Large Transport; Low Wing; 3 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 2
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Procedure
[We had a] near Midair near AIRES Intersection. My flight had a near miss with another Airliner; potentially killing over 300 people. I requested from Bogotá Control for Flight Level 370 (FL370). We were at FL350 approaching AIRES Intersection. Bogotá said 'contact Amazonica Control for that request.' I switched to Amazonica Control; made my position report; including a request for FL370. We were cleared to FL370. Pilot not flying set FL370 in the Flight Management Computer (FMC); confirmed by the pilot flying. I selected Flight Level Change; the aircraft began climbing. At about 35;800 FT; we received 'traffic' 'traffic' and simultaneously; Amazonica stated 'maintain FL350.' Visually and TCAS confirmed; the other aircraft pasted off to the left; at the same altitude. My own integrity demands I put the welfare of my crew; my customers; and my Airlines above my own welfare. Therefore; I am disclosing that I routinely offset; my aircraft; one mile to the right when I am south of Kingston Airspace. That offset is why I am here today able to file this report. I am requesting with the strongest possible urgency; an investigation and possibly changes to our Standard Operating Procedures to prevent the next midair in South America. Brazil is not going to correct there problem in the near future. There have been midair collisions in Brazilian airspace under there control. I highly recommend a review of current offset procedures and give Captains more latitude on when and how to offset in radar environments and on published airways. Give Captains latitude to offset anytime when in there opinion it is a safer course of action.
A U.S. Air Carrier pilot flew a one mile offset on South American airways near AIRES Intersection and avoided a midair collision with another air carrier after Amazonica Control cleared his aircraft to climb into the oncoming aircraft's path.