Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 16700; Flight Crew Type 1500
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
Human Factors; Procedure
Inbound to FXE on the FISEL SEVEN ARRIVAL. We were given a vector off of the arrival track and cleared to 3000 ft. Several miles Northwest of FXE on approximately a left downwind for the approach to Runway 09; as we were approaching level off at 3000 ft. we received a 'Traffic' warning from TCAS. Target was noted on the display at about 10 o'clock less than 1000 ft. below our altitude and well within the 3 mile circle; with a climbing indication (up arrow). As we continued on assigned heading at 3000 ft. the target appeared to be closing on our track and continuing to climb. Shortly after level off the TCAS issued a 'Climb' command. At this point I noted that the target was indicating 300 ft. below our altitude. I initiated the climb and called for the PM (Pilot Monitoring) to advise ATC of TCAS CLIMB. ATC acknowledged by calling out VFR traffic to us and stating that it was 'never above 2000 ft.' I acquired the target visually (low wing piston single) and observed it to be converging with our track from the left and close to our altitude. It is difficult to judge distance in this context; but we routinely pass aircraft that are 1000 ft. above/below our altitude. In my judgement the target in this case was much closer. We reached about 3600 ft. before TCAS went to a neutral vertical speed command; and the target aircraft was still indicating less than 1000 ft. below. By this time target was behind our aircraft and distance was increasing. Shortly after that TCAS issued a 'Clear of Conflict' and we returned to 3000 ft. The rest of the flight was uneventful; except to note that the same controller put us on a vector for the left base and then sent us beyond the final for Runway 09 while dealing with multiple VFR aircraft.
Captain reported responding to RA while on approach.