Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
After crossing BASYE at 8;000 ft; as cleared; approximately 10 miles prior to HAARP on the HAARP3 arrival into LGA; we were advised that a small aircraft would be crossing 500 ft below us from our 1 o'clock position. Both the FO and I identified it; first with TCAS; then visually. Shortly thereafter we were given a TCAS TA; followed by an RA about 5-10 seconds later. The RA instructions were to monitor vertical speed. Since we were in level flight and had been for a couple minutes; I elected to leave the autopilot engaged. The crossing traffic showed a slight climb and indicated at one point 400 ft separation. We kept visual contact with the aircraft and the TCAS system gave us a 'clear of conflict' aural after passing us. No further issues.
Leveled off at 8;000 on descent after passing BASYE into LGA. Approach advised us of VFR traffic 500 ft below our altitude crossing under our flight path. We spotted traffic about 10 miles out to our 1 o'clock position. TCAS RA announced to monitored vertical speed and showed not to descend on the VSI. Traffic did climb about 100 ft to leave about 400 ft of separation. 5-10 seconds later TCAS announced 'clear of conflict'.
CRJ-200 flight crew reported a TCAS RA at 8;000 feet with an opposite direction small aircraft at 7;500 feet during approach to LGA airport. The RA instruction was to monitor vertical speed and since the aircraft was in level flight no action was taken.