GM1 ADR.OPS.A.057(b) Origination of NOTAM

NON-ORIGINATION OF NOTAM

Promulgation of information through NOTAM is required under certain circumstances. In such cases, the responsible organisation (e.g. Competent Authority, aerodrome operator, air traffic services provider, etc.) originates a NOTAM, which is finally issued by the AIS provider. ADR.OPS.A.057 defines the responsibilities of the aerodrome operator with respect to the NOTAM origination process, while its point (b) requires the origination of a NOTAM by the aerodrome operator in the cases prescribed in it.

On the other hand, for a variety of reasons (e.g. prevention of information overflow), not all kinds of information are eligible for promulgation through NOTAM. To this end, Regulation (EU) 2017/373, which applies to AIS providers, prescribes in AIS.TR.330 the cases where the AIS provider shall (or shall not) issue a NOTAM.

This means that there are cases in which, even if an aerodrome operator originates a NOTAM to promulgate information, the NOTAM will not be finally issued by the AIS provider if this information is not allowed to be promulgated by NOTAM as per AIS.TR.330. To avoid such situations, the aerodrome operator needs to:

(a) ensure that the relevant aerodrome operator’s personnel are adequately trained in the relevant regulatory framework regarding both the origination and issuance of NOTAM;

(b) develop robust procedures regarding NOTAM origination by its personnel; and

(c) maintain close cooperation with the relevant AIS provider.

The following are example cases where the aerodrome operator will not originate a NOTAM:

(a) routine maintenance work on aprons and taxiways that does not affect the safe movement of aircraft;

(b) temporary obstructions in the vicinity of aerodromes/heliports that do not affect the safe operation of aircraft;

(c) partial failure of aerodrome/heliport lighting facilities where such a failure does not directly affect aircraft operations;

(d) partial temporary failure of air-ground communications when suitable alternative frequencies are available and are operative;

(e) lack of apron marshalling services, road traffic closures, limitations and control;

(f) unserviceability of location, destination or other instruction signs on the aerodrome movement area;

(g) training activities performed by ground units;

(h) unavailability of backup and secondary systems if these systems do not have an operational impact;

(i) limitations to aerodrome facilities or general services with no operational impact;

(j) announcements or warnings about possible/potential limitations with no operational impact;

(k) general reminders on already published information;

(l) availability of equipment for ground units, without information on the operational impact on airspace and facility users;

(m) information about laser emissions with no operational impact and about fireworks below the minimum flying heights;

(n) closure of parts of the movement area in connection with locally coordinated, planned work of duration of less than 1 hour;

(o) closure, changes, unavailability in the operation of aerodrome(s)/heliport(s) other than in the aerodrome(s)/heliport(s) operation hours; and

(p) other non-operational information of a similar temporary nature.

Information which relates to an aerodrome and its vicinity and which does not affect its operational status may be distributed locally during pre-flight or in-flight briefing or other local contact with flight crews. Thus, in case of need, the aerodrome operator may disseminate such type of information through the AIS provider it has arrangements with.