Which of the following is an example of a GPWS soft warning?

• A. Terrain
• B. Whoop whoop, pull up
• C. Sink rate
• D. Bank angle alert

Answer: (A)

GPWS uses two levels of alerts: soft warnings (cautions) and hard warnings (alarms). A soft warning signals a developing hazard and invites the pilot to monitor and adjust rather than take abrupt action. The terrain warning fits this: it tells you that terrain is ahead or near and you should check altitude and maneuver to ensure clearance, but it doesn’t order an immediate pull-up. In contrast, a hard warning like “pull up” demands immediate action, and a bank angle alert isn’t a standard GPWS soft warning. Hence, terrain is the clear example of a GPWS soft warning.