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TAWS Requirements

FAR 91.223 — TAWS Requirements

FAR 91.223 requires turbine airplanes with 6+ passenger seats to have an approved TAWS. Learn requirements, AFM procedures, and key exceptions.

In Plain English

FAR 91.223 requires that turbine-powered, U.S.-registered airplanes configured with six or more passenger seats (not counting pilot seats) be equipped with an approved Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) that meets, at minimum, the Class B equipment requirements of TSO-C151.

The regulation also requires that the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) contain procedures for:

  • Proper use of the TAWS, and
  • Correct flight crew response to the system's audio and visual warnings.

Why it matters operationally: Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) has historically been a leading cause of fatal accidents in turbine aircraft. TAWS provides predictive alerts when terrain or obstacles threaten the flight path, giving crews time to react.

The rule does not apply to:

  • Parachuting operations conducted entirely within a 50 NM radius of the departure airport,
  • Firefighting operations, or
  • Aerial application of chemicals or other substances.

If you fly a qualifying turbine airplane, knowing TAWS modes and the AFM-prescribed reactions is essential.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.223
§ 91.223 Terrain awareness and warning system. (a)Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, no person may operate a turbine-powered U.S.-registered airplane configured with six or more passenger seats, excluding any pilot seat, unless that airplane is equipped with an approved terrain awareness and warning system that as a minimum meets the requirements for Class B equipment in Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C151. (b)Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, no person may operate a turbine-powered U.S.-registered airplane configured with six or more passenger seats, excluding any pilot seat, after March 29, 2005, unless that airplane is equipped with an approved terrain awareness and warning system that as a minimum meets the requirements for Class B equipment in Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C151. (c)The Airplane Flight Manual shall contain appropriate procedures for— (1) The use of the terrain awareness and warning system; and (2) Proper flight crew reaction in response to the terrain awareness and warning system audio and visual warnings. (d)Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to— (1) Parachuting operations when conducted entirely within a 50 nautical mile radius of the airport from which such local flight operations began. (2) Firefighting operations. (3) Flight operations when incident to the aerial application of chemicals and other substances. [Docket 29312, 65 FR 16755, Mar. 29, 2000] (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2120-0631)
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Which aircraft are required to be equipped with a Terrain Awareness and Warning System?
Per FAR 91.223, any turbine-powered U.S.-registered airplane configured with six or more passenger seats (excluding pilot seats) must be equipped with an approved TAWS meeting at least Class B requirements of TSO-C151.
Q2What information regarding TAWS must be included in the Airplane Flight Manual?
FAR 91.223(c) requires the AFM to contain procedures for the use of the TAWS and for proper flight crew reaction to the system's audio and visual warnings.
Q3Are there any operations exempt from the TAWS requirement?
Yes. FAR 91.223(d) exempts parachuting operations conducted entirely within a 50 NM radius of the departure airport, firefighting operations, and flights incident to the aerial application of chemicals or other substances.
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Related Sections in Part 91
§ 91.1
Part 91 Applicability
§ 91.1001
Fractional Ownership Applicability
§ 91.1002
Fractional Ownership Compliance
§ 91.1003
Fractional Ownership Contracts
§ 91.1005
Fractional Ownership Limitations
§ 91.1007
Fractional Program Flights
§ 91.1009
Operational Control
§ 91.101
Flight Rules Applicability
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FAR 91.223 — Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS)