Definition
Time-critical aeronautical information that is either temporary in nature or not known far enough in advance to be published on aeronautical charts or in other operational publications. NOTAMs convey information about the establishment, condition, or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure, or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations.
Plain English
Short official notices that tell pilots about recent or short-term changes affecting flight, such as a closed runway, an out-of-service navigation aid, a temporary flight restriction, or unlit obstacles. They cover things that happen too quickly or last too briefly to make it onto printed charts.
Context Anchor
Pilots check NOTAMs during preflight planning, often as part of a weather and flight briefing before choosing a route or departing.
Derivation
Originally 'Notice to Airmen.' The term was changed to 'Notice to Air Missions' in 2021 to be inclusive of all aviation operators. The acronym NOTAM was retained because it is embedded in international aviation systems.
Why Pilots Care
NOTAMs can reveal runway closures, equipment outages, temporary flight restrictions, and other conditions that directly affect whether a flight can be conducted safely.
Intuition Check
Do not treat NOTAMs as optional airport news. They are official operational notices, and some can directly affect whether a flight can be made safely or legally.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot pulled the NOTAMs for the destination airport and saw that Runway 14 was closed for maintenance until 1800 local.
Example Sentence 2
A new NOTAM warned of parachute jumping activity along the arrival route.