NOTICES TO AIRMEN (NOTAMs) AND ADVISORY NOTAMs

Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)

NOTAMs are one of the FAA’s methods of distributing information to pilots. When changes occur so rapidly that time does not permit issuance on a chart or in an appropriate publication, they are published as NOTAMs. They may contain information (recent changes or not publicized elsewhere) concerning the establishment, condition of, or change in, any component (facility, service, procedure or hazard) of the National Airspace System. NOTAMs may be regulatory (restrictive) or advisory (informational) in nature. NOTAM information is classified into six categories: NOTAM(D), NOTAM(L), Class II NOTAMs, FDC NOTAMs, Pointer NOTAMs and Military NOTAMs. Many NOTAMs are abbreviated. The NOTAM approved contractions are listed in Appendix 5 of the FAA Order Notices to Airmen 7930.2H located at http://ww2.faa.gov/atpubs.

Advisory NOTAMs

1. NOTAM (D)

NOTAM (D) information is advisory in nature and is not restrictive.
The “D” pertains to the kind of dissemination method used by the FAA; in this case it would be a “wide” dissemination.

A NOTAM (D) advertises changes to the NAS that would clause a pilot to rearrange or reconsider the flight. They pertain to enroute navigation aids, civil public use landing areas listed in the Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) and aeronautical data that are related to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations. They are disseminated to all navigational facilities within the NAS, and all public use airports, seaplane bases and heliports listed in the Airport/Facility Directory.

Example NOTAM(D) Situations:

􀂄- NAVAID outages and restrictions
􀂄- Airport closures and commissioning
􀂄- Runway restrictions
􀂄- Communications
􀂄- Changes in ATC service

2. NOTAM (L)

NOTAM (L) information is advisory in nature and is not restrictive.
The “L” pertains to the kind of dissemination method used by the FAA; in this case it would be “local” dissemination. A NOTAM (L) may include such information as taxiway closures, personnel or equipment near or crossing runways, airport rotating beacon outages and airport lighting aids. NOTAM (L) information is not attached to the hourly weather reports. A separate file of local NOTAMs is maintained at each Flight Service Station (FSS) for facilities in their area. NOTAM (L) information for other FSS areas must be specifically requested directly from the applicable FSS.

Example NOTAM(L) Situations:

􀂄- Conditions affecting taxiways
􀂄- Non-essential lighting
􀂄- Short (usually less than one hour) service outages
􀂄- Deer on the runway

In some cases a NOTAM (L) or NOTAM (D) may be appropriate. Judgment should be used in determining the need. Often a FSS will institute a NOTAM(L) while waiting to receive a TFR from the NFDC.

There are projects or incidents that do not meet TFR criteria, but need FSS assistance in dissemination to non-participating aircraft. For example, there may be no need to close or restrict the involved airspace, but it is prudent to notify general aviation or military aircraft of a potential conflict or traffic. Items that fit this definition may include prescribed burns, blasting, training exercises, resource projects or obstructions.

Ordering Procedures for an Advisory NOTAM (NOTAM (L) or NOTAM (D))

􀂄- The dispatcher or aviation manager should submit the request to the FSS. A TFR Request Form may be used for this purpose, but should be clearly marked NOTAM(L) or Advisory request. Copy to the GACC if appropriate.

- Furnish the information to the FSS and, as appropriate, to the military, via phone. It is also strongly recommended that copies be faxed to offices involved. A hard copy often clarifies any information relayed verbally. If faxed, requests must be followed up by verbal confirmation. 􀂄- The FSS will issue an Advisory NOTAM. When a NOTAM (L) is required, this is usually processed immediately.

􀂄- Modifications and cancellations of an Advisory NOTAMrequire coordination with the affected FSS, GACC, andmilitary units. When changes are approved, FSS will issue a corrected Advisory NOTAM.

􀂄- Cancel the Advisory NOTAM by contacting the FSS. Document and close out agency paperwork as appropriate.

3. Pointer NOTAMs

Issued by a flight service station to highlight or point out another NOTAM; such as FDC NOTAMs. This type of NOTAM will assist users in crossreferencing important information that may not be found under an airport or NAVAID identifier. For example, a Flight Service Station might issue a pointer NOTAM for a TFR in it’s area.

4. Military NOTAMs

NOTAMs pertaining to U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine, and Navy navigational aids/airports that are part of the NAS.

5. Class II (Published) NOTAMs

NOTAMs which are known sufficiently in advance, and are expected to remain in effect for some time, are published every four weeks, which is available through subscription at the Government Printing Office or on the internet at www.faa.gov.

6. FDC NOTAM

FDC NOTAM information is regulatory and is often restrictive. On those occasions when it becomes necessary to disseminate regulatory information, the National Flight Data Center (NFDC) in Washington, D.C. will issue FDC NOTAMs. These are legal regulations, but may also contain information such as amendments to published Instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs) , Sectional Charts and the National Airspace System. The US NOTAM Office transmits them to the appropriate FSS and ARTCCs. Note that the FDC NOTAM may be a TFR or other information such as a laser show location.

Intrusions into a TFR without proper authorization can lead to an enforcement action. Post 9/11 security TFR intrusions can lead to interception, force down or a “shoot down” by military aircraft.