Plain English Meaning
A system in the cockpit that watches the ground and obstacles ahead and warns the pilot if the aircraft is getting too close to them.
Full Definition
An onboard avionics system that uses aircraft position, altitude, and a database of terrain and obstacles to alert the pilot when the aircraft is approaching rising ground or an obstacle that could result in a collision. TAWS provides both cautionary and warning alerts, typically through visual displays and aural callouts, allowing the pilot time to take corrective action before terrain becomes a hazard.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft equipment descriptions, cockpit warning discussions, and training scenarios involving terrain, , poor , or -altitude operations.