GPWS Modes The EGPWS incorporates the functions of the basic Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).

This includes the following alerting modes:

System Overview The purpose of the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System is to help prevent accidents caused by Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). The system achieves this objective by accepting a variety of aircraft parameters as inputs, applying alerting algorithms, and providing the flight crew with aural alert messages and visual annunciation's and displays in the event that the boundaries of any alerting envelope are exceeded. Figure 1.3-1 provides an overall system block diagram.

FIGURE 1.3-1: Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System

EGPWS Database The EGPWS adds to these 6 basic functions the ability to compare the aircraft position to an internal database and provide additional alerting and display capabilities for enhanced situational awareness and safety (hence the term "Enhanced" GPWS). The EGPWS internal database consists of three subsets: 1. Terrain data of varying degrees of resolution. 2. Cataloged obstacles 100 feet or greater in height located within North America and portions of the Caribbean (expanding as data is obtained). 3. Airport runway data containing information on all runways 2000 feet or longer in length. To see whether an airport is contained in the database, The Mk VI EGPWS provides regional database coverage whereas the Mk VIII EGPWS provides a worldwide database (same as Mk V and Mk VII). For the Mk VI, the worldwide database is divided into three regions referred to as the Americas Region, Atlantic Region, and the Pacific Region. These regions are illustrated below.

There is considerable overlap between the regions, particularly Atlantic to Pacific, but once outside the installed database coverage area all enhanced functions dependent on the database are inoperative. Honeywell is constantly striving to improve the EGPWS database in content, resolution, and accuracy. Notification of a Database update is accomplished by Service Bulletin. Database updates are distributed on PCMCIA data cards and downloaded via an external PCMCIA interface unit called a SmartCable that connects to a test connector on the front panel of each EGPWS Contact Honeywell for additional information. Because the overwhelming majority of "Controlled Flight Into Terrain" (CFIT) accidents occur near an airport, and the fact that aircraft operate in close proximity to terrain near an airport, the terrain database contains higher resolution grids for airport areas. Lower resolution grids are used outside airport areas where aircraft enroute altitude make CFIT accidents less likely and terrain feature detail is less important to the flight crew. With the use of accurate GPS information, the EGPWS is provided present position, altitude, and ground speed. With this information, the EGPWS is able to present a graphical plan view of the aircraft relative to the terrain and advise the flight crew of a potential conflict with the terrain or obstacle. Conflicts are recognised and alerts provided when terrain or an obstacle violates specific computed envelope boundaries in the projected flight path of the aircraft. Caution or warning alerts are provided in the form of visual light annunciation, audio enunciation based on the type of conflict, and color enhanced visual display of the terrain or obstacle relative to the forward look of the aircraft. The terrain display is provided on a Weather Radar Indicator, EFIS display, or a dedicated EGPWS display and may or may not be displayed automatically.

Peaks "Peaks" has all the characteristics of the Non-Peaks TAD but with additional terrain display features for enhanced situational awareness independent of the aircraft altitude. The principle additions are: The digital display of the highest and lowest terrain/obstacle elevations currently displayed, The display of additional solid or lower density colour bands, including the addition of the graphic representation of sea level (0 feet MSL) for compatible displays. With Terrain Display selected on, digital values representing the highest terrain/obstacle elevation and the elevation for the bottom of the lowest colour band are displayed, based on the range selected (terrain in view). The location of the digital values can vary somewhat, as defined for the display used, but for this guide these will be shown in the lower right corner of the display. These elevations are expressed in hundreds of feet above sea level (e.g., 125 is 12,500 feet MSL) with the highest elevation on top and the lowest on the bottom. However, in the event that there is no appreciable difference in the terrain/obstacle elevations (flat terrain), only the highest value is displayed. Additionally, the colour of the elevation value is presented the same as the colour of the terrain display containing that elevation. In other words, if the highest displayed terrain/obstacle is red and the lowest is green, then the top numeric is red and the bottom numeric is green. When the aircraft is 500 feet (250 with gear down) or less above the terrain in view (yellow and/or red is displayed), the Peaks colour scheme is identical to the Non-Peaks display, with the exception of the addition of sea level when supported by the display. Note: some displays do not support cyan (blue) and will not display sea level in this case. The following images illustrate the Peaks display at a low relative altitude.

