B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 243; Flight Crew Type 14500
Distraction; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Human Factors; Procedure
We were cleared for takeoff; Runway 8. Tower Controller mentioned the presence of a helicopter in vicinity; then started a conversation with the helicopter; describing our aircraft and projected flight path. To the best of my recollection; the helicopter's specific location was not said. Helicopter said he had us in sight (while we were still on the runway); and 'will maneuver north.' Tower responded with; 'OK; miss him.' There was no urgency in any of the transmissions; all very routine. In my mind's eye; I pictured the helicopter as being north of the extended runway centerline by a good margin.With Tower's clearance for takeoff; and the helicopter visual with us; I turned my attention to the takeoff and departure. Shortly after takeoff; at about 1;000 feet MSL; we received a TCAS alert ('Traffic; Traffic'). My TCAS was set at 15 miles; so the amber traffic symbol was very close-in; and at negative 100 feet from our altitude. I quickly raised the HUD and began a visual search. Neither my FO nor I were able to acquire a visual. A recheck of the TCAS display showed a negative 100 foot separation; and then the target disappeared. My FO (PM) commented 'that was close' on Tower frequency. Tower responded with 'yes it was;' or similar.
Pilot reported of being told of an aircraft in close proximity to them before they departed. While becoming airborne they get a TCAS alert showing the aircraft 100 feet below. Copilot remarks; 'that was close.'