What does the acronym 'TAWS' stand for in aviation safety?

The acronym 'TAWS' stands for Terrain Awareness and Warning System. This system is a crucial component in aviation safety as it helps pilots identify potential flight hazards due to terrain. TAWS provides warnings to pilots about rising terrain or obstacles that may not be visible to the flight crew, especially during low-altitude flight operations.

The implementation of TAWS has significantly enhanced situational awareness and reduced the likelihood of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents, making it instrumental in promoting safety in aviation operations. It assists in planning safe approaches and departures and ensures that pilots are alerted to hazardous terrain in real-time, which is essential for maintaining high safety standards in aviation.