A320
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240; Flight Crew Total 11400; Flight Crew Type 4500
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure
We were informed that there was a helicopter that had us in sight and was maintaining separation. Shortly there after; I got a TCAS RA to adjust vertical speed at 1;000 FT MSL on approach to [Runway] 22L at EWR in darkness. I saw 200 FT separation on the TCAS altitude. After telling Tower about TCAS Climb; I got 'clear of conflict' and was in a safe position to continue to land. Landing was uneventful.
We NEVER saw the helicopter. VERY unsafe. When we informed Tower of our conflict he was not concerned. After landing Tower had NO comment on the conflict that had transpired. We expressed our concerns over the conflict again with Tower once we were on the ground. Tower had no comment. Very unsafe practice.
A320 flight crew reported a NMAC with a news helicopter on a night visual approach to EWR. Crew mentioned they were unhappy with the Tower's handling of the event.