Narrative:

While climbing to our assigned altitude of FL320 with atl center; we asked if FL340 was available. Atl center then cleared us to FL340. We asked for a deviation south of course around weather and were then switched to mem center. At approximately FL325; we saw a TA at FL330 and queried ATC. At exactly the same time he responded; we received an RA and immediately disconnected the autopilot and smoothly initiated a commanded 2000 FPM descent. Clear of conflict was announced by the TCAS as the aircraft passed overhead. The controller gave us a turn but by then we were already responding and following the guidance of the TCAS system. ATC never issued a traffic advisory to us or the other aircraft. We responded to a TA; queried ATC then responded and reacted to a RA. The atl controller evidently didn't enter our amended clearance altitude in to the ATC computer. When we checked in with mem center; he didn't verify our assigned altitude that we were cleared to maintain.although ours was fully operational; never never never dispatch an aircraft with the TCAS inoperative. Did I say never?? I thought I said never. Yep; I did. The TCAS saved the lives of all of us onboard.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier with ZTL deviating for weather and issued a climb from FL320 to FL340 received TCAS RA.

Narrative: While climbing to our assigned altitude of FL320 with ATL Center; we asked if FL340 was available. ATL Center then cleared us to FL340. We asked for a deviation south of course around weather and were then switched to MEM Center. At approximately FL325; we saw a TA at FL330 and queried ATC. At exactly the same time he responded; we received an RA and immediately disconnected the autopilot and smoothly initiated a commanded 2000 FPM descent. Clear of conflict was announced by the TCAS as the aircraft passed overhead. The controller gave us a turn but by then we were already responding and following the guidance of the TCAS system. ATC never issued a traffic advisory to us or the other aircraft. We responded to a TA; queried ATC then responded and reacted to a RA. The ATL Controller evidently didn't enter our amended clearance altitude in to the ATC computer. When we checked in with MEM Center; he didn't verify our assigned altitude that we were cleared to maintain.Although ours was fully operational; NEVER NEVER NEVER DISPATCH AN AIRCRAFT WITH THE TCAS INOPERATIVE. Did I say NEVER?? I thought I said NEVER. Yep; I did. The TCAS saved the lives of all of us onboard.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.