A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Total 21000
Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
While being vectored off the PAATS3 RNAV; at 7;000 feet; we were assigned a heading of 120 degrees. TCAS alerted us to another aircraft at our altitude; VERY close to our position. Before TCAS commanded a RA; I immediately turned off the autopilot; and began a steep turn to the left to avoid the traffic. The RA began giving instructions to climb. We complied. Returned to 7;000 feet. Landed PHL. PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO ME THAT DESCRIBES HOW CLOSE WE WERE TO THE OTHER AIRCRAFT.Controller inattention. I spoke to Quality Assurance Supervisor in PHL TRACON. He told me it was being elevated to the highest level in FAA Quality Assurance program. He also stated that he had reviewed the radar recording along with audio ATC transmissions. He stated 'It did not look good'; and he 'could hear the audible change in the pilot monitoring's voice'!
We were vectored off the PATTS3 Arrival level at 7;000 feet. We were on a 120 degree heading. We noticed another aircraft at our altitude on the TCAS. Captain immediately started a left turn; simultaneously we received instructions from Approach for a left turn to 360 degrees and a RA CLIMB. We complied with the RA and the turn then returned to 7;000 continued with approach and landing PHL.
A320 flight crew reported that while on approach; TCAS alerted TA; followed by RA; requiring evasive action.