NOTAM Decoder: How to Read Notices to Air Missions

NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) alert pilots to hazards, changes, or restrictions along a flight route or at an airport. Understanding how to read them is essential for safe flight planning.

Get active NOTAMs: enter an ICAO code to view current notices for any airport

Example NOTAM

A0123/25 NOTAMN Q) KZNY/QMRLC/IV/NBO/A/000/999/4038N07346W005 A) KJFK B) 2503150800 C) 2503152000 E) RWY 13L/31R CLSD
FieldValueMeaning
IDA0123/25NOTAM series A, number 0123, year 2025
TypeNOTAMNNew NOTAM (N=New, R=Replace, C=Cancel)
Q lineKZNY/QMRLC/...FIR, subject/condition code, scope, limits
A) LocationKJFKAffected airport
B) Start2503150800Effective from: March 15, 2025 at 08:00 UTC
C) End2503152000Effective until: March 15, 2025 at 20:00 UTC
E) TextRWY 13L/31R CLSDRunway 13L/31R is closed

NOTAM Types

Understanding the Q Line

The Q (qualifier) line contains coded information about the NOTAM's scope and subject. The format is:

Q) FIR/Subject-Condition/Traffic/Purpose/Scope/Lower/Upper/Coordinates

Common Q Code Subjects

CodeSubject
QMMovement area (runways, taxiways)
QLLighting
QFFlight information
QRAirspace restrictions
QOObstacles
QNNavigation aids (NAVAIDS)
QAAerodrome

Common Condition Codes

CodeMeaning
LCClosed
LILimited
ACActive
AHChanged
XXSee text

NOTAM Categories by Importance

Important
Always check NOTAMs as part of your pre-flight briefing. Focus on NOTAMs affecting your departure, destination, alternate airports, and route of flight. Pay special attention to Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).

Common NOTAM Abbreviations

AbbreviationFull Meaning
CLSDClosed
U/SUnserviceable
WEFWith effect from
TILUntil
PERMPermanent
APRXApproximately
ABNAerodrome Beacon
APCHApproach
TWYTaxiway
THRThreshold

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