An aircraft equipped with a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) and two radio altimeters experiences a failure of both radio altimeters, with the second failure occurring during flight. What are the implications of this situation?
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A
The aircraft can rely on the barometric altimeter to indicate Decision Altitude (DA) when operating in LVOP (Low Visibility Operations).
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B
GPWS cannot be relied on to maintain clearance with terrain and obstacles.
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C
The aircraft can continue the flight using the remaining GPWS system for terrain avoidance.
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D
The aircraft must immediately divert to the nearest suitable airport due to the loss of GPWS functionality.
Refer to figures.
EASA learning objective 022.12.08.01.06 states: Explain the potential implications of a faulty radio-altimeter and how this in particular may affect the following systems: autothrust (flare/retard); ground-proximity warning systems (GPWSs).
Ground Proximity Warning Systems (GPWS) rely on the input from a radio altimeter to give terrain warnings and altitude callouts so will not give terrain or obstacle warnings if both radio altimeters have failed. Standard operating procedure in this situation is to continue to destination, rather than divert to the nearest airfield, and rectify the faulty systems when on the ground.
Low Visibility Operations (LVOP) are in force when the runway visual range is less than 550 m or with a decision height (DH) of less than 200 ft. This means that conditions require an aircraft to perform a Cat II or III approach where the DH is assesed by reference to a radio altimeter and never a barometric altimeter.
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Austro Control4
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Germany3
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Ireland1
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Italy1
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Romania1
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