Terrain Awareness and Warning System

The Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) is an enhanced ground proximity warning capability being installed in many aircraft. TAWS uses position data from a navigation system, like GPS, and a digital terrain database to display surrounding terrain. TAWS equipment is mandatory for all U.S registered turbine powered airplanes with six or more passenger seats. FAA and NTSB studies have shown that a large majority of CFIT accidents could likely have been avoided had the aircraft been equipped with enhanced ground proximity warning systems.