Airport Managers' Guide To Filing A Notam

Airport managers play a crucial role in ensuring safe flight operations by issuing Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). These notices provide real-time updates to pilots and flight crews about various situations that may impact flight safety, such as weather conditions, infrastructure issues, or ground conditions. Airport managers are responsible for observing and reporting on the condition of aerodrome services, facilities, and movement areas. They must coordinate with air traffic managers to obtain a list of authorized personnel who can issue NOTAMs. While some notices may not directly affect flight operations, such as grass mowing alongside a runway, others are critical, like runway closures due to snow or damage. Managers must also report braking actions on movement areas and ensure that any changes to usable runway lengths are communicated. The NOTAM system is a computer network that allows trained professionals, including airport managers, to enter relevant information for pilots and air traffic controllers to make informed decisions.

Airport managers must be authorised to issue a NOTAM

Airport managers play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient operations at their respective airports. As part of their responsibilities, managers must be authorised to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), a critical tool for communicating vital information to pilots and other aviation stakeholders.

A NOTAM is a formal notice issued to provide timely information about potential hazards or changes in conditions that may impact aircraft operations. These notices cover a wide range of situations, from routine maintenance activities to urgent safety alerts. Airport managers, as the authorities responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an airport, are often the first point of contact when issues arise that could affect flight operations.

The process of issuing a NOTAM typically involves the airport manager coordinating with relevant airport personnel and air traffic control (ATC) facilities. This collaboration ensures that any information disseminated through a NOTAM is accurate and authorised. In some cases, airport managers may also need to communicate with external agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

To be authorised to issue a NOTAM, airport managers must undergo appropriate training and be familiar with the NOTAM system. This computer network, maintained by the FAA, allows authorised users to input data and share critical information with pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals. By providing real-time updates on weather conditions, infrastructure issues, and other pertinent factors, airport managers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of aircraft and passengers.

While the specific procedures for issuing a NOTAM may vary depending on local regulations and airport policies, the fundamental principle remains: airport managers must have the authority and the means to communicate essential information that can impact the safety and efficiency of flight operations. This authorisation empowers them to take swift and decisive action when necessary, ensuring the smooth functioning of their airport and the broader aviation ecosystem.

Managers can be contacted via phone numbers listed in Chart supplements

While most airports include the manager's phone number in the Chart supplements, it is worth noting that some pilots have reported issues with getting in touch with the published contacts. In such cases, it may be appropriate to contact the FAA directly, as they may have better luck reaching the published contacts or providing alternative solutions.

It is important to recognize that only authorized individuals can issue NOTAMs. Therefore, if a pilot or other concerned party identifies a potential issue, they should first contact the airport manager or the appropriate operating authority. This could include the FSS air traffic manager, who will then coordinate with the airport manager or authorized personnel to address the situation.

By following this protocol, pilots, airport staff, and managers can work together to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the airport, addressing any issues that may impact flight operations or the safety of those involved. Effective communication and timely action are key to this process.

Managers must report braking action on movement areas

Airport managers are responsible for observing and reporting the condition of the aerodrome services, facilities, and movement areas. They must report braking action on movement areas as good to medium; medium; medium to poor; poor; or nil. The braking action report is based on information received from airport management.

The worst runway braking action is indicated by contaminant type and RwyCC. A "NIL" braking condition is not allowed to be reported by federally-funded airports or those certified under 14 CFR part 139. These airports must close the affected surface if a "NIL" braking condition is observed. Airports that do not receive federal funding and non-part 139 airports can issue a "NIL" braking action NOTAM, but only for taxiway or apron surfaces. No airport can issue a runway "NIL" braking action report.

Standalone BA NOTAMs are not permitted for paved surfaced runways. Non-paved surfaced runways can have standalone BA, while taxiway and apron areas can have standalone BA or appended to a field condition NOTAM. When a runway condition restricts or precludes the use of any portion of a runway, resulting in a change to declared distances, the following must be included in the NOTAM: published take-off run available (TORA), take-off distance available (TODA), accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA), and landing distance available (LDA).

If airport management cannot be reached, a NOTAM should still be issued to publicize the unsafe condition. The word "UNSAFE" should be included, such as "RWY number UNSAFE." After issuing such a NOTAM, airport management should be informed of the action taken as soon as possible.

Managers must observe and report on aerodrome services, facilities and movement areas

Airport managers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations, and this includes the responsibility to observe and report on aerodrome services, facilities, and movement areas. This is an important task as it helps to identify and address any issues that may impact aircraft operations and the overall safety of the airport environment.

Managers must be vigilant in their inspection and monitoring of the aerodrome services and facilities. This includes the physical infrastructure such as runways, taxiways, ramps, and aprons. They should regularly check the condition of these areas, including the braking action on movement areas, and report any defects or changes that may impact aircraft operations. For instance, a manager may need to report on the weight-bearing capacity of a runway, which can only be changed with the authorization of the Manager, Airports Division. Similarly, if a runway's condition restricts its use or changes the declared distances, the manager must include details such as the take-off run available (TORA), take-off distance available (TODA), accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA), and landing distance available (LDA) in their NOTAM.

In addition to the physical infrastructure, managers must also monitor and report on the operational services and facilities. This includes ensuring that essential services such as airfield lighting and navigation systems are functioning properly. For example, issues like INOP airfield lighting at night or certain types of airport lighting being out of service can pose significant safety risks and must be reported promptly. Managers should also be aware of any ground conditions, such as grass mowing alongside a runway, or external factors like a nearby controlled burn, which may impact aircraft operations and require a NOTAM.

Furthermore, managers should be proactive in their communication with relevant airport personnel and authorities. They should maintain open lines of communication with air traffic controllers, airport operations staff, and other managers to ensure a coordinated response to any issues. It is also important for managers to be aware of the procedures for filing a NOTAM, including any specific abbreviations or acronyms used in the NOTAM system, to ensure that critical information is conveyed accurately and promptly to pilots and other stakeholders.

Managers must coordinate with FSS air traffic managers to obtain a list of employees authorised to originate NOTAMs

Airport management is responsible for observing and reporting the condition of the aerodrome services, facilities, and movement area. This includes reporting on airport activities such as snow removal, vehicles on runways, and other special activities like restricted/warning areas in use, air shows, flight checks, and new procedures. They are also responsible for notifying air carriers when required equipment, such as ARFF equipment, is inoperative or unavailable and no replacement equipment is available.

In the case of FSS air traffic managers, they must coordinate with the appropriate airport managers to obtain a list of airport employees who are authorised to originate NOTAMs. This coordination ensures that only authorised personnel can issue NOTAMs, which is crucial for maintaining accurate and reliable aeronautical information.

At public airports without an airport manager, the FSS air traffic manager takes on a different role. They must coordinate with the appropriate operating authority to obtain a list of persons delegated to provide NOTAM information. This delegation is essential to ensure that, even in the absence of an airport manager, there are individuals responsible for originating NOTAMs and keeping all parties informed.

To further streamline the process, letters of agreement should be executed between airport management and ATC facilities. These agreements outline the procedures to be used for originating NOTAMs, ensuring a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. Additionally, any information received verbally should be recorded accurately, including the name, title, address, and telephone number of the person submitting the information. This helps maintain a proper record of the details, especially when confirmation is required before issuance.

Frequently asked questions