B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Human Factors; Procedure
Due to miscommunication with ATC we were high on approach to the runway. No problem really as weather was at least 3;000 overcast and visibility 10 plus miles. On contact with Tower at three miles out and 1;500 MSL we asked for a 360 degree turn to reacquire the profile. Still not a problem as they approved a right turn. As I was in the turn Tower then commanded a LEFT turn; as I rolled out spotted traffic below at 11 o'clock and low. At that time a TCAS RA commanded a climb as traffic was about 2 miles and 200 FT below us. Responded to RA and initiated a climb. Passed traffic with about 400 FT separation. Reacquired final and landed normally on the runway.
A B737 flight crew; high on the approach to the runway at their destination; requested a 360 degree turn to lose altitude and experienced a TCAS RA with another aircraft while doing so.