Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure; Procedure; Human Factors
I was the flying pilot in the left seat for our flight to TEB. As we were being vectored into TEB by NYC Approach we were given a descent from 3;000 FT to 2;500 FT and told of traffic at our 12 o'clock; at 2;000 FT and I believe 10 miles. We made the descent and leveled at 2;500 FT and looked for the traffic. He didn't show up on our TCAS right away. He finally showed up on TCAS as we got a 'traffic traffic' call from the TCAS. I spotted him at our 11:30 and moving towards us. I looked back to the TCAS and noticed there was an up arrow on the TCAS and showed us he was now 300 FT below us. When he was just less than a mile he climbed to 200 FT below us and we received RA instructions for a climb. I disconnected the auto pilot and started the climb. Just then ATC told us traffic was off our left and 'wasn't a factor' and for us to descend to 2;000 FT. The FO responded that yes it was a factor and we were doing a RA climb. ATC seemed a little mad and she said after a huff 'well he isn't a factor' and then asked us to let her know when we could descend to 2;000 FT. We followed the RA climb and leveled off about 3;300 FT before starting our descent to 2;000 FT. This isn't the first time I have received an RA in NY Approach airspace and received attitude about following the RA from Approach Control. I know NYC is a congested airspace but ATC needs to be more professional and safety orientated when this happens. ATC should never instruct or imply that a pilot not follow an RA command.
Captain reports a TCAS RA during arrival into TEB which Approach Control believes is not a factor; but the reporter elects to follow the RA.