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PREDICTIVE WIND SHEAR ALERT SYSTEM (PWS)
A self-contained system used on board some aircraft to alert the flight crew to the presence of a potential wind shear. PWS systems typically monitor 3 miles ahead and 25 degrees left and right of the aircraft’s heading at or below 1200 feet AGL. Departing flights may receive a wind shear alert after they start the takeoff roll and may elect to abort the takeoff. Aircraft on approach receiving an alert may elect to go around or perform a wind shear escape maneuver.
Listed in the Pilot/Controller Glossary as a cross-reference to PREDICTIVE WIND SHEAR ALERT SYSTEM (PWS), whose text is shown above.
Source FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary · checked 2026-08-25