Definition
OPR is a NOTAM and aeronautical publication contraction for the verb operate, meaning to run, control, or be in active use. It typically appears in NOTAMs and other shorthand aviation text to indicate that a piece of equipment, facility, service, or aircraft system is functioning or being used.
Plain English
OPR is shorthand for the word operate. It means something is running or in use.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA abbreviation lists and short aviation notices where space is limited, often about airport lights, services, equipment, or procedures.
Derivation
From Latin operari, meaning to work or perform. OPR is simply the shortened written form used to save space in NOTAMs and similar messages.
Why Pilots Care
When reading a NOTAM, recognising OPR lets you quickly tell whether a facility, light, navaid, or service is working or affected, without slowing down to decode the abbreviation.
Intuition Check
Do not read operate as only “fly the airplane.” In this context it can also mean to run or use lights, equipment, services, or other airport items.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM stated that the runway edge lights would OPR on reduced intensity during the maintenance period.
Example Sentence 2
The airport will operate with a displaced threshold until further notice.