A NOTAM is a notice containing information essential to personnel concerned with flight operations but not known far enough in advance to be publicized by other means. It states the abnormal status of a component of the National Airspace System (NAS) – not the normal status.

• NOTAMs indicate the real-time and abnormal status of the NAS impacting every user.
• NOTAMs concern the establishment, condition, or change of any facility, service, procedure or hazard in the NAS.
• NOTAMs have a unique language using special contractions to make communication more efficient.

The FAA updated two new NOTAM primers for airports (PDF) and pilots (PDF) that identify common issues and best practices. For instance, did you know that you should always check 25 nautical miles to either side of your full route of flight to ensure relevant NAVAID NOTAMs are displayed? Review the primers for NOTAM components, common issues, best practices, FAQs and more.

ICAO Compliance

• The FAA is working to make U.S. NOTAMs comply with ICAO standards.
• U.S. NOTAM teams have begun site visits to airline operations centers and meeting with dispatchers to gain insight on NOTAM issues (MS PowerPoint).

Updates

• Changed the acronym NOTAM from Notice to Airmen to the more applicable term Notice to Air Missions, which is inclusive of all aviators and missions.
• Revisions to NOTAM Order 7930.2S includes examples to format for date and time, ICAO contractions and ability to issue seven (7) days prior to an event.
• Part 139 CertAlert on NOTAMs for Airport Operators (PDF)
• Safety Risk Management Document: Dissolving NTAP Part 1 (PDF)