The following images illustrate the Peaks display at a high relative altitude.

Geometric Altitude Geometric Altitude is a computed aircraft altitude designed to help ensure optimal operation of the EGPWS Terrain Awareness and Display functions through all phases of flight and atmospheric conditions. Geometric Altitude uses an improved pressure altitude calculation, GPS Altitude, Radio Altitude, and Terrain and Runway elevation data to reduce or eliminate errors potentially induced in Corrected Barometric Altitude by temperature extremes, non-standard altitude conditions, and altimeter miss-sets. Geometric Altitude also allows continuous EGPWS operations in QFE environments without custom inputs or special procedures by the flight crew when operating in a QFE environment. Required Inputs for Geometric Altitude The Geometric Altitude computation requires GPS Altitude with Vertical Figure of Merit (VFOM) and RAIM failure indication along with Standard (Uncorrected) Altitude and Radio Altitude. Ground Speed, Roll Angle, and Position (Latitude and Longitude) are used indirectly and are also required. Additionally, Corrected Barometric Altitude, Static Air Temperature (SAT), GPS Operational Mode and the Number of Satellites Tracked are used if available. The required GPS signals can be provided directly from an external ARINC 743 / 743A receiver or from the optional internal EGPWS Xpress GPS Receiver card. Standard Altitude, Corrected Barometric Altitude, and Static Air Temperature (SAT) are provided directly from the ADC. If SAT is not available, geometric altitude is computed using Standard Altitude with a corresponding reduction in accuracy.

Terrain / Runway Clearance Floor Terrain Clearance Floor The Terrain Clearance Floor (TCF) function (enabled with TAD) enhances the basic GPWS Modes by alerting the pilot of descent below a defined "Terrain Clearance Floor" regardless of the aircraft configuration. The TCF alert is a function of the aircraft's Radio Altitude and distance (calculated from latitude/longitude position) relative to the centre of the nearest or destination runway included in the database (all runways greater than 2000 feet in length). The TCF envelope is defined for all runways as illustrated below and extends to infinity, or until it meets the envelope of another runway.

The alert envelope is limited to a minimum of 245 feet AGL adjacent to the runway as illustrated in the following diagrams. The Envelope Bias Factor is reduced (moved closer to the runway) when higher accuracy aircraft and runway position information is available. This is typically 1/3 to 1 NM, varying as a function of position accuracy, providing protection against landing short events.

TCF Envelope Cut-Away View

TCF Envelope Plan View Runway selection logic incorporates comprehensive aircraft position and navigation information to evaluate proximity runways and determine the most likely destination runway for all alerting purposes.

Runway Field Clearance Floor A Runway Field Clearance Floor feature is similar to the TCF feature except that RFCF is based on the current aircraft position and height above the destination runway, using Geometric Altitude (in lieu of Radio Altitude). This provides improved protection at locations where the runway is significantly higher than the surrounding terrain as illustrated below.

RFCF Alert Envelope

TCF and RFCF alerts result in illumination of the EGPWS alert lights and the aural message "TOO LOW TERRAIN". The audio message is provided once when initial envelope penetration occurs and again only for additional 20% decreases in Radio or Geometric Altitude. The EGPWS alert lights remain on until the TCF/RFCF envelope is exited.

Self-Test and BIT

Self-Test The EGPWS provides Self-Test capability on the ground. This provides an indication of the ability of the EGPWS to perform its intended function. The EGPWS Self-Test is initiated by momentarily pressing the cockpit Self-Test button. The Self-Test results are enunciated, at 6db lower than the normal audio level selected for the aircraft, via the same audio system as the EGPWS alerts. The Self-Test has been divided into six different levels to aid in testing and troubleshooting of the EGPWS The Self-Test has six levels which are as follows: Level 1 = Go / No Go Testing- provides an overview of the current operational functions selected and provides an indication of their operational status Level 2 = Current Faults - provides a listing of the internal and external faults currently detected by the EGPWS Level 3 = EGPWS Configuration - indicates the current configuration by listing the current hardware, software, databases and Configuration Module options detected by the EGPWS Level 4 = Fault history - provides a historical record of the faults both internal and external detected by the EGPWS Level 5 = Warning History - provides a historical record of the warnings and cautions given by the EGPWS Level 6 = Discrete Test - provides annunciation of discrete input transitions to be used for maintenance support

