How It Works: Terrain Awareness and Warning System

Monday, October 17, 2016 at 11:48 PM ET

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TAWS pulls aircraft position, speed and direction data from GPS and, along with the aircraft's altitude and configuration information, compares them to a database of Earth's terrain and manmade obstacles. Illustration by Bryan Christie Design

Key Takeaways:

TAWS (Terrain Awareness and Warning System) has significantly reduced controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents, becoming a vital safety layer for aircraft.
The system functions by comparing aircraft position, speed, direction, altitude, and configuration data with a highly accurate terrain and obstacle database to issue various preventive alerts.
Developed from the original GPWS by Honeywell engineer Don Bateman, TAWS has led to the elimination of CFIT accidents among U.S. airlines since its widespread implementation.

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Accidents attributed to controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) have decreased significantly over the years thanks to the introduction of the terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS). The technology provides life-saving information and serves as a vital layer of protection as aircraft navigate changing terrain in various weather conditions.