AMSADD Profile Vs EGPWS and GPWS

The graph below depicts the primary difference AMSADD and EGPWS/GPWS or MINSAW. AMSADD is the only system that addresses the concept of minimum safe altitude. The other systems allow the pilot to descend past the minimum safe altitude and give a warning only when the aircraft is in a situation that it may not be able to recover.

AMSADD never allows the pilot to descend below the MSA unless it is safe to do so. There are some air traffic control situations in which the aircraft may be directed to descend below the MSA. In this case, the pilot will be aware that the aircraft is below the standard safety limits, which will encourage an even stronger vigil of the altitude awareness.

Comparison of the AMSADD Terrain Awareness System
vs.
Other Ground Proximity Warning Systems

Comparison Chart	AMSADD	All Others
Clearly indicates actual MSA of aircraft's present position.	yes	no
Clearly indicates approaching higher MSA.	yes	no
Indicates man made structures such as towers, stacks, ect.	yes	no
Constantly shows altitude to descend in case of rapid descent.	yes	no
Requires glass cockpit or map display.	no	yes
Monitors altitude on ILS, VOR, or ADF/GPS approach.	yes	no
Totally independent of other on board systems.	yes	no
Continues to operate with aircraft electrical failure.	yes	no
Cost per aircraft...........................................................	$4000	$120,000