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.
How It Works: Terrain Awareness and Warning System
Key Takeaways:
- The Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) has drastically reduced controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents, serving as a critical safety layer by providing pilots with crucial warnings.
- TAWS functions by comparing an aircraft's position, speed, direction, and altitude data (from GPS) against a comprehensive database of Earth's terrain and man-made obstacles to issue preventative alerts.
- Developed from the original ground proximity warning system (GPWS), TAWS, including its advanced categories (A, B, and terrain map), has been instrumental in eliminating CFIT as a leading cause of fatal crashes for U.S. airlines.
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