What does the ground proximity warning system (GPWS) provide to the flight crew?

• A. A landing gear monitoring alert
• B. A terrain proximity warning
• C. A cabin pressurization warning
• D. A stall warning

Answer: (B)

Ground proximity warning system is designed to help pilots avoid collisions with terrain. It monitors the aircraft’s height relative to the ground and the terrain ahead, using data from sensors and a terrain database. When it detects clearance is too low or a rapid descent toward terrain is likely, it issues urgent alerts (audible and visual) to prompt a climb or maneuver, giving the crew time to act. This terrain awareness and warning capability is what the system provides.

Other options describe different systems or warnings: monitoring landing gear status, cabin pressurization warnings, or stall warnings are not functions of GPWS, so they don’t fit the purpose of this system.