Terrain Displays for Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems

The paper describes the evolution of a terrain awareness display as a component of an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS). From being an ‘optional extra’, the display has come to be recognized as a key element in the potential for the EGPWS to prevent Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) accidents.

In order to arrive at a production configuration it has been necessary to satisfy the requirements of engineers and line pilots from customer airlines, and engineers and test pilots from airframe manufacturers and from the FAA and the JAA.

Constrained by engineering limitations and economic necessities, the display is inevitably a compromise. However, the present configuration has been widely accepted, and is being installed on a variety of jet transport and business aircraft.