Definition
A NOTAM contraction indicating that personnel and equipment are actively working on or near a runway, taxiway, ramp, or other airport movement area. It alerts pilots that part of the airport surface may be occupied by ground crews, vehicles, or maintenance equipment.
Plain English
It means people and machines are out working on the airport surface, so part of it may not be safe or available to use.
Context Anchor
You will see PAEW in NOTAMs when checking airport conditions before a flight.
Why Pilots Care
Alerts pilots to potential surface hazards so they can adjust taxi, takeoff, or landing plans and maintain separation from people and machinery.
Intuition Check
Do not assume PAEW automatically means the runway or taxiway is closed. It means workers and equipment are present; read the full notice for the exact location, time, and restriction.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM listed PAEW on Taxiway B from 0800 to 1600 local, so we briefed an alternate taxi route before start-up.
Example Sentence 2
After reviewing the PAEW NOTAM, the crew chose an alternate taxi route to stay clear of the work area.