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How It Works: Terrain Awareness and Warning System

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
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) has significantly reduced Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents, becoming a vital safety feature for aircraft.
  • TAWS operates by comparing aircraft position, speed, altitude, and configuration data with a comprehensive terrain and obstacle database to provide predictive alerts to pilots.
  • Developed from the original Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), TAWS (including Enhanced GPWS) has led to zero CFIT accidents among U.S. airlines by issuing critical warnings for various hazards.
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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.

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