Traffic " is anouinced. We see an aircraft contrail 8 miles away
We now have 30-45 seconds to PCA, knowlwdge of where the target is, and can be sure it is at our level.
Do you sit, wait, and follow the inevitable RA, or initiate a right turn which will give you much more clearence, and still leave you able to follow a subsequent RA should it occur?
Out of interest, what does your manual state as SOP for a T/A?
Everyone I have read says "Attempt to aquire tartget visually and maneouve as required".
The fact that most pilots DON'T attempt to avoid the RA is, as I stated, the result of negative training as simulator senerios artificially produce RAs (by, usually, ALWAYS occuring in IMC) in order to train the RA maneouvre, without stressing that in the real world, there are opertunities to ensure avoidence before it gets to that last, emergency manoeuvre.