When a traffic avoidance instruction from ATC conflicts with the TCAS RA, which should be followed?

In the situation where a traffic avoidance instruction from Air Traffic Control (ATC) conflicts with a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Resolution Advisory (RA), the TCAS RA should be followed. The rationale behind this is grounded in safety protocols; the TCAS is designed to prevent mid-air collisions and provide immediate alerts based on the aircraft's proximity to other traffic.

TCAS operates autonomously and utilizes real-time data from the aircraft's transponder to assess its position relative to nearby aircraft. When an RA is issued, it signifies an immediate need to take action to maintain safe separation from another aircraft. This system is constructed to respond quickly to potentially hazardous situations, making it a crucial component of in-flight safety.

While ATC provides vital instructions for traffic management, their directives should be considered secondary in the context of an RA since TCAS is specifically engineered to enhance collision avoidance. Therefore, pilots are trained to prioritize TCAS advisories over ATC instructions when a conflict arises, as adherence to TCAS directives is a key measure to ensure the safety of all individuals on board.