A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), also referred to as a Notice to Air Mission according to FAA definitions, is an important notification. It contains vital information about the establishment, condition, or changes in aeronautical facilities, services, procedures, or hazards. This information is essential for those involved in flight operations.
NOTAMs are issued by national authorities for various reasons. These include notifying about hazards like air shows, parachute jumps, and glider activities. They also cover significant flights, such as those involving heads of state, and inform about closed runways or taxiways. Additionally, they address unserviceable radio navigational aids, military exercises that restrict airspace, and issues like non-working lights on tall structures. Temporary obstacles near airfields, like cranes, are also reported.
To ensure clarity and brevity, NOTAMs are encoded. However, the codes are generally straightforward enough for users to identify the related hazards. The issuing agency communicates these notices quickly to all relevant parties who need this information, especially when they have less than seven days’ notice.
Flight crews can access current NOTAMs during their pre-flight planning. This access can be through airport Flight Briefing Facilities available for all aircraft operators or through tailored access systems provided by their companies. These systems give crews access only to the NOTAMs that pertain to their specific flights.
Trigger NOTAMs are designed to alert those maintaining aeronautical databases about upcoming changes. These notices include a brief description, effective date, and reference number for the amendment. Typically, they remain valid for 14 days. Snow conditions are communicated through a special message called SNOWTAM, while volcanic ash is reported using a message known as ASHTAM. For detailed information on NOTAMs, SNOWTAMs, and ASHTAMs, ICAO Annex 15 should be consulted.
The EUROCONTROL Digital NOTAM (xNOTAM) Project, conducted in collaboration with the US FAA, aims to provide NOTAM information in a format suitable for automatic processing. This initiative will help automated systems supporting air traffic control (ATC) and air navigation to maintain a current view of the aeronautical environment, enhancing both safety and efficiency within the air traffic management system.
