A319
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure
An A319 on a downwind for 27R encountered a VFR aircraft converging towards his plane at a high speed. Traffic was exchanged. The flight crew responded to an RA as traffic was called. The A319 descended as the VFR aircraft flew over him. The A319 was exiting the Class Bravo. If the Class Bravo was extended; this VFR aircraft would have to speak with ATC.
Upon arrival in PHL we were given a clearance to descend to 4;000 FT. At 4;100 FT we received a TA; I noticed the altitude on the TA was at our clearance altitude and what seemed to be five to eight miles. I shifted my attention outside and acquired the traffic. I immediately instructed the co-pilot to descend; which he did; and a moment later we received a RA to descend. The traffic passed overhead at what seemed to be 300 to 400 FT. We were on an extended downwind and had just left the TCA; on a holiday weekend. The traffic was operating VFR; and not in radio contact with Approach Control; and at the wrong altitude for his direction of flight. Expand PHL Class B.
PHL Controller described a TCAS RA event involving an Air Carrier on downwind for Runway 27R and issued VFR traffic; both aircraft outside the Class B; the reporter suggesting expansion of the PHL Class B.