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.

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