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Understanding Ground Proximity Warning System

The Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) is a safety system that alerts pilots to unsafe proximity to the ground to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). It operates by monitoring various flight parameters and provides aural and visual warnings based on detected unsafe conditions. GPWS is mandatory in transport aircraft and requires immediate corrective action to enhance safety during flight.

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6 views2 pages

Understanding Ground Proximity Warning System

The Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) is a safety system that alerts pilots to unsafe proximity to the ground to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). It operates by monitoring various flight parameters and provides aural and visual warnings based on detected unsafe conditions. GPWS is mandatory in transport aircraft and requires immediate corrective action to enhance safety during flight.

Uploaded by

kulde3p Verma
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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GPWS – Ground Proximity Warning System

1. What is GPWS?
Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) is an aircraft safety system designed to warn pilots of
unsafe proximity to the ground, helping to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).

2. Principle of Operation
GPWS works by monitoring inputs such as radio altitude, vertical speed, aircraft configuration, and
glide slope deviation. Based on these parameters, it generates visual and aural warnings when
unsafe flight conditions are detected.

3. Sensors / Inputs Used


• Radio Altimeter
• Barometric Altitude
• Vertical Speed
• Aircraft Configuration (gear, flaps)
• ILS Glide Slope deviation

4. GPWS Warning Modes


• Mode 1 – Excessive descent rate
• Mode 2 – Excessive terrain closure rate
• Mode 3 – Altitude loss after takeoff or go-around
• Mode 4 – Unsafe terrain clearance (gear/flap warning)
• Mode 5 – Excessive deviation below glide slope

5. Alerts and Callouts


GPWS provides aural warnings such as:
• 'SINK RATE'
• 'PULL UP'
• 'TERRAIN'
• 'GLIDE SLOPE'
• Height callouts (e.g., 50, 40, 30, 20, 10)

6. Limitations
• Looks mainly downward; limited predictive capability.
• Cannot account for rising terrain ahead of the aircraft.
• Depends heavily on radio altimeter accuracy.

7. GPWS vs EGPWS
GPWS provides reactive warnings based on current flight parameters, whereas EGPWS
(Enhanced GPWS) uses a terrain database and GPS to provide predictive terrain warnings.

8. Operational / Interview Points


• Mandatory safety system in transport aircraft.
• Immediate corrective action required upon warning.
• 'PULL UP' warning requires maximum climb performance.
• Critical for preventing CFIT accidents.
Prepared for airline technical interview revision (IndiGo standard).

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