What does TCAS stand for?

TCAS stands for Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System. This system is designed to enhance safety in aviation by providing pilots with alerts about the proximity of other aircraft. It utilizes secondary surveillance radar signals to determine the relative altitude and distance of nearby planes, allowing it to issue traffic advisories to the crew in case of potential collision scenarios. When the system detects an imminent conflict, it can issue resolution advisories to instruct pilots on necessary maneuvers to prevent mid-air collisions. This capability makes TCAS a crucial component in modern aviation safety initiatives.

The other choices, while they contain relevant terms, do not accurately reflect the function and terminology associated with the TCAS system. For instance, "Traffic Control and Avoidance System" and "Transponder Control and Alert System" mischaracterize the system's primary purpose and operational basis. "Traffic Coordination and Airspace System" also does not specifically indicate the collision avoidance component that defines TCAS.