An air carrier pilot comments that the RAAS warning volume is too loud and interferes with important internal and ATC radio communications.
Synopsis
An air carrier pilot comments that the RAAS warning volume is too loud and interferes with important internal and ATC radio communications.
Narrative
Both events were with the new RAAS. After pushback and beginning to taxi while transitioning from Alpha to Bravo; the RAAS announced approaching XXL which cause ATC to be partially blocked while they were telling us to hold short of taxiway for an aircraft exiting the runway. Luckily; I saw the aircraft because it was clear out. I repeated hold short assuming the call was for us. Had it been an IFR day; the RAAS would have caused a lot of confusion due to interrupting the ground controller. The second occasion was while holding in position for takeoff on Runway XXL. The tower; we assumed; cleared the aircraft on Runway YL for takeoff. We couldn't hear the full radio call because RAAS was so loud in the cockpit we could not hear the full ATC clearance. This caused us to temporarily loose situational awareness because of this new technology being too loud. I think this is a great technology; but the volume issue must be addressed. Let's not have a runway incursion caused from the new runway incursion system.
NASA callback
The reporter stated that the RAAS technology is a wonderful safety tool but its current implementation makes its presence a hazard. The RAAS alert volume overrides all internal and external radio communications. The reporter's Company suggested that he learn to multitask his communications skills and turn up the VHF volume to compete with the RAAS volume. The reporter stated that was totally contrary to safety and the suggested method to deal with the RAAS volume would further degrade flight station communication; situational awareness; and runway safety.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.