Audio Visual Warning System
Audio Visual Warning System is an all-weather, day and night, low-voltage, radar-based obstacle avoidance system that utilizes current obstruction lighting products and does not require additional equipment in an aircraft. AVWS activates obstruction lighting and audio signals to alert pilots of potential collisions with obstacles such as power lines, wind turbines, bridges, and towers. The obstruction lights and audio warnings are inactive when there is no air traffic in the area of the obstruction.
The FAA's Obstruction Evaluation Service (OES) is currently preparing changes to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular (AC) 70/7460-1K, Obstruction Marking and Lighting, to incorporate Audio Visual Warning Systems (AVWS).[1]
The FAA has analyzed and reviewed the Obstacle Collision Avoidance System and has determined that OCAS provides an equivalent level of safety and is a suitable alternative to the marking and lighting requirements of obstacles as recommended in FAA AC 70/7460-1K. OCAS is the first AVWS to be installed, tested, and approved in the National Airspace System (NAS).