B747-400
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Training / Qualification
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
On approach to SVVA we were in contact with El Libertador Approach Control. As I listened to the radio I heard we were cleared for the approach to Runway 10. Upon reaching the VAL VOR we turned left to join the course reversal holding pattern (used for both the ILS and VOR Runway 10) at which time we saw a TA target on the TCAS inside of our holding pattern; on a parallel course to cross our course in the turn and climbing towards our altitude. ATC was speaking to us in heavily accented; halting English and the potentially conflicting traffic in Spanish. ATC called the traffic to us which we'd acquired visually. The traffic appeared to continue on a conflicting course. We descended and turned inside the traffic to avoid; and as such never received a RA. ATC asked us what we were doing and we replied we were in the course reversal turn and maneuvering to avoid VFR traffic. We then returned to the inbound course and climbed back towards 5;100 FT. Upon crossing the VAL VOR we shot the approach to Runway 10; landing without further complications. Pre-brief all crews to expect a VOR approach to Runway 10; complete with course reversal holding pattern as part of the approach. Ask Approach Control well outside of the IAF what approach to expect in anticipation of changes. Configure and slow early to reduce maneuver space requirements. Repeat instructions back very slowly to ATC and ask for clarifications. Announce that you'll be commencing the full approach complete with course reversal holding pattern turn and ask for ATC acknowledgement. Announce when over fixes and what procedure you're performing (e.g.; entering the hold; VOR inbound and radial; descending to a new altitude and turn inbound to intercept final approach course) in order to maintain situational awareness with the cockpit crew and ATC.
[Narrative #2 contained no additional information]
Air carrier First Officer arriving SVVA reports an airborne conflict with departing traffic after being cleared for the ILS approaching the VAL VOR.