A330
Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
Center had directed us to descend to 14;000 feet and we were passing 17;000 feet in IMC conditions. Center called out traffic; a Falcon at 12 o'clock; 5 miles; 1;000 feet above. We acknowledged and said we were searching for it; but were in IMC conditions. The target suddenly appeared on TCAS at 5 miles; opposite direction; rapidly closing; 800 feet above. It appeared to be descending; but it was difficult to determine because the TCAS called out a TA; followed almost immediately by a descending RA as we passed 16;700 feet. I disconnected the autopilot and pitched down. It took 1;300-1;400 FPM to stay out of the red. We notified Center we were responding to a RA. The Falcon also notified Center they were responding to a RA. We safely cleared the conflict. Center directed us to continue descent to 14;000 feet and contact the adjacent Center.Before the handoff; Center told us the next sector had assigned the Falcon the same altitude as us. We declared our intent to file an ASAP. More careful coordination between ATC sectors during handoff; especially at an ARTCC boundary.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
A flight crew reported responding to an RA for an aircraft descending head on to the same altitude they were descending to.