Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure; Environment - Non Weather Related
Inbound to Newark on the FQM3; we were given a heading to the left (around 080) just prior to SWEET. We were at 6;000 MSL and getting numerous civilian traffic alerts for at least 6-7 minutes straight. Our last advisory was an aircraft 1130-1200 approaching 500 FT above us. As the aircraft merged together; we received an RA due to the other aircraft now descending to around 6;000 FT (our current altitude). The First Officer immediately disengaged the autopilot and climbed in accordance with the RA instructions. At the last second; ATC gave an instruction to turn hard right to avoid traffic. We climbed to around 7;000 FT MSL and advised ATC we had received an RA. We were instructed to go back to our heading and altitude when safety permitted.
As we were climbing the Captain said he saw the traffic when we were about 200 FT above it. ATC advised us that the aircraft was told to stay at 6;500 FT (VFR) and they were no longer in contact with the aircraft. The threats came from several GA aircraft that were not in contact with ATC. These aircraft were also not following previously given instructions.
An EMB-145 flight crew experienced an NMAC with a VFR general aviation aircraft while on descent to EWR.