Aviation abbreviation
Ground Proximity Warning System
At a glance
Meaning of Ground Proximity Warning System
A system warning of certain unsafe proximity-to-ground conditions.
More about Ground Proximity Warning System
GPWS uses relevant aircraft parameters to detect defined hazardous situations and alert the crew.
Traditional GPWS and enhanced systems using terrain databases have different capabilities. Warnings are an additional protection and do not replace proper navigation, terrain clearance or the aircraft's prescribed response procedures.