Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 17000
Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
We were climbing out normally from San Diego and shortly after 10;000 feet and before JORRJ intersection we got a 'DESCEND; DESCEND' TCAS RA. There were parachute jump planes in the area. We saw the TCAS returns for the (I believe) two planes. Almost without warning (I don't recall a 'TRAFFIC' alert) we got a 'DESCEND; DESCEND' command; and the PFD directed a steep descent; almost at the bottom of the range. I immediately disconnected the autopilot to comply and started the descent. In the heat of battle I forgot to call for 'FLIGHT DIRECTORS OFF'. Fortunately it wasn't a problem. We descended at least 1;000 feet (maybe 2;000) before we got the 'CLEAR OF CONFLICT' message. The PNF told ATC we were complying with a RA when it happened; and we told them we were resuming the climb after clear of traffic. ATC had no further comment.
A321 Captain reported responding to a RA departing SAN with a parachute jump aircraft.