Before a resolution advisory (RA) is issued, how far in advance does TCAS provide a traffic advisory (TA)?

A Traffic Advisory (TA) from the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) serves as a precursor to a Resolution Advisory (RA) and is crucial for situational awareness. The system is designed to alert pilots to the presence of nearby aircraft that may pose a potential conflict. The correct timeframe within which TCAS provides this traffic advisory is up to 20 seconds prior to an RA being issued.

This 20-second lead time allows pilots to become aware of nearby traffic and take preliminary action if necessary, enhancing safety and collision avoidance before a more urgent RA is required. During this window, the system assesses the traffic situation and provides information about the potential threat, thereby enabling pilots to adjust their flight path as required. Understanding this timing helps pilots manage their response to emerging threats effectively, aligning with the safety protocols established in aviation operations.