Story ID: 
Avionics Update: FAA proposes new TAWS class
By: Stephen Pope
Caption: Recognizing that some aircraft operators will want to equip with terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) even though they are not required to do so, t
Word Count: 122
Recognizing that some aircraft operators will want to equip with terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) even though they are not required to do so, the FAA is proposing the addition of a third class for TAWS, possibly to be known as class C. Class-A and -B TAWS are required in turbine aircraft with six or more passenger seats, with the higher-level class-A TAWS intended for larger Part 91 airplanes and commercial aircraft. If adopted, class-C equipment would be intended for voluntary installations on aircraft not covered by the TAWS rule. Makers of TAWS equipment asked the FAA to add the third classification to allow them to market TAWS products that need not meet the minimum requirements for class-A or -B TAWS units.