NOTAMs

Definitions

NOTAMs (NOtices To AirMen) contain time-critical aeronautical information that is of a temporary nature or not known far enough in advance to permit publication, and could affect a pilot’s decision to make a flight.

Objective(s)

Describe the different types of NOTAMs and what information they contain.

Description

1. D NOTAMs
2. FDC NOTAMs
3. Pointer NOTAMs
4. Military NOTAMs

Instructional aids

From the excellent FAAST course, Know your NOTAMS: NOTAM D Reference Brochure and Decoding the D NOTAM

Content

1. D NOTAMs include all NOTAM information for aerodrome movement areas. These are subdivided into 4 keyword categories:
   1. Airports: Aerodrome (AD); Apron; Ramp; Runway (RWY); Taxiway (TWY)
   2. Services: Communications (COM); NAVAID (NAV); Services (SVC)
   3. Airspace: Airspace; Obstructions
   4. Miscellaneous: Other aeronautical information (O); Unverified movement area (U)
2. FDC NOTAMs include regulatory changes. Examples include amendments to instrument approach procedures or aeronautical charts.
3. Pointer NOTAMs are D NOTAMs that refer to a published NOTAM, and will always contain a keyword.
4. Military NOTAMs pertain to the US Armed Forces.

Real-life advice and experience

None specified

Additional resources

• Highly recommended: FAAST Know your NOTAMs course
• AIM 5-1-3