NOTAM decoding

What is the first section of the NOTAM

The NOTAM Identification Line

• Contains the series letter, four-digit number, year, and type of NOTAM (NEW, REPLACE, or CANCEL).

• Example: A1234/25 NOTAMN

What is the Q) section of NOTAM

Q) Qualifier Line

• Encoded information for automated filtering and retrieval.

• Includes:

  • FIR (Flight Information Region)

  • NOTAM Code (subject and condition, e.g., QMRLC)

  • Traffic (I = IFR, V = VFR, K = Checklist)

  • Purpose (e.g., B = PIB inclusion, O = Operations)

  • Scope (e.g., A = Aerodrome, E = Enroute)

  • Lower and Upper Limits (vertical limits in feet or flight levels)

  • Coordinates/Radius (location and area covered)

What is the A) section of NOTAM

A) Location

• ICAO code of the affected aerodrome or FIR.

What is the B) section of NOTAM

B) Start Date/Time

• When the NOTAM becomes effective (in UTC)

What is the C) section of NOTAM

C) End Date/Time

• When the NOTAM ceases to be effective (in UTC)

What is the D) section of NOTAM

D) Schedule (Optional)

• Specifies active times if not continuous (e.g., daily hours)

What is the E) section of NOTAM

E) Text

• Plain-language description of the NOTAM, using ICAO abbreviations and English

What is the F) section of NOTAM

F) Lower Limit (Optional)

• The lowest altitude affected (used for airspace or navigation warnings)

What is the G) section of NOTAM

G) Upper Limit (Optional)

• The highest altitude affected

What does the EPWW refer to in this Q line of NOTAM?
Q) EPWW/QPICH/I/BO/A/000/999/5209N02058E005

The flight information region this notam is emitted from (here Warsaw FIR)

What does the QPICH refer to in this Q line of NOTAM?
Q) EPWW/QPICH/I/BO/A/000/999/5209N02058E005

The NOTAM code. Used for filtering. Dictionary necessary. Here it means “Procedure change for instrument approaches”

What does the I refer to in this Q line of NOTAM?
Q) EPWW/QPICH/I/BO/A/000/999/5209N02058E005

The type of traffic affected

• I = IFR

• V = VFR

• K = Checklist

What does the BO refer to in this Q line of NOTAM?
Q) EPWW/QPICH/I/BO/A/000/999/5209N02058E005

Refers to the Purpose of the NOTAM:

• N: Intended for aircraft operators (for general information)

• B = The NOTAM is operationally significant and selected for inclusion in the Pre-flight Information Bulletin (PIB).

• O = The NOTAM concerns flight operations.

• M = Miscellaneous

  • The NOTAM is not subject for pre-flight briefing, but it is available for retrieval by those who may need it (for example, airport operators, planners, or others who need detailed operational information but not necessarily pilots in a standard briefing)

What does the A refer to in this Q line of NOTAM?
Q) EPWW/QPICH/I/BO/A/000/999/5209N02058E005

The scope.

Here A = Aerodrome. Other example: E = Enroute

What does the 5209N02058E005 refer to in this Q line of NOTAM?
Q) EPWW/QPICH/I/BO/A/000/999/5209N02058E005

The coordinates of application followed by the radius.
Here centered at 52°09'N, 20°58'E with a 5 NM radius