To expedite the navigation of Self-Test levels and information two types of cancel sequences are supported. Pressing and holding the cockpit Self-Test button for less than 2 seconds is considered a Short Cancel. Pressing and holding the cockpit Self-Test button for more than 2 seconds is considered a Long Cancel. The result of performing a short or long cancel is defined below for each Self-Test level. Self-Test is inhibited when Steep Approach is active (enabled and selected). Self-Test is exited if "In Air" becomes true. Note: the EGPWS Self-Test is common to the Mk V / VI / VII / VIII EGPWS and the figures are generic to all. Functions not applicable to the Mk VI / VIII EGPWS (eg Windshear) are bypassed in the actual SelfTest operation. BIT Tests There exists within the EGPWS software Built In Test (BIT) capability. Much of this BIT is continuously run, while some tests are run only as the result of certain events (e.g., power up). Failures are indicated via the EGPWS monitor output discrete, the ARINC 429 outputs, and system Self-Test and are saved in the flight history memory. Some BIT failures inhibit alerts. These cases will be apparent via the response to the system Self-Test. For power up and cold start operations all of the possible BIT tests will be run. At a minimum, BIT functionality will test/monitor the following areas/items: CPU: The testing of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) will verify the nonrandom logic, control ROM, onchip cache, and translation look a side buffer (TLB) microprocessor functionality. RAM: The Random Access Memory (RAM) and the RAM portion of the Nonvolatile Memory (NVM) will be tested to verify its addressing and data integrity. Program Memory (ROM): This test performs a 32 bit CRC across the application code memory block and a pass/fail indication is written to the RS232 port. Database Memory: This test performs a checksum of database and compares this value to a stored checksum value that was computed at the time of database release. Non Volatile Memory (NVM): The nonvolatile memory tests verify the read/write integrity of each location of EEPROM. These tests are nondestructive in that the existing data is restored at the end of the test.

NVM RAM Test: The random access memory portion (RAM) of the nonvolatile memory will be tested to verify the read/write integrity of each location. These tests are nondestructive in that the existing data is restored at the end of the test. Watch Dog Timer: The Watch Dog Timer test checks for proper operation of the watch dog timer used for software execution monitoring. Analog to Digital Converter: Only the Analog to Digital or A/D Converter tests are performed for the analog inputs. These tests are performed only on installations where analog inputs are utilized. Voice Generator: Voice Generator tests check the basic voice Digital Signal Processor (DSP) functionality, the ability of the host processor to boot up and communicate with the voice DSP, and the voice database integrity. ARINC 429 Transmitter: These tests consist of verifying that the transmitter is able to empty its data buffer and responds properly to a handshaking flag which is passed between it and the main program software. ARINC 429 Receiver: The ARINC 429 Receiver tests consist of internal parity checks on the 429 input data. Internal parity errors are caused by ARINC 429 receiver faults and I/O addressing or data bus errors. Software Task Monitor: This function monitors the various software tasks for fatal errors and takes the appropriate actions (i.e. shutting down the task) when an error is detected. Input Signal Monitoring: All input signals will be monitored and any failed signals, busses, or LRU's will by identified. Watchdog Monitor: The Watchdog Timer resets the processor when the software fails to complete its execution cycles in the specified amount of time. Aircraft Configuration Database Monitor: The configuration database is monitored for database integrity. Image DSP Tests: The Image DSP tests check the basic image Digital Signal Processor (DSP) functionality, the ability of the host processor to boot up and communicate with the image DSP. Flight History Write Test: The flight history portion of the EGPWS memory will be tested for write integrity.
All information received from the Honeywell Product information website.