During vectors for the ILS 8 at BUR; air carrier flight crew experienced TCAS RA's on two separate targets in hazy conditions. Once clear of traffic the flight was too high to commence the approach and received vectors back around.
Synopsis
During vectors for the ILS 8 at BUR; air carrier flight crew experienced TCAS RA's on two separate targets in hazy conditions. Once clear of traffic the flight was too high to commence the approach and received vectors back around.
Narrative
I was pilot flying. Weather in the San Fernando Valley was reported as 4 miles with haze. We were on the arrival sequence to BUR on vectors from SoCal Approach. Right after we were instructed to take up a 160-degree heading and descend to I believe 3000 FT; we received a traffic alert from approach as well as a TCAS TA followed immediately by an RA instructing us to climb. We did this while advising approach we were responding to the RA. A few moments later; we received an additional TA then RA from another aircraft above us. We then leveled off while the Controller was advising us to do the same. Things get a bit hazy here as I was trying to remain clear of the two traffic targets (fortunately; the surface haze enabled me to see both aircraft visually). By the time we had finally cleared the intruding aircraft we were too high over Van Nuys to commence the ILS to Runway 8 and requested vectoring back to a more reasonable starting point. Apparently; the two aircraft that had violated my 'protected' airspace were part of some race. We had done nothing wrong in any way - this point was emphasized by the Supervisor (I believe it was the Supervisor on Duty - I was still a bit shaken by the ordeal) of SoCal Approach when I spoke to him after landing.
Second reporter narrative
Once clear; approach attempted to clear us on the approach to BUR while well above the glideslope for Runway 8. We refused the approach clearance and accepted vectors back around. It honestly seemed like ATC lost control of the airspace. We had multiple targets near VNY and in the valley at or near our altitude. We are very fortunate that we were able to pick up the targets visually and maneuver considering it was a very hazy typical day in Southern CA. Once in the ground at BUR we talked to SoCal Approach. They apologized and told us we did nothing wrong; however that does not fix the problem which could have been a very serious situation.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.