Definition
A Security Notice (SECNOT) is a request originated by the Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC) for an aircraft of interest to be located, identified, and monitored within the National Airspace System. A SECNOT includes a description of the aircraft and/or pilot, last known location, route of flight, and reason for the request, and remains in effect until cancelled by the ATSC.
Plain English
A SECNOT is an alert sent out by air traffic security telling controllers to find, identify, and keep track of a specific aircraft that authorities are concerned about. It stays active until security officials call it off.
Context Anchor
You may encounter SECNOT in air traffic control and security-related communications, especially when an aircraft cannot be reached or may pose a security concern.
Derivation
A blend of 'security' and 'notice'—following the same shorthand pattern as NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions). The 'SEC' prefix flags it as security-related rather than operational or navigational.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must be aware of SECNOTs to avoid entering restricted airspace and to remain in compliance with federal security requirements.
Intuition Check
A SECNOT is not a general reminder about airport security. It is an active notice used to help locate, identify, or communicate with an aircraft tied to a possible security issue.
Example Sentence 1
After the aircraft failed to respond to repeated radio calls and deviated from its filed route, the Air Traffic Security Coordinator issued a SECNOT to track it across multiple control sectors.
Example Sentence 2
A new SECNOT was issued when temporary flight restrictions were established over a major event for national security purposes.