Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS)


An on-board, terrain proximity alerting system providing the aircrew "Low Altitude warnings" to allow immediate pilot action. (PCG definition)

A timed-based system that provides information concerning potential hazards with fixed objects by using GPS positioning and a database of terrain and obstructions to provide true predictability of the upcoming terrain and obstacles. (PHAK definition).

Source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary (definition from the 2023 edition; current: Change 1 of 7 August 2025); Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (definition from the FAA-H-8083-25B, 2016; current: FAA-H-8083-25C, 2023, with the October 2025 addendum).

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Glossary last updated 2026-10-28.