Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Other / Unknown
Conflict Airborne Conflict
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure
Today Maintenance wanted to do a re-boot of the ARTS system. A CRJ2 departed MLI for DTW; was climbing out of 5;000 MSL when he was shipped to ZAU; and then maintenance re-booted the ARTS. But before we got the ARTS back; ZAU called to notify us that the CRJ2 had a TCAS RA and had to descend to miss a VFR Cessna squawking 1200 and not talking to anyone. The only reason we know it was a Cessna was because the CRJ2 pilot saw it when he just missed it. We were very lucky again! For years I have been complaining about maintenance taking equipment that we are using for SAFETY; Maintenance will take it out of service for maintenance. When it should be taking out of service at night when the tower is closed. But the Maintenance Manager refuses to have SAFETY as priority #1; instead saving money is his first priority; and saving lives is his last priority. Once again I strongly recommend doing as much maintenance and service as possible on the equipment at night time when the tower is closed; and the equipment is not being used; and safety is not compromised.
MLI Controller voiced concern regarding a recent maintenance re-boot during normal working hours alleging these types of maintenance activities should be performed during Tower closure hours.