The adoption of the ICAO NOTAM format – already used by most countries – eliminates the need for pilots who fly international routes to be familiar with more than one NOTAM format.
New possibilities, new challenges New NOTAM format By Caroline Doucet, manager, standards and procedures, AIM and IFP Design, NAV Canada
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AV Canada has introduced a new way to communicate with pilots about changes to aeronautical services, procedures, and hazards. In October 2019, the air
navigation service provider began providing its notice to airmen – or NOTAM – in the ICAO format, which is widely used internationally. The adoption of the ICAO NOTAM format – already used by most countries – eliminates the need for pilots who fly international routes to be familiar with more than one NOTAM format. While adapting the new format is a significant change, it is also a stepping stone towards new possibilities.
NOTAM are essential in decision making as pilots rely on NOTAM for their safety and that of their passengers. For example, NOTAM help pilots determine how much fuel is needed and whether the status of the destination airport’s runway will afford a safe landing. New challenges: To NOTAM or not to NOTAM? NOTAMs are issued to pilots on short notice to notify them of conditions or changes in the aeronautical facilities, services, procedures, or hazards. They are issued as a safety measure, but too many NOTAM presents a problem. Pilots must sift through many
Under the new ICAO NOTAM format, the notices are now
pages of NOTAM with only a few minutes before a flight.
geographically referenced. This paves the way for more advanced
In deciding to issue a NOTAM or not, airport authorities and other
filtering functionality, reducing NOTAM clutter by helping pilots access just the NOTAM that are pertinent to their flight. “NOTAM are crucial for pilots to ensure safety during their flights. Moving towards an international standard is a necessary step to
originators are presented with two key challenges: • How “short” is “short notice” (what other options are available), and • What is necessary for pilots to know?
ensure that all pilots can access this vital information,” said Jeff
While the new ICAO NOTAM format allows filtering to include only
Dawson, NAV Canada’s director, ATS Standards.
NOTAMs pertinent to a particular flight – a feature that NAV Canada
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Alberta Airports Management Association • 2020
