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AMSADD Profile Vs EGPWS and GPWS The graph below depicts the primary difference AMSADD and EGPWS/GPWS or MINSAW. AMSADD is the only system that addresses the concept of minimum safe altitude. The other systems allow the pilot to descend past the minimum safe altitude and give a warning only when the aircraft is in a situation that it may not be able to recover.AMSADD never allows the pilot to descend below the MSA unless it is safe to do so. There are some air traffic control situations in which the aircraft may be directed to descend below the MSA. In this case, the pilot will be aware that the aircraft is below the standard safety limits, which will encourage an even stronger vigil of the altitude awareness.
Comparison of the AMSADD
Terrain Awareness System
|
Comparison Chart |
AMSADD | NASA |
All Others |
Clearly indicates actual MSA of aircraft's present position. |
yes |
no |
no |
Clearly indicates approaching higher MSA with a two minute notice. |
yes |
no |
no |
Indicates man made structures such as towers and stacks. |
yes |
no |
no |
Constantly shows altitude to descend in case of rapid descent. |
yes |
no |
no |
Requires glass cockpit or map display. |
no |
no |
yes |
Monitors altitude and track on precision and visual approaches. |
yes |
no |
no |
Totally independent of other on board systems. |
yes |
no
|
no |
Continues to operate with aircraft electrical failure. |
yes |
maybe |
no |
Cost per aircraft........................................................... |
FREE |
Unknown |
$200,000 |
Who really invented GPWS?
