Date: 201507
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: PIT.TRACON, PA
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Operator: Personal
Operating under: Part 91
Flight plan: VFR
Flight phase: Cruise
Airspace: Class E ZOB
ATC / advisory: TRACON PIT
Second aircraft: Medium Large Transport
Reporter organization: Government
Reporter function: Departure
Reporter qualification: Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human factors: Situational Awareness; Distraction
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying; Captain
Anomaly: Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Automation Aircraft RA; Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Contributing factors: Weather; Procedure; Human Factors
Primary problem: Weather

Narrative: I was working DRS; DR combined.  ARS and FD were also open. FLM/OM/QA/ Training Staff and FBI also in TRACON due to VIP Movement; TFR A/B and C active/hot.  Weather Level 1-4 activity was approx a 10 mi N to S band that stretched from CX to almost Grace (GX) (approx 25 mi).Aircraft X was on a VFR flight plan at 105 and requested to climb to 125 in order to stay VFR.  I approved altitude change and amendment to flight plan was made.  ARS informed ZOB of traffic and CX inbound Aircraft Y was stopped at 130.  Aircraft X was informed that traffic north of him was @ 130 and if unable to maintain VFR maintain altitude of 125 and advise.  Aircraft X acknowledged.  ZOB took handoff and Aircraft X communication was switched to ZOB.  When Aircraft Y was within 5 mi of traffic Aircraft X appeared to climb.  Aircraft Y received an RA and climbed to 140 to avoid aircraft.Complexity was increased due to VIP movement and large number of non-Certified Professional Controller (CPC) personnel in TRACON.  Briefings on VIP movement would have been better if given earlier than 1-2 hours before VIP activity as that leaves very limited time to visualize the workings of TFRs.


Second narrative: We were descending into Pittsburg and had to deviate around a build up while we were in the descent.  Pit approach said to stop our descent at 13;000 feet that there would be VFR traffic at our 12 o'clock at 12;500 feet.  We could not see the traffic as we were just in the tops of the buildup but we could see the traffic on the TCAS.  Initially the traffic was at 500 feet below us but as we got closer I noticed the traffic climbing and we then initially received a 'descend; descend' resolution advisory.  I clicked off the auto pilot and as I started to descend we then got a climb climb now resolution advisory with the VSI at almost 4;300 feet/min. I went to max thrust and as smoothly as possible climbed away from the traffic to meet the requirements of the RA.  I believe I climbed to 14;000 feet before the RA went away and said clear of conflict.  We talked to Air traffic control and told them we received an RA for that traffic and the controller stated that 'they told me they were at 12;500'.  Needless to say the controller did not seem the least bit bothered by it. I'm not sure why that the VFR traffic was flying so close to a build up at that altitude but I know that I never actually saw the traffic because I was in the middle of the escape maneuver when we finally could see below us.  The First Officer said he saw the traffic as we passed by him.  I know we can fly within 500 feet of VFR traffic but it seems that perhaps air traffic control could have done a better job and keeping us separated in that instance especially since she was talking with both aircraft.


Synopsis: A PIT TRACON Controller reports of a VFR aircraft that had to climb to be able to stay VFR. Controller issued new altitude and told aircraft to report if unable to maintain VFR. IFR aircraft in vicinity climbed due to RA with VFR aircraft.