Medium Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
On initial climb after takeoff on runway 1L at SFO we had a TCAS RA to 'Monitor Vertical Speed.' There was Aircraft Y that was cleared for takeoff on 1R prior to us however we were ahead of and above the aircraft. As we were climbing through about 200 feet I looked out the right window and saw the other aircraft lower than us and behind us. I would estimate we were at about 500 feet and were flying the SSTIK1 RNAV departure. We had not yet started our turn to toward SSTIK per the procedure which calls for a turn direct to SSTIK at 520 feet. We were climbing at 1500 fpm or more when we received at 'Monitor vertical speed' Resolution Advisory (RA) from the TCAS. I glanced down at the PFD and the top of the red box was far below our current pitch attitude. As I looked at the VSI 'Clear of conflict' was announced by the TCAS and we were then starting our turn to the left. The whole TCAS event was over in less than five seconds. I do not know what SID the other aircraft was flying but from what I can gather the departure procedures at SFO may have been a significant cause of this particular RA. Per the SSTIK1 RNAV departure we were tracking the runway until 520 feet and not turning left as early as we would have been flying the PORTE6 departure. I am guessing that perhaps ATC intended for Aircraft Y to be ahead of us on the takeoff roll since they received their takeoff clearance before us but as it turned out we were the first aircraft off the runway. Maybe as the aircraft was behind and below us they pitched up relatively sharply and that could have been enough to momentarily cause a closure rate sufficient to trigger a TCAS RA. It may be wise to review the design of the SIDs at SFO; especially the newer RNAV SIDs.
Pilot reports of a RA that happened on departure with an aircraft also departing.