A RNO Controller described a TCAS RA event involving two air carrier aircraft maintaining visual separation with each other. The Controller claimed appropriate procedures were utilized.
Synopsis
A RNO Controller described a TCAS RA event involving two air carrier aircraft maintaining visual separation with each other. The Controller claimed appropriate procedures were utilized.
Narrative
Air Carrier X departed RNO IFR; was turned left direct LLC; leveled at 120. Air Carrier Y inbound to RNO; IFR; level at 130. Air Carrier X was issued as traffic to Air Carrier Y. Air Carrier Y reported Air Carrier X in sight. Air Carrier Y was issued as traffic to Air Carrier X. Air Carrier X reported Air Carrier Y in sight. Air Carrier X was instructed to maintain visual separation with the traffic; pilot's discretion; climb and maintain FL190. Air Carrier X acknowledged the instructions and started his climb. Air Carrier Y was told that Air Carrier X was maintaining visual separation and continuing his climb. Air Carrier Y acknowledged. Air Carrier Y then advised that he was responding to an RA and climbing. Air Carrier X keyed up and told Air Carrier Y that he was sorry for causing his RA. I later learned that Air Carrier X also responded to an RA. Air Carrier X continued to his destination and Air Carrier Y landed at RNO. Recommendation; I feel that I followed the rules of the book to the letter. I thought that Air Carrier X would use better judgment and wait until he was past Air Carrier Y to start his climb. In the future; I will use more diligence to ensure that this does not happen again. In the future; I will just wait until the aircraft have passed; then continue their descent and/or climb.
Second reporter narrative
Level at 12000 on a heading; Departure Controller called; 'Traffic at 1 o'clock; at 13000ft.' We replied; 'Traffic insight.' The aircraft reported us in sight. Controller gave us; 'Pilots discretion climb; remain clear of traffic.' I put the altitude in the FCU and the First Officer began to climb. When he started to climb; I suggested we wait until after the aircraft had passed and he stopped the climb. Both aircraft did get an RA from TCAS. Both aircraft were in sight at all times and we resumed the climb after the aircraft passed overhead. During debriefing of the issue; the First Officer stated he thought he could climb above the crossing traffic in plenty of time. Early morning; complicated RNO departure and dark conditions all played a part.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.