Introduction

A NOTAM shall be originated and issued promptly whenever the information to be distributed is of a temporary nature and of short duration or when operationally significant permanent changes or temporary changes of long duration are made at short notice.

Note: Temporary changes of long duration (three months or longer) and Information of short duration which contains extensive text or graphics shall be published as AIP Supplements.

Definition of NOTAM

A NOTAM is a notice distributed by means of telecommunication containing information concerning the establishment, conditions or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations.

NOTAM Distribution

NOTAM shall be distributed, on the basis of request, to organizations subscribing to specific NOTAM Series. Subscription changes shall be coordinated with the NOF Manager through email request (aisnof@airport.lk) or AFTN (VCBIYNYX). NOTAM shall be prepared and disseminated in conformity with the relevant provisions of the ICAO communication procedures. The Aeronautical Fixed Service (AFS) (AFTN) is employed for NOTAM distribution which is linked to Topsky AIM System.

Duration of a NOTAM and Advanced Notification

For long duration temporary changes or for temporary short duration events requiring extensive text and graphics, every effort should be made to notify Sri Lanka Aeronautical Information Management’s Data Collection as early as possible for the issuance of an AIP Supplement. A NOTAM can still be issued in advance of an AIP Amendment or AIP Supplement. However, a NOTAM must not be used to avoid these processes.

A NOTAM should be published with sufficient lead time for the affected parties to take any required action, except in the case of unplanned unserviceability, volcanic activity, and release of radioactive material, toxic chemicals and other events that cannot be foreseen. For routine occurrences, the lead time should not exceed 48 hours to reduce the number of NOTAM that must be reviewed during pre-flight activities. Whenever possible, at least 24 hours’ advance notice is desirable, to permit timely completion of the notification process and to facilitate airspace utilization planning, however:

•   For planned events, outages, activities, not less than 6 hours lead time is provided.
•   At least seven days’ advance notice shall be given of the activation of established danger, restricted or prohibited areas and of activities requiring temporary airspace restrictions other than for emergency operations.
•   All estimated NOTAM should be cancelled or replaced at least 15 minutes before the estimated date and time. Except the checklist. Coordinate Source Data provider in advance to fulfill this requirement before reaching the estimated time.
•   The maximum advance notice by NOTAM is set at 14 days. For more advance notice, the NOF Manager shall be contacted.