NOTAM

Notice to Air Missions

Official FAA notices alerting pilots to potential hazards, closures, or changes along flight routes or at airports.

What is NOTAM?

A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) is a notice filed with aviation authorities to alert pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a specific location. NOTAMs cover temporary conditions like runway closures, navigation aid outages, airspace restrictions, construction, obstacles, and other safety-relevant information. Pilots must review applicable NOTAMs before every flight. NOTAMs were formerly called 'Notices to Airmen' until the terminology was updated in 2021.

Common Causes

Runway or taxiway closures
Navigation aid outages
Temporary obstacles (cranes, etc.)
Airspace restrictions
Airport construction or maintenance

Impact & Duration

Impact Level

Varies - Information only, though referenced conditions may cause delays

Typical Duration

Hours to months depending on the condition

Frequently Asked Questions

Do NOTAMs directly cause delays?

NOTAMs themselves don't cause delays - they inform about conditions that might. A NOTAM about a runway closure would alert pilots to reduced capacity that could cause delays.

Where can passengers see NOTAMs?

While NOTAMs are primarily for pilots, passengers can view them on FAA's NOTAM Search website or aviation apps. However, they're written in technical aviation language.

Why was 'Airmen' changed to 'Air Missions'?

The FAA updated the terminology in 2021 to be more inclusive and accurately reflect that NOTAMs apply to all aviation operations, not just crewed flights.