Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
Company Policy
I was climbing the SID to the assigned altitude of 8000 feet. At about 6500 feet; departure advised us descending traffic would level off at 9000 feet. The First Officer was hand flying. He didn't reduce power to reduce climb rate; so I simultaneously reduced some power and told him to reduce climb rate. While climb rate was reduced at 7000 feet; we were given an RA; which told us to level off. We leveled off at 7300 feet. I advised ATC we were responding to an RA and would be maintaining current altitude until clear of conflict. He said; advise when clear of conflict and climb to 8000 feet when able. The TCAS system quickly advised of the RA. I followed the instructions of the TCAS system.I believe all departures assigned an altitude of 8000 feet and most arrivals having an assigned altitude of 9000 feet are too close in proximity. There are many Traffic Alerts which don't result in RA's due to reducing climb rates. I believe these Traffic Alerts could easily be avoided by adjusting assigned altitudes to 2000 feet versus the current 1000 feet separation currently in use. For example; departures stopping at 7000 feet or stopping arrivals at 10000 feet which ever would be easier for ATC would keep a greater safety margin.
A pilot reported they had to respond to an RA for known traffic that was restricted above their assigned altitude.