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If a TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA) specifies a "Climb," but in response to the same potential traffic threat, ATC issues instructions to "Descend" what course of action should the pilot/crew take?

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In the 2002 Überlingen mid-air collision, one crew followed the ATC instruction to descend instead of the TCAS Resolution Advisary to climb. This caused the deaths of 71 people.

Equipment and procedures have improved since then. Pilots should always follow TCAS Advisory and there is a FAA rule that deals with this. 91.123 Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions.

91.123 Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions. -

(a) When an ATC clearance has been obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency exists, or the deviation is in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory. However, except in Class A airspace, a pilot may cancel an IFR flight plan if the operation is being conducted in VFR weather conditions. When a pilot is uncertain of an ATC clearance, that pilot shall immediately request clarification from ATC.

(b) Except in an emergency, no person may operate an aircraft contrary to an ATC instruction in an area in which air traffic control is exercised.

(c) Each pilot in command who, in an emergency, or in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory, deviates from an ATC clearance or instruction shall notify ATC of that deviation as soon as possible.

(d) Each pilot in command who (though not deviating from a rule of this subpart) is given priority by ATC in an emergency, shall submit a detailed report of that emergency within 48 hours to the manager of that ATC facility, if requested by ATC.

(e) Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person operating an aircraft may operate that aircraft according to any clearance or instruction that has been issued to the pilot of another aircraft for radar air traffic control purposes.

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  • $\begingroup$ I think part (c) is not the most important part for answering this question, so I added some highlighting to the important part of (a). $\endgroup$
    – Bianfable
    Oct 30, 2020 at 11:55
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Very clearly the answer is: to follow the TCAS.

Remember too that the TCAS systems coordinate with each other and provide the RA's accordingly.

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  • $\begingroup$ "TCAS systems coordinate with each other" -> Only if both have TCAS II. $\endgroup$
    – Bianfable
    Oct 30, 2020 at 11:49

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