GEN 3.1: Aeronautical Information Services

1.1 The U.S. Aeronautical Information Services is a part of the Air Traffic Organization of the Federal Aviation Administration.

1.2 The U.S. NOTAM office is located at the following address:

2.1 Aeronautical Information Services is responsible for the collection, validation, and dissemination of aeronautical information for the U.S. and areas under its jurisdiction for air traffic control purposes.

3.1 United States AIP

3.1.1 The AIP, issued in one volume, is the basic aeronautical information document published for international use. It contains information of a lasting character, with interim updates published in various other publications. The AIP is available in English only and is maintained on a current basis by a 6-month amendment service.

3.2 Aeronautical Information Circulars

3.2.1 These circulars, called Advisory Circulars, contain information of general or technical interest relating to administrative or aviation matters which are inappropriate to either the AIP or the NOTAM. Advisory Circulars are available in English only. A checklist of outstanding circulars is issued annually.

3.3 En Route Aeronautical Charts, En Route Supplements, Approach Procedure Charts, Chart Supplements

4.1 This order is available on the FAA's Air Traffic Plans and Publications website at http://faa.gov/air_traffic/publications. All foreign aeronautical authorities are responsible for viewing, downloading, and subscribing to receive electronic mail notifications when changes occur to this publication. Subscriptions to air traffic directives can be made through the Air Traffic Plans and Publications website at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ or directly via the following link: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USAFAA/subscriber/new?topic_id=USAFAA_39. See information in paragraph 1.2 for published NOTAMs.

4.2 Advisory Circulars are available, upon request, from the:

4.3 Public sales of charts and publications are available through FAA approved print providers. A listing of products, dates of latest editions, and print providers is available on the AIS website at: http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav.

4.4 For the latest information regarding publication availability of world-wide products see the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) website: https://www.nga.mil/ProductsServices/Pages/PublicProducts.aspx.

5.1 NOTAM Class I (Telecommunication Distribution)

5.1.1 NOTAM Class I distribution is used mainly for the notification of temporary information of timely significance such as unforeseen changes in services, facilities, airspace utilization, or any other emergency. Distribution is via telecommunications through International NOTAM Office of the Aeronautical Information Services, in accordance with the following classifications:

5.1.1.1 International NOTAM. NOTAM containing full information on all airports, facilities and flight procedures available for use by international civil aviation. NOTAMs are given selected distribution to adjacent or appropriate International NOTAM Offices which require their exchange.

5.1.1.2 International Airspace NOTAM. NOTAM containing short term information pertaining to potentially hazardous international and domestic airspace utilization which is of concern to international flights. NOTAMs are given selected distribution to adjacent or appropriate International NOTAM Offices which require their exchange.

5.1.1.3 International Airspace NOTAM. NOTAM containing permanent changes-en route airway structure/aeronautical service and information of a general nature. NOTAMs are given selected distribution to adjacent or appropriate International NOTAM Offices which require their exchange.

5.1.1.4 Domestic NOTAM. NOTAM containing information of concern to aircraft other than those engaged in international civil aviation. Distribution is to local or national users only. (See ENR 1.10.)

5.1.2 Each NOTAM is assigned a four digit serial number which is followed by the location indicator for which the series is applicable. The serial numbers start with number 0001 at 0000 UTC on 1 July of each year. Each serial number is preceded by a letter:

5.1.2.1 “A” for NOTAM classification “1.”

5.1.2.2 “B” for NOTAM classification “2.” (Airspace): the identifier of the affected air traffic control center/FIR will be used.

5.1.2.3 “C” for NOTAM classification “3” (Permanent Airspace): The KFDC identifier will be used for data of permanent airway/aeronautical services and of a general nature that are transmitted as NOTAMs and are given selected distribution to adjacent or appropriate International NOTAM Offices which require their exchange.

5.1.2.4 “E” for NOTAM classification “5” (domestic): No application (see ENR 1.10.)

5.2 Each NOTAM is provided with an identification letter adjoining the end of the word NOTAM meaning:

5.2.1 NOTAMN: NOTAM containing new information.

5.2.2 NOTAMC: NOTAM cancelling a previous NOTAM indicated.

5.2.3 NOTAMR: NOTAM replacing a previous NOTAM indicated.

5.3 A checklist of NOTAMs currently in force for each international NOTAM classification is issued each month over the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network (AFTN) to each International NOTAM office which exchanges International NOTAMs with the U.S. International NOTAM Office.

5.4 NOTAM Class I information is exchanged between the U.S. International NOTAM Office and the following International NOTAM Offices.

6.1 Pre-Flight Information Units in the U.S. are Flight Service Stations (FSS) operated by either FAA (in Alaska) or by federal contract facilities (elsewhere in the U.S.).

6.2 FSSs are air traffic facilities that provide pilot briefings, flight plan processing, en route flight advisories, search and rescue services, and assistance to lost aircraft and aircraft in emergency situations. FSSs also relay ATC clearances, process Notices to Airmen, and broadcast aviation weather and aeronautical information. In Alaska, designated FSSs also take weather observations, and provide Airport Advisory Services (AAS).

6.3 FSS locations, services, and telephone information are available in the Chart Supplement U.S., Chart Supplement Alaska, and Chart Supplement Pacific.

6.4 Flight Service Stations have telecommunications access to all of the weather and NOTAM information available for a preflight briefing to international locations with which the U.S. International NOTAM office exchanges information.