Learn how to turn on Boeing 737 TCAS, show traffic, read TA/RA symbols, respond to alerts and fix a blank Navigation Display in any simulator.
To turn on TCAS in a Boeing 737 flight simulator, enable AI, live or multiplayer traffic, make sure altitude reporting is active, set the transponder mode to TA/RA, and press TFC on the EFIS panel to show targets on the Navigation Display. Resolution Advisories are normally flown manually.
This is the usual method across general flight simulators, but individual 737 packages differ. A detailed aircraft may reproduce the full TCAS II logic, while a simplified model may show traffic without generating proper advisories.
Which Boeing 737 controls turn TCAS on?
The transponder mode selector activates TCAS; the TFC button only controls whether traffic is drawn on the Navigation Display.
- Enable a traffic source. Turn on simulator AI traffic, live traffic or supported multiplayer traffic. TCAS cannot create targets by itself.
- Set the transponder. Enter the assigned squawk code and ensure pressure-altitude reporting is enabled. The code does not activate TCAS, but the transponder must be operating normally.
- Select TA/RA. During cockpit preparation, TCAS is normally left in standby. Select
TA/RAbefore take-off according to the aircraft checklist. Some add-ons automate this change. - Press TFC. Use the TFC control on the EFIS panel to display traffic on the Navigation Display. An aircraft may still produce an alert when TFC presentation is off, depending on the implementation.
- Choose a useful range. For testing, select a relatively short ND range and the normal altitude filter. ABOVE and BELOW filters can hide valid targets outside their selected vertical band.
Combined 737 transponder panels commonly provide these modes:
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| STBY | The transponder and TCAS are not operating normally. |
| ALT RPTG OFF | Pressure-altitude reporting is disabled, so this is unsuitable for normal TCAS use. |
| XPNDR | The transponder operates, but traffic and resolution advisories are not selected. |
| TA ONLY | Traffic Advisories are available, but TCAS will not issue vertical Resolution Advisories. |
| TA/RA | Full traffic and resolution-advisory operation; this is the normal airborne selection. |
Panel labels and automatic ground logic vary between 737 generations and add-ons. Follow the supplied aircraft checklist if its controller does not use these exact positions.
How do you read TCAS traffic on the 737 display?
TCAS symbols show each target's threat level, relative altitude and vertical trend rather than its exact heading or intended route.
| Typical symbol | Meaning | Pilot response |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow white or cyan diamond | Other traffic that is not an immediate threat | Monitor it |
| Filled white or cyan diamond | Proximate traffic | Increase awareness |
| Amber circle | Traffic Advisory, normally accompanied by a Traffic aural alert | Look for the aircraft and prepare for an RA |
| Red square | Resolution Advisory | Follow the vertical guidance promptly |
A two-digit altitude tag is measured in hundreds of feet relative to your aircraft. For example, +12 means the target is approximately 1,200 feet above, while -05 means 500 feet below. An arrow beside the tag shows that the traffic is climbing or descending. Exact colours and symbol styling can differ in older gauges.
What should I do when TCAS gives a Resolution Advisory?
Follow the vertical guidance on the primary flight display or TCAS-equipped vertical-speed indicator, not the apparent movement of the target on the Navigation Display.
- Distinguish a TA from an RA. A Traffic Advisory calls for awareness and visual acquisition; it does not by itself demand an abrupt manoeuvre.
- Disconnect automation when a manoeuvre is required. In most detailed 737 simulations, disconnect the autopilot and autothrottle, then adjust pitch and thrust smoothly.
- Fly out of the prohibited area. Keep the vertical-speed indication outside the red band and, where modelled, within the green commanded area. A preventive RA may require maintaining the existing vertical speed rather than climbing or descending.
- Obey updated commands. Respond to strengthened or reversed guidance rather than continuing the original manoeuvre. Do not manoeuvre opposite to an RA because of a conflicting simulator ATC instruction.
- Recover after Clear of Conflict. Return to the cleared route or altitude, stabilise the aircraft and then re-engage automation. Our guide to 737 mode-control and autopilot recovery procedures covers the associated controls.
Do not assume the autopilot will fly an RA automatically. Standard 737 simulations usually expect the pilot to respond, and flight-director commands may not represent TCAS guidance.
Why is TCAS on but showing no traffic?
A blank TCAS display usually means the simulator is not supplying eligible airborne targets, rather than a fault with the display itself.
- No traffic source: AI, live and multiplayer traffic may all be disabled.
- Wrong transponder mode: STBY or XPNDR does not provide full TA/RA operation.
- TFC presentation is off: TCAS may be active while routine targets remain hidden from the ND.
- Range or altitude filter: The target may be outside the displayed distance or selected ABOVE, NORMAL or BELOW band.
- Ground inhibition: Realistic implementations suppress certain targets, aural calls and RAs on or close to the ground. Test with airborne traffic rather than parked aircraft.
- Incomplete traffic data: Some multiplayer or injected aircraft lack usable altitude, vertical-speed or transponder information.
- Simplified aircraft systems: Some 737 models provide only visual traffic, only TAs, or no functional TCAS at all.
Does TCAS need live traffic or an internet connection?
TCAS does not require live traffic or internet access; offline AI aircraft are sufficient if the simulator exposes them to the 737's traffic system. It is not an independent radar scan, so no selected traffic source means no targets.
Does TCAS work in every Boeing 737 add-on?
No; TCAS capability depends on the aircraft package, simulator traffic interface and depth of systems modelling.
If realistic advisories matter, check which 737 packages model complete cockpit systems rather than assuming every aircraft with a TFC button includes working TCAS II. Older simulators may use a separate gauge; for example, our downloadable FS2004 TCAS II radar display adds visual and spoken alerts specifically to FS2004. Such legacy gauges should not be installed into MSFS, X-Plane or Prepar3D unless compatibility is explicitly stated.