Place a NOTAM in context before translating it
Do not jump directly to field E. First establish whether the message is new, replaces another or cancels one; identify the location; check whether it is active at the planned time; and read schedules and vertical limits.
An automatic route filter can reduce volume, but it does not replace an official pre-flight information bulletin. An unfamiliar abbreviation is a reason to verify the message, not ignore it.
Series, number, year and status
A1234/26 NOTAMN identifies series A, number 1234, year 2026 and a new NOTAM.
NOTAMN: new.NOTAMR: replaces a previous NOTAM.NOTAMC: cancels a previous NOTAM.
Do not keep both a replaced NOTAM and its replacement as simultaneously active.
Fields to read in order
| Field | Content | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Q | FIR, code, traffic, purpose, scope, limits and geographic reference | What is affected and how is it filtered? |
| A | Aerodrome or FIR | Which location? |
| B | Start in UTC | When effective? |
| C | End, sometimes EST or PERM | When does it cease? |
| D | Recurring schedule | During which periods? |
| E | Operational text | What restriction or condition? |
| F/G | Lower and upper limits | Which vertical band? |
The Q line
The Q line contains coded qualifiers, coordinates and radius for distribution and filtering. Compare it with A, E, F and G. Field A identifies a location but not necessarily the exact affected geometry, which may depend on coordinates, radius, polygon or field E.
Times: B, C and D work together
Times are normally UTC. PERM means permanent until incorporated or superseded; EST marks an estimated end that must be monitored. A ten-day B–C period with D saying 0800-1000 is not active all day. Watch intervals crossing midnight.
Turn field E into consequences
- Identify subject: runway, taxiway, navaid, airspace, obstacle, service or procedure.
- Identify condition: closed, unavailable, limited, displaced, activated or modified.
- Extract position, dimensions, times and exceptions.
- Determine effects on route, altitude, runway, performance and alternates.
- Check later replacement or cancellation.
Training example
A1234/26 NOTAMN
A) LIRX
B) 2607270600
C) 2607271000
E) RWY 16/34 CLSDThis fictitious example reports runway 16/34 closed on 27 July 2026 from 06:00 to 10:00 UTC. Verify the complete current NOTAM, schedules, exceptions and related messages.