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minimum safe altitude warning

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minimum safe altitude warning (MSAW)

A function of the ARTS (automated radar terminal system) III computer that aids the controller by alerting him or her when a tracked mode C-equipped aircraft is below, or is predicted to go below, a predetermined safe altitude. See also automated radar terminal system.
An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
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References in periodicals archive
The asterisk indicates that the Minimum Safe Altitude Warning system is turned off for that aircraft, so he can fly as low as he wants without triggering MSAW altitude alarms.
Pop-up clearances: weather's gone to pot? No IFR flight plan on file? Don't worry. ATC can usually work with you on the fly. But, you must take care of yourself until they can take care of you
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