Terrain Awareness

Terrain Awareness encompasses the technology, training, and procedures that help flight crews maintain awareness of their proximity to terrain and obstacles, preventing Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) — historically one of the leading causes of fatal aviation accidents.

• EGPWS/TAWS: Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System / Terrain Awareness and Warning System — the primary technological defense
• Terrain database: Digital elevation model stored in the EGPWS, showing terrain on navigation displays
• Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW): ATC radar-based alert when an aircraft descends below safe altitude
• CFIT training: Simulator scenarios teaching recognition and recovery from terrain threats
• SOPs: Mandatory callouts for altitude deviations, stabilized approach criteria, and go-around triggers