Definition
Restoration priority (RP) is a code published in NOTAMs that indicates the order in which an out-of-service navigation aid, lighting system, or other facility will be returned to operation following an outage. Higher-priority facilities are scheduled for repair ahead of lower-priority ones based on their importance to the National Airspace System.
Plain English
It is a ranking that tells maintenance crews which broken equipment to fix first when several things are out of service at the same time.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation notices and outage information for airport or air navigation equipment.
Why Pilots Care
Determines how quickly critical navigation and safety systems return to service, directly affecting flight planning and alternate airport choices.
Intuition Check
Do not read “restoration priority” as “this is already restored” or “this will be fixed before you arrive.” It only describes the priority assigned to getting it back in service.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM listed the VOR as out of service with a restoration priority indicating it would be among the first facilities returned to operation.
Example Sentence 2
A NOTAM showed the runway lights at RP 3, meaning they would be fixed after the approach lights.