NOTAM
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | Notice to Air Missions |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
NOTAM stands for Notice to Air Missions, an aviation abbreviation.
Time-critical notice about a change in the aviation system, such as a closed runway, an inoperative navigation aid, a crane near an approach path or a temporary flight restriction. Pilots must review the NOTAMs relevant to their flight before departure, and airline dispatch systems filter thousands each day.
Example: A NOTAM closed runway 4R for resurfacing from 0400Z to 1000Z, so arrivals were sent to 4L.
Usage notes
Originally expanded as "Notice to Airmen"; the FAA adopted the gender-neutral "Notice to Air Missions" in December 2021. On January 11, 2023, a damaged database file took down the FAA's NOTAM system and prompted the first nationwide ground stop since September 2001. Pronounced "NO-tam." Critics have long complained that important NOTAMs get buried among trivial ones.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- MFD – Multi-function display
- MRO – Maintenance, repair and overhaul
- MSL – Mean sea level
- MTOW – Maximum takeoff weight
- MVFR – Marginal visual flight rules
- NDB – Non-directional beacon
- PAPI – Precision approach path indicator
- PAX – Passengers
- PFD – Primary flight display
- PIC – Pilot in command
- PIREP – Pilot report
- POH – Pilot's operating handbook