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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, acting as a vital safety layer for aircraft.
  • TAWS functions by comparing real-time aircraft data (position, speed, altitude, configuration) with a highly accurate terrain and obstacle database to issue preventative alerts to pilots.
  • Evolving from the ground proximity warning system created by Don Bateman, TAWS has contributed to the elimination of CFIT as a leading cause of fatal crashes for U.S. airlines.
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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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