Air carrier flight crew reported a traffic conflict during initial climb from IWA airport when ATC cleared three aircraft for takeoff on parallel runways within a short amount of time; resulting in a TCAS RA.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported a traffic conflict during initial climb from IWA airport when ATC cleared three aircraft for takeoff on parallel runways within a short amount of time; resulting in a TCAS RA.
Narrative
On the takeoff roll (Runway 12C) we noticed another airplane lifting off on the parallel runway; 12R; and made note of it. Tower did not tell us about the aircraft on 12R but did happen to mention the aircraft that had just taken off on 12L; which was turning crosswind for left traffic. As the PM I kept an eye on it and we maintained runway heading as cleared by ATC (and briefed prior to departure). Once we reached 1;100' and the TCAS was no longer inhibited; we got a Maintain Vertical Speed" RA. We complied with the memory items and maintained visual separation. Upon getting the "clear of conflict" the PF re-automated via SOP and we reported it to the Tower Controller and went on our way with no further incident. It's probably not the most conservative or wisest procedure to clear three aircraft to take off from three parallel runways within about 30 seconds of each other. The engine out procedure is a right turn…if we had lost an engine on takeoff we would not have been able to comply with that because the traffic was clearly visible to the right; in our flight path."
Second reporter narrative
As part of the pre-departure briefing we discussed the possibility of takeoff with traffic on all three runways at the same time. On departure this is exactly what happened. I proceeded as we had briefed; maintaining runway heading to stay right between the aircraft on either side and maintaining visual separation. As we climbed through 1100' (RA no longer inhibited); the RA indicated maintain vertical speed." I complied until clear of conflict. It seems wise not to clear three departures "simultaneously" at IWA. If we had an engine failure the procedure is right turn. We would have no choice but to maintain runway heading until the right turn would be safe."
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.