NOTAM simply explained: She are part of the briefing before every flight for every pilot.
Nevertheless, they are not always immediately understandable for many pilots.
In this article, you will learn step by step what aeronautical messages are, how they are structured and how you can use them directly in the FlightLog app.
What is a NOTAM? Simply explained!
NOTAM stands for Notice to Air Missions.
It used to be called Notice to Airmen, but has been adapted internationally.
A NOTAM is a official aeronautical report. It informs pilots about Temporary changes or risks. This information is often not yet included in aeronautical charts.
In short:
👉 These flight-related notices warn of everything that is currently important and relevant to safety.
Why are they so important for pilots?
Deliver NOTAM Important information for flight preparation.
Without this information, however, relevant risks can easily be overlooked.
For example, these messages provide information about:
- Gesperrte oder eingeschränkte Pisten
- Ausgefallene Navigationshilfen
- Construction sites at aerodromes
- Skydiving areas
- Militärische Übungen
- Neue Hindernisse wie Kräne oder Antennen
- Usw.
Therefore:
A flight without checking these messages is not a complete briefing.
Who creates them?
Aeronautical information is provided by national aviation authorities or Air navigation service providers published.
In Europe, this is done in accordance with the requirements of the EASA. In the USA, this task is the responsibility of the FAA.
The contents are binding and Legally relevant.
Pilots are obliged to know this information before the flight.
What types of NOTAM are there?
There are different types of NOTAM.
Each one fulfils a specific purpose.
1. type N (New)
This message contains new information, that have not yet been published.
2. type R (Replace)
This message replaces an existing NOTAM.
The old content thus loses its validity.
3. type C (Cancel)
This message cancels a NOTAM.
The restriction no longer applies from this point onwards.
How is such a message structured?
This is precisely why it is important that NOTAMs are explained simply and do not just consist of abbreviations.
NOTAM follow a standardised structure.
At first glance, they seem complicated.
With a little practice, however, they are easy to read.
A NOTAM contains, among other things:
- Betroffenen Flugplatz oder Luftraum
- Genaue Beschreibung der Situation
- Validity period (from - to)
- Height or area data
Tip:
👉 Pay attention to the time and place first.
👉 Then read the actual message.
NOTAM simply explained: Digital briefing with the FlightLog app
Modern pilots use them today Digital and contextualised.
This is precisely where the FlightLog App to.
With the FlightLog app you can:
- Call up NOTAM directly for the planned route
- Filter relevant messages automatically
- Show information by airport and time period
This has a major advantage:
👉 You become part of your entire flight workflow and not just a separate mandatory point.
NOTAM and flight logbook - a sensible combination
Particularly practical is the connection of NOTAM and electronic logbook.
In the FlightLog app you can:
- Document NOTAM-relevant events in the flight log
- Record special features such as site closures or restrictions
- Understand and explain flights better later
This creates a Clean, comprehensible documentation, which is also helpful in case of queries.
Typical handling errors
Beginners in particular often make mistakes here.
However, these can be easily avoided.
Typical problems are
- NOTAM only skimmed, not read
- Time validity ignored
- Abbreviations interpreted incorrectly
- Irrelevant messages not filtered out
Digital filters, such as those offered by the FlightLog app, help with this, to keep the focus on the essentials.
Are they compulsory?
Yes.
NOTAM include binding for flight preparation.
In the event of inspections or incidents, it can be checked whether they have been obtained.
A lack of knowledge does not protect against responsibility.
Conclusion: NOTAMs are essential!
NOTAMs are not an annoying addition.
You are a Central component of flight safety.
Those who use them correctly and integrate them digitally:
- Fliegt sicherer
- Vermeidet Überraschungen
- Erfüllt gesetzliche Vorgaben
- Dokumentiert professionell
The combination of NOTAM briefing and FlightLog App ensures that information, planning and documentation interact perfectly.