What is TAWS?

LandMark™ TAWS 8000 from L-3 Communications

Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) are recent technology advances introduced internationally to reduce the risk of aircraft accidents involving controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
TAWS provides advantages over earlier ground proximity warning systems (GPWS) because, unlike GPWS, it has the capability to warn flight crews of terrain hazards ahead of the aircraft, thus giving much earlier aural and visual warning to aid in preventing controlled flight into terrain accidents.

There are two main classes of TAWS: TAWS Class A and TAWS Class B.

TAWS Class A provides all the basic functions of GPWS plus a forward-looking terrain function and a premature descent alert function when an aircraft is approaching an aerodrome. TAWS Class A requires a colour display to show the surrounding terrain and obstacles, and utilises a radio altimeter and air data computer together with a GPS receiver to display the aircraft position on a digitised terrain database. TAWS Class A provides both and aural and visual alert of hazardous terrain conditions.

TAWS Class B provides a forward-looking terrain avoidance alert function and some but not all of the basic GPWS functions. A display is optional, it does not require a radio altimeter or air data computer and relies solely on GPS position information. TAWS Class B provides an aural alert only; however the equipment must be capable of driving a terrain display should a display function be required.

How will TAWS be mandated in New Zealand?

New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules requiring installation of TAWS in aeroplanes operating under Part 121 and Part 125 came into effect in August 2003 and March 2004 respectively. During the consultation on the 2005/2006 Rules Programme the Ministry of Transport indicated that they viewed a rules project to address installation of TAWS in aircraft operating under Part 135 as a priority. The NZCAA issued a notice of proposed ruling (NPRM 07-02) inviting submissions on the proposed mandatory use of TAWS in Part 135 aeroplanes operating under IFR. Submissions closed on 17 November 2006. For more on the NZCAA’s NPRM click here

What is Safe Air’s TAWS Offer?

LandMark TAWS 8100™  from L-3 Communications

Safe Air was recently appointed as the only authorized dealer and installer for the L3 Communications product LandMark™ TAWS 8000 and TAWS 8100 in New Zealand. LandMark™ TAWS is one of the world’s most cost effective TAWS B systems available.These products are only available through authorized dealers only.

LandMark™ TAWS 8000 is designed to meet and exceed TAWS B requirements with both aural and visual warnings. More info on this product is available in the brochure. LandMark™ TAWS 8100 is much the same with addition of WAAS-GPS sensor. This effectively means a simpler installation because it does not need to integrate with other instrumentation.

If you want to know more about the product go to the L-3 Communications Avionic Systems website – click here.

For LandMark™ TAWS sales/installation enquiries In new Zealand.

Contact Craig Tocknell on 03 572 8416 or email [email protected]