NOTAM Realignment

Updated June 27, 2011

The FAA will be making some changes to the NOTAM system over the next few years with the end goal of modernizing the NOTAM product. This is an overhaul of a product that is of critical use to pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic controllers and will try to balance the diverse needs of the airlines, general aviation, air traffic control, international users, and the military.

The idea, in its most simple form, is to consolidate, streamline and simplify NOTAM entry, quality assurance, and distribution. This is one of the first steps toward the FAA’s NextGen Air Traffic system. Since one of the goals of the new system will be real time aviation system status, modernization of the NOTAM system is a key step.

The first important event in this transition period will occur in January of 2008. At that time, the FAA will align the Distant “D” NOTAM criteria with the ICAO NOTAM criteria. These initial changes will enhance NOTAM interpretation and will provide meaningful information as well as improved reliability and accessibility. There will be 12 specific “keywords” used in NOTAMs. If a keyword is not used, the NOTAM will not be allowed to be published. This will allow customers to design programs that search for specific NOTAMs of particular interest to their operations.

Two changes will be immediate and will impact everyone. First, the FAA is adopting the ICAO definition for aerodrome movement area. This will expand the definition of “D” NOTAMs. Secondly, as a result of the expanded definition of “D” NOTAMS (which will now include taxiways, ramps, aprons and lighting), all current Local “L” NOTAMs (Civil “L” NOTAMs only, not military) will become “D” NOTAMs.

FDC NOTAMs will be unchanged at this time. There will be “pointer” NOTAMs issued that direct people to the location and existence of FDC NOTAMs.

Also, FAA Order 7930.2K (Notices to Airmen), located on the FAA Air Traffic Plans and Publications page, will be re-written by July of 2008.

NBAA will continue to provide additional information and resources as these changes are implemented. News regarding this process can be obtained from the FAA AIM page.

News

NBAA Actively Involved in NOTAM Evolution

Sept. 20, 2013

As part of its ongoing improvement efforts, the FAA will introduce a revised format and contractions in its Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) on Oct. 1. More improvements are on the way, said Bob Lamond, Jr., NBAA’s director of air traffic services and infrastructure who is a member of the RTCA Tactical Operations Committee working group dedicated to evaluating the current system and recommending improvements that efficiently communicate pertinent NOTAM information to pilots. Describing the effort as a “work in progress,” the upcoming changes will harmonize the U.S. system with the International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Read more about the improvements to NOTAMs.

FAA Makes Formatting Changes to NOTAMs

June 27, 2011

Effective June 30, the FAA will make certain formatting changes to Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). New keywords will be used and notices relating to items such as standard instrument departures will be issued under Flight Data Center NOTAMs as opposed to Distant NOTAMs. While these changes are expected to make NOTAMs easier to understand, NBAA recommends that operators review the formatting modifications. Review the Notice (38 KB, PDF).

NOTAM Realignment Proceeds January 28

January 7, 2008

The FAA has signed Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Order 7930.2, enabling the first phase of NOTAM realignment to proceed. This notice goes into effect January 28, at which time civil local NOTAMs will be classified as NOTAM D’s and will be stored, numbered and distributed throughout the United States NOTAM System. These NOTAMs will be input with keywords at the beginning of each to aid in parsing and classifying the data. For more information, including examples of keywords and NOTAMs examples, visit: http://nfdc.faa.gov/aimnews/index.html