TCAS
An onboard system that watches nearby transponder-equipped traffic and tells the crew how to avoid a collision.
Also written
traffic alert and collision avoidance system
TCAS interrogates the transponders of surrounding aircraft and computes closest approach. It issues a traffic advisory first, then, if the conflict persists, a resolution advisory commanding a climb or descent. Since resolution advisories are coordinated between the two aircraft, they never both climb.
Nearby in Aviation
- taxi — An aircraft moving under its own power on the ground.
- taxiway — A paved route connecting runways, aprons and stands, on which aircraft move under their own power.
- thrust reverser — A mechanism that redirects engine thrust forward to help slow an aircraft after landing.
- touch-and-go — A landing immediately followed by a takeoff, without stopping.