Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW)

A function of the ARTS III computer that aids the controller by alerting him/her when a tracked Mode C equipped aircraft is below or is predicted by the computer to go below a predetermined Minimum Safe Altitude.

Source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary (definition from the 2023 edition; current: Change 1 of 7 August 2025).

Reference: AIM.

Related terms

Glossary last updated 2026-10-28.

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