Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)

Private Pilot License (PPL) Notes

NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) are critical pieces of information that every pilot must review before a flight. They provide real-time updates on conditions and restrictions that could affect your flight. This guide covers the types of NOTAMs and offers resources to ensure you're always up to date.

🛬 Key NOTAM Concepts for Pilots:

Types of NOTAMs

• D (Distance) NOTAMs

  • Contain information about airports, navigation aids, services, and facilities.
  • Example: Runway closures or unserviceable taxiways.

• FDC (Flight Data Center) NOTAMs

  • Regulatory notices such as airspace restrictions or amendments to instrument approach procedures.
  • Example: Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).

• Military NOTAMs

  • Information specific to military operations and facilities.

• International NOTAMs

  • Pertinent to flights outside the United States, detailing airspace restrictions, weather-related issues, or other international concerns.

Common NOTAM Subjects

• Runway and taxiway closures.
• Changes in lighting systems (e.g., beacon or PAPI outages).
• Temporary obstacles like cranes near airports.
• Airspace restrictions, including TFRs for VIP movements or special events.
• NAVAID outages or irregularities.
• GPS testing or outages affecting navigation.

How to Read NOTAMs

• Example NOTAM:
  !JFK 12/045 JFK RWY 4L/22R CLSD 1901121200-1901121800
  • !JFK: The affected location.
  • 12/045: The NOTAM number.
  • JFK RWY 4L/22R: The runway in question.
  • CLSD: The closure status.
  • 1901121200-1901121800: The effective date and time (Zulu).

Accessing NOTAMs

• Always review NOTAMs during preflight planning.
• Use online tools, aviation apps, or consult ATC for the latest information.