What is required to display TCAS on the MFD?

To display Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) information on the Multi-Function Display (MFD), the aircraft must be within a range of 40 miles or less, and TCAS needs to be selected on the Display Control Panel. This condition ensures that the TCAS can provide real-time traffic information for the aircraft's current airspace.

Selecting TCAS activates the system to start monitoring surrounding aircraft, allowing it to analyze potential collision threats and present appropriate visual and auditory alerts to the pilots. The selection process on the Display Control Panel is essential for engaging the TCAS functionality, as it tells the aircraft systems to route the relevant traffic information to the MFD for display.

The requirement for a specific range limits the display of irrelevant data from more distant aircraft, focusing on providing alerts for those that might pose an immediate risk. This operational range is a critical safety feature, ensuring that the pilots can make timely and informed decisions based on the traffic situation surrounding their aircraft.