Implement and make operational use of the MSAW ground based safety net.

Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) is intended to warn the air traffic controller (ATCO) about the increased risk of controlled flight into terrain by generating, in a timely manner, an alert of aircraft proximity to terrain or obstacles.

Terrain and traffic characteristics can lead to a significant safety risk that can be mitigated by this tool.

An explanation of the difference between Level 1 and 2 is described below.

Before starting first operations, air traffic controllers must receive training, aimed at creating an appropriate level of trust in the concerned safety net. The time-criticality of alerts and the need for immediate attention or action must be well understood, but also the situations in which safety nets are less effective.

Safety nets performance must be monitored and regularly analysed, not only to improve the safety nets but also to identify other safety improvement opportunities. For example, "hot spots" could be identified and removed by making changes to airspace structure or procedures.

In order to avoid the "Cry Wolf" syndrome, the number of nuisance and false alerts must be reduced to a minimum. Air traffic controllers should be encouraged to report unexpected and unwanted safety nets behaviour and feedback should always be provided.

NOTE FOR MILITARY AUTHORITIES: It is the responsibility of each Military Authority to review this Objective IN ITS ENTIRETY and address each of the SLoAs that the Military Authority considers RELEVANT for itself. This has to be done on top and above of the review of "MIL" SLoAs which identify actions EXCLUSIVE to MIL Authorities.

Military ATC authorities are invited to consider implementation of MSAW level 2 when providing ATS surveillance services to GAT

Existing draft EUROCONTROL Specification for MSAW could be used as guidance material (ref. supporting material of individual SLoAs)

Edition

2022

Stakeholders

Air Navigation Service Provider

Type

SESAR

Scope

ECAC

Status

Removed