B717 (Formerly MD-95)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
When the incident began I heard ATC telling a Cessna Citation to level immediately at FL310. We were in level cruise at FL320 and I had no knowledge of the Cessna Citation's position. Right after I heard this transmission; the TCAS issued a TA and then a climb RA. I immediately used the vertical speed to put the aircraft in a climb. The commanded climb was about 1;500 FPM. I looked out the window and saw a straight wing Cessna Citation in front of us below and slightly to the left. I told the FO to advise ATC that we were in a 'TCAS climb.' He did this. AT FL325 the TCAS changed from a commanded climb to 'Monitor vertical speed' and I reduced the VS to 0. Shortly thereafter the TCAS issued a 'Clear of Conflict' and I used the vertical speed to return to our assigned altitude. We advised ATC that we had returned to our previously assigned altitude of FL320. I saw a minimum vertical separation of -800 feet but the FO stated that he saw -500 feet. I'm guessing that we were about 1/2 mile behind the Citation. ATC stated that the Citation was supposed to level at FL300.  We sent messages to dispatch describing the event.
B717 Captain experiences a TCAS RA at FL320 due to a Citation that did not level off at FL300 as assigned. Autopilot vertical speed is used to comply with the RA.