THE NOTAM FORMAT (PART I)

1. General

1.1 The qualifier line (Q) and all identifiers (A to G inclusive) each followed by a closing parenthesis, as shown in the format, must be transmitted unless there is no entry to be made against a particular identifier.

1.2 Each NOTAM must deal with only one subject and one condition concerning the subject.

2. NOTAM numbering

Each NOTAM shall be allocated a series identified by a letter and a four-digit number followed by a stroke and a two-digit number for the year (e.g. A0023/03).

3. Qualifiers (Item Q)

This Item is divided in eight fields, each separated by a stroke. If no entry is to be made in a field, it is not necessary to transmit blanks between the strokes. The definition of each field is as follows:

1) FIR

ICAO location indicator, FIR or country indicator plus "XX" if applicable to more than one FIR within a State which will then be listed in Item A).

2) NOTAM CODE

ICAO five-letter code or one of the following combinations as necessary:

a) If the subject of the NOTAM (second and third letters of NOTAM Code) is not in the NOTAM Code list, the following letters should be used in reference to the category:

QAGXX = AGA QRCXX = RAC
QCOXX = COM QXXXX = Other

b) If the conditions of the subject are not in the NOTAM Code list, insert "XX" condition as the fourth and fifth letters.

Example: QFAXX

c) The following fourth and fifth letters of NOTAM Code should be used in NOTAM cancellations:

AK : RESUMED NORMAL OPS
AL : OPERATIVE (OR RE-OPERATIVE) SUBJECT TO PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED LIMITATIONS/CONDITIONS
AO : OPERATIONAL
CC : COMPLETED
XX : PLAIN LANGUAGE.

3) TRAFFIC

I = IFR
V = VFR
IV = IFR/VFR is of interest to both types of flights.
K = NOTAM is a checklist

4) PURPOSE

N = NOTAM selected for the immediate attention of aircraft operators
B = NOTAM selected for PIB entry
O = Operationally significant for IFR flights
M = Miscellaneous NOTAM; not subject for a briefing, but it is available on request.
K = NOTAM is a checklist

5) SCOPE

A = Aerodrome
E = En-route
W = Nav Warning
K = NOTAM is a checklist

Note. Some radio navigation aids will be both "A" and "E" serving a dual purpose as en-route and terminal aids, for example; therefore the NOTAM text will be used to determine if the scope should refer to A, E or AE. If a subject is qualified AE, the aerodrome location indicator must be reported in Item A).

6) and 7) LOWER/UPPER

LOWER and UPPER limits shall always be filled and shall only be expressed in flight levels (FL). In the case of navigation warnings and airspace restrictions, values entered shall be consistent with those provided under Items F) and G).
If the subject does not contain specific height information, insert “000” for LOWER and “999” for UPPER as default values.

8) COORDINATES, RADIUS

The latitude and longitude accurate to one minute, as well as a three-digit distance figure giving the radius of influence in NM (e.g. 4700N01140E043). Coordinates present approximate centre of circle whose radius encompasses the whole area of influence.