Refinements making TAWS better suited to helicopter use
The recent increase in fatal helicopter accidents, along with a push by the FAA to standardize the manufacture of helicopter terrain awareness and warning

The recent increase in fatal helicopter accidents, along with a push by the FAA to standardize the manufacture of helicopter terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS), has prompted a number of avionics companies to expand their product offerings and make changes to existing systems.

Between FY2002 and FY2008, helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) and offshore oil rig operators had 33 fatal accidents resulting in 121 deaths; the FAA listed one of the main causes as controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). As a result, the agency issued on December 17 technical standard order (TSO) C-194, which lists the minimum performance standards TAWS must meet for FAA approval. Although the FAA said it “supports the voluntary implementation of TAWS,” it has no immediate plans to mandate its use.

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