October 6, 2011 - RTCA

Wes Olson provided an overview of data collected and analyzed as part of the TCAS Operational
Assessment Program (TOPA). He noted that a majority of the data are being collected from
Mode S radars across the United States. There are 21 sites now operational and there are
currently over 150,000 RAs in the TOPA database. There has been little change in the findings
from the data since his report at the last SC-147 meeting.
Wes presented an overview of studies and analyses that have been completed on pilot response to
RAs; TCAS performance in level off encounters (with both 500 and 1000 ft separation from the
intruder); and RAs issued where an intruder could not be identified in the radar surveillance data.
Agenda Item 3.b Future Collision Avoidance System (CAS) Development Efforts
Neal Suchy provided an overview of the work being performed by the TCAS Program Office to
define potential next generation collision avoidance system. The Program Office’s efforts are
focused on three primary work packages.
1. Improve current surveillance performance to minimize TCAS utilization of the
1030/1090 MHz spectrum.
2. Develop threat logic that will be compatible with expected/planned changes in airspace
structure and operations. This threat logic is focused for use on aircraft that currently use
TCAS II systems.
3. Define surveillance requirements and concepts that will allow TCAS to use different
surveillance sources and use improved tracking algorithms.
Additional research is being conducted to evaluate requirements and concepts that could provide
a collision avoidance capability for other classes of airspace users.
Work is underway to conduct initial flight testing of the new threat logic in the 2013 time frame.
Agenda Item 4 AVS and Other FAA Activities
Agenda Item 4.a Certification and Flight Standard Activities
Roger Sultan provided an update on the TCAS-related activities that Flight Standards have been
working on since the last Plenary meeting.
The Flight Standards’ Outreach efforts have resulted in meetings and discussions with NetJets
and Boeing’s Training organization. The next efforts for the Outreach program are to conduct
briefings at NBAA Regional Forums and with ALPA.
A SAFO has been developed for Part 135 and Part 91k operators related to TCAS training and
guidance. This is in final review and is expected to be released shortly.
Flight Standards is also working on developing TCAS training material and has supported
verification of the implementation of the autopilot and flight director automated response systems
on the A350.
Roger introduced Wayne Gallo to the Committee. Wayne is a new member of the Flight
Standards Organization and will be representing Flight Standards in future SC-147 meetings.
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