An air carrier crew reported conflicts on approach to AUS after ATC vectored their aircraft between two aircraft; one low; one high; and required a descent in response to a TCAS RA.
Synopsis
An air carrier crew reported conflicts on approach to AUS after ATC vectored their aircraft between two aircraft; one low; one high; and required a descent in response to a TCAS RA.
Narrative
We were being vectored to final on an assigned heading of 160 at 6;000 FT. I had the impression that Controller training was in progress. We noticed traffic converging at about 1 o'clock; 500 FT higher than us; on the TCAS display. ATC gave us a traffic advisory for that airplane; which we acknowledged as 'having them in sight.' We also noticed an aircraft on the TCAS display at our 9 o'clock and 1;000 FT under us. Both aircraft were within 5 miles. We were given a heading of 190 after acknowledging the VFR traffic. This heading pointed us directly at the aircraft we had acknowledged seeing. We then got a RA directing us to descend; which I did; and we immediately notified ATC. During the avoidance maneuver; which directed us to descend; we noticed the aircraft we earlier observed to our left was converging so I turned to the right to a heading of about 210 degrees. We were within 300 FT of the first aircraft and within a mile of the second aircraft since we had now descended to 5;000 FT. We got the 'monitor vertical speed' instruction at about 5;300 FT. ATC told us to maintain that heading and 5;000 FT after we asked them to verify what they wanted us to do. Then a Controller; which sounded like a Supervisor; made the comment we should follow instructions. I'm not sure what he meant; but it sounded like a 'cover yourself' comment. We continued to AUS and landed uneventfully. I think ATC made an error in judgment turning us into that aircraft; but I am not sure the other aircraft was intending to descend or had made their intentions clear. I think the fact we were paying attention and saw the event developing helped us respond in a timelier manner. TCAS rocks!
Second reporter narrative
An ATC Supervisor; 'new voice; just a summation;' came on and responded to adhere to the ATC clearances. We told him gladly; as long as they would not cause any further conflicts. We missed the original general aviation traffic by 300 FT and one mile; and the traffic below by 400 FT and approximately 2 miles. The remainder of the flight was uneventful. Closer coordination between ATC and crew members; and more advanced planning and warning from ATC [is needed].
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.