IFATCA Policy is:

IFATCA fully supports and encourages the development and operation of airborne anti- collision systems. The primary means of collision avoidance for flights for which a separation service is set-up shall be the air traffic control system. This system shall achieve the required safety levels totally independently from any airborne anti-collision devices, such as ACAS. ACAS devices should not be a consideration in the provision of adequate air traffic services.

IFATCA is opposed to down linking of any advisories generated by ACAS.

If down linking of ACAS Resolution Advisories becomes mandated, then IFATCA can only accept this provided that the following criteria are met:

• Clear and unambiguous controller legal responsibilities;
• Downlink without delay;
• ATC system to be able to receive, process and display the down link to the appropriate control positions;
• Compatibility with all ground based safety nets;
• Nuisance and false alerts shall be kept to an absolute minimum.
• ACAS should only be considered as a ‘safety net’.

Once an aircraft departs from its ATC clearance or instruction in compliance with an RA, or a pilot reports an RA, the controller ceases to be responsible for providing separation between that aircraft and any other aircraft affected as a direct consequence of the manoeuvre induced by the RA. The controller shall resume responsibility for separation and establish standard separation between all affected aircraft when:

a) the controller acknowledges a report from the flight crew that the aircraft has resumed the current clearance; or

b) the controller acknowledges a report from the flight crew that the aircraft is resuming the current clearance and issues an alternative clearance which is acknowledged by the flight crew.