Learjet 60
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 180; Flight Crew Total 8210; Flight Crew Type 2900
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Procedure; Human Factors
We were on a repositioning flight to ZZZ on an IFR flight plan in VFR conditions. Upon being handed off to Approach; ATC instructed us to descend to 2000 feet and fly a westerly heading to join a right downwind for Runway 9 at ZZZ. We reported the airport in sight for the visual. ATC said that we would fly for several more miles to allow for a departure. ATC then instructed us to fly a heading of 360; cleared us for the visual approach; and to contact ZZZ tower. We complied with all instructions. As we turned a 5-mile base to final; we attempted to contact the tower three times as we continued our descent. At 900 feet; the tower finally responded and told us to immediately turn to a heading of 120 and climb and maintain 2;000 feet. As we began the turn and initiated a climb; tower announced several times in the same radio call that we needed to expedite our climb as there was traffic at 1;000 feet at our 12 o'clock; less than a mile. We aggressively climbed from 1;000 feet to 2;000 feet and was instructed to contact Approach for further vectors. ATC vectored us to a 9-mile right base and once again cleared us for the visual approach. We landed without further incident. After clearing the runway and asking ground control for a phone number to speak with the manager. The controller asked if it was about what just happened. We replied yes. She stated that it was Approach that gave the suggested heading of 120 that put us in direct conflict with the GA traffic that was at traffic pattern altitude on the right downwind for Runway 9. She said that it was Approach's fault and offered the TRACON phone number if I wanted it. I declined and informed her that I would file a NASA report and that the midair was entirely too close.
Captain reported taking evasive action and climbing aggressively to avoid a near mid air collision.