17 Terrain Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS)

Question 1

What inputs does the TAWS (GPWS) receive?

Answer 1

• Radio altitude
• Barometric altitude
• Airspeed
• AC configuration
• ILS glide slope deviation

Question 2

Between what heights is the TAWS (GPWS) active?

Answer 2

Between 50ft and 2450ft (Radio Altitude)

Question 3

What are three types of Alerts and/or Warnings that the TAWS (GPWS) can give?

Answer 3

• Genuine
• Nuisance
• False

Question 4

Name the different modes associated with TAWS (GPWS)

Answer 4

• Mode 1: Excessive rate of descent
• Mode 2: Excessive terrain closure
• Mode 3: Height loss after T/O or Go Around
• Mode 4: Unsafe terrain clearance
• Mode 5: Descent below glide slope
• Mode 6: Bank angle warning
• Mode 7: Wind sheer

Question 5

Describe Mode 1 of TAWS (GPWS):

• Name
• Altitude activated
• Verbal warning

Answer 5

• Mode 1: Excessive rate of descent
• Below 2450 ft (Rad Alt)
• “Sink Rate”

Question 6

Describe Mode 2 of TAWS (GPWS):

• Name
• Altitude activated
• Verbal warning
• Difference between 2A and 2B

Answer 6

• Mode 2: Excessive terrain closure
• Alert: <2000ft, Warning: <1500ft
• “Terrain”
• 2A: Flaps not in landing configuration and gear up
• 2B: Flaps in landing configuration and gear up

Question 7

Describe Mode 3 of TAWS (GPWS):

• Name
• Altitude activated
• Verbal warning

Answer 7

• Mode 3: Loss of height after T/O or G/A
• 30ft to 700ft (Rad Alt)
• If height loss becomes greater than 10% of height gained
• “Don’t Sink”

Question 8

Describe Mode 4 of TAWS (GPWS):

• Name
• Altitude activated
• Verbal warning for 4A and 4B
• Difference between 4A and 4B

Answer 8

• Mode 4: Unsafe terrain clearance
• <1000ft
• 4A: “Too Low, Gear”
• 4B: “Too Low, Flap”
• 4A: Gear up
• 4B: Incorrect flap setting

Question 9

Describe Mode 5 of TAWS (GPWS):

• Name
• Altitude activated
• Verbal warning

Answer 9

• Mode 5: Descent below G/S
• <1000ft
• Alert: below glide slope (soft alert)
• Warning: below half deflection (hard alert)
• “Glide Slope”

Question 10

Describe Mode 6 of TAWS (GPWS):

• Name
• Altitude and limit activated
• Verbal warning

Answer 10

• Mode 6: Bank angle warning
• > 150ft: 35 degrees AoB
• <50ft: 10 degrees AoB
• Radio Altitudes
• “Bank Angle”

Question 11

Describe Mode 7 of TAWS (GPWS):

• Name
• Altitude activated
• Verbal warning

Answer 11

• Mode 7: Wind Sheer
• T/O to 1500ft
• “Wind Sheer”

Question 12

What type of AC must have a GPWS installed depending on their age, weight and max no of passengers?

Answer 12

• Turbo Prop

- Jet Engine

Question 13

A TAWS warning must include?

Answer 13

• At least one sound alarm

- To which a visual alarm can be added