NOTAM simulation is a case-per-case decision taken by divisional ATC Operations department or Division HQ in its lieu. Subject to oversight by HQ ATC operations department.
All ATCO´s shall adhere to the decisions taken by their division regarding each NOTAM.
Until an automatic pre-flight information bulletin system is implemented in our flight-plan website, a vast majority of members will be unaware of NOTAM´s in force, specially true when flying out of their home division. This should be taken into account when choosing the adoption of those NOTAM´s that deeply affect flight operations. Occasions such as events for which special publications and briefings are made constitute a good opportunity to test NOTAM simulation until our infrastructure allows effective NOTAM awareness.
This being said, all members are encouraged to be empathetic with pilots who have difficulties due to NOTAM´s. The purpose of NOTAM simulation is to enhance realism and immersion; in other words: enhance the experience in IVAO. Complying with NOTAM´s is not an objective per se: it is not their purpose to give anyone an unnecessary hard time.
Remember facilitation is one of the key missions of ATS units.
The NOTAM classification listed below is not exhaustive and is expected to grow and evolve with time. NOTAM´s not included here, or not allowed under this document are open for discussion and inclusion.
NOTAM Publication shall follow ICAO or FAA format and be made at least 24 hours before it becomes valid.
NOTAM naming:
Letter A followed by 4 digit NOTAM number. Then a slash followed by 2 last digits of year. E.g.: A0001/23
NOTAM structure:
NOTAM are to be published according to their standard structure: Q) A) B) C) D) E) F) G):
Q) Qualifier line. It includes encoded information about NOTAM content. Q line might be skipped on IVAO.
A) ICAO code of FIR(s) or AD(s) involved.
B) Date + hour when NOTAM becomes effective.
C) Date + hour when NOTAM ceases to be effective. EST = Estimated.
D) Repetition cycle. E.g.: Everyday FM 15 to 19
E) Text of the NOTAM using ICAO abbreviations.
F) Lower vertical limit.
G) Upper vertical limit.
Let´s see some examples:
A0291/23 NOTAMN
Q) MKJK/QPFCA/IV/NBO/A/000/999/1830N07755W005
A) MKJS B) 2309011500 C) 2309222100
D) DAILY 1500 - 2100
E) FLOW CTL PROC ACT. ALL TRAFFIC LDG MKJS THAT FLIGHT PLAN VIA R/UR625 SHALL REROUTE VIA UM221 NIBEO DCT ASAFA OR NIBEO DCT LENAR.
A0279/23 NOTAMN
Q) MKJK/QICCT/I/NBO /A /000/999/1831N07754W
A) MKJS
B) 23/08/23 00:00 C) 23/11/23 23:59
E) ISIA ILS CAT 1 RWY 07 (109.500MHZ) ON TEST, DO NOT USE.
(A1089/23 NOTAMN
Q)FMMM/QWPLW/IV/BO/W/000/130/2103S05513E 003
A)FMMM B)2023-09-09 12:00:00 C)2023-09-09 14:30:00
E)PJE WILL TAKE PLACE IN REUNION ISLAND AT 'PLAGE DES BRISANTS' WI RADIUS 3NM CENTRE 210323S 0551320E - INFO: 'ROLAND GARROS' APP 127.2MHZ AND A/A 123.5MHZ.
F)GND
G)FL130)
More info on NOTAM codes and abbreviations here:
https://www.icao.int/WACAF/Documents/Meetings/2018/AIS%20to%20AIM/Volume%20III%20Appendix%206%202018-02-19.pdf
Published NOTAM must be incorporated into IVAO database. Special areas might be used on Webeye in order to facilitate awareness and visualisation by users.
NOTAM shall be easily available in local language + English to any non-registered user on divisional websites.
Divisional ATC Operations department shall provide additional information to help members work around the repercussions of NOTAM.
NOTAM: Per ICAO definition are notices about information of temporary nature and of short duration or when operationally significant permanent changes, or temporary changes of long duration are made at short notice. If the information contained will last for 3 months or longer, AIP supplements are used.
Therefore, NOTAM shall be limited to three months. Longer periods would ensue an AIP ammendment.
The following NOTAM´s are permitted as long as the described guarantees are provided. Divisions seeking to implement a NOTAM not meeting the requirements below shall get in touch with HQ ATC Operations department for approval.
Partial or full runway closure NOTAM´s might be considered as long as the following conditions are met:
1: Remaining runway/s shall still allow operation of the highest approach category aeroplane regularly seen at the aerodrome.
Divisional ATC Operations department shall provide alternative taxi routes and parking positions (Outside of published stands if required) to ensure operation of the largest aircraft regularly operating in the aerodrome. Ensuring clearance with obstacles and other aircraft.
NOTAM´s regarding unavailability of navaids are allowed. Pilots are still allowed to use the coordinates and name of the navaid as a waypoint unless a 5 letter waypoint has been created in substitution of the navaid.
NOTAM regarding availability of GNSS are not allowed.
NOTAM making airways,routings or VFR corridors unavailable are allowed.
NOTAM´s dealing with navaid unavailability are allowed as long as IAPs based on alternative navaids remain usable at the AD (Not necessarily same runway) according to the following table:
|
IAP Available |
Alternative IAP available |
| ILS CATII / III | ILS CAT I |
| ILS CAT I or GBAS | VOR or GNSS |
| VOR or NDB | GNSS / Radar vectoring |
| NONE (Navaid at AD but no IAP) |
NONE (Surveillance or VDF shall be provided). |
Whenever navaid unavailability affects SID/STAR procedures, ATC Operations department shall provide guidance for ATCOs to provide non-published arrival/departures routes
NOTAM´s regarding lighting system (ALS, runway/taxiway/apron, ABN) are allowed.
NOTAM´s regarding unavailability of GNSS and/or SBAS are not allowed.
NOTAM´s regarding complete loss or degradation of surveillance capabilities within an airspace are allowed. ATC Operations shall provide guidance on the consequences of aid degradation. Specially increased surveillance-based minimum separation or non-surveillance separation procedures to be applied.
- NOTAM´s regarding changes in ATS sectorization and AoRs; airspace classification, delegations and ATS frequencies.
- NOTAM´s activating or deactivating Prohibited, Dangerous, Restricted, Segregated, Special Use, areas.
At TC/TAC/TD/TAD criteria, NOTAMs might be deactivated for exam/training purposes. In that case, NOTAM publication requirements and the 24h rule still apply. Special NOTAM considerations must be part of exam announcement information.
At EC/EAC/ED/EAD criteria, NOTAMs might be deactivated for event purposes. In that case, NOTAM publication requirements and the 24h rule still apply. Special NOTAM considerations must be part of event announcement information. Ivao events planned before a NOTAM came into effect affecting airport/airspace capacity will be given special consideration.
NOTAMs created for the purpose of event publicity are not allowed.
Some events might affects operations of pilots flying in the area who are not aware of the event. NOTAM alerting about operational effects of events are allowed and encouraged. (E.g.: Slot restrictions; glider activity, closed VFR routes…).
IVAO Executive, Operational Services is allowed to publish any NOTAM, to ensure that the IVAO R&R are respected.
6.1.1 NOTAM´s that will completely close an aerodrome/FIR to traffic (Unless it is closing for good, i.e.: decommission. Still remember NOTAM should be < 3 months, then AIP sup/amdt take care). Also NOTAM that affect hours of operation in such a way that IVAO members from a different time zone are prevented from operating.
6.1.2. NOTAM´s regarding changes in customs; fire