TCAS COCKPIT TEST PROCEDURES

•TCAS should be tested using the pilot

initiated self test feature during cockpit
preparation.
• After passing self test, TCAS should
remain in SBY before takeoff.
 TCAS SELF TEST
TCAS self test determines the
• operational status of the entire TCAS system.
• • Select self test on the TCAS control panel.
• • Once begun, self test continues automatically for
• approximately eight seconds.
• • During self test, normal TCAS operation is inhibited.
• • During the first few seconds of the test sequence, the
• traffic display allows verification of each type of Intruder
• symbol.
• • The test generates the symbols arranged as shown.
• • The traffic display annunciates the word TEST.
SYMBOLS
• OTHER TRAFFIC - hollow cyan diamond.
• Indicates other traffic, (the predicted flight paths do not penetrate the Collision Area) which
are within range of the display.
• PROXIMATE TRAFFIC - solid cyan diamond.
• Indicates other traffic within 6 NM and within +/- 1200 ft vertically. Proximity traffic are
shown to improve situation awareness.
• TRAFFIC ADVISORY - solid amber circle.
• Indicates intruder aircraft predicted to enter the Collision Area within 35-45 seconds.
• RESOLUTION ADVISORY - solid red square.
• Indicates intruder aircraft predicted to enter the Collision Area within 20-35 seconds.
• PLUS or MINUS
• the amber -03 and "arrow up" indicates an aircraft 300 feet below and climbing with a rate of
more than 500 fpm.
• The same instrument during TCAS test.

RED ARC.
• Restricted vertical speed. This area instructs the pilot what
vertical speed regions is to be avoided during an RA.
 
GREEN ARC.
• FLY-TO vertical speed arc. This area instructs the pilot of the
vertical speed to ensure safe altitude separation from
conflicting traffic. TCAS expects adjustment in pitch attitude to
attain the desired vertical rate within 5 seconds during an RA.
• At  the  end  of  test  sequence  an  aural message
 "TCAS  System  Test  Okay" or  "TCAS  System  Test
 Fail"  will  be annunciated.    If  the  FAIL  light  stays
on,    it    denotes    a    failure    in    the transponder
or units monitored by the transponder.   

•  FAIL    illuminates    for 1 second   to   verify

  operation   of   the light and test mode in the
transponder. Transponder  code  digits   will   display
8888 for 1 second to verify that all digit segments
will illuminate.
 TCAS Limitations

• TCAS is limited to supporting only vertical

separation advisories.
• TCAS is not fitted to many smaller aircraft
mainly due to the high costs.
• ATC can be automatically informed about
resolution advisories issued by TCAS only
when the aircraft is within an area covered
by a Mode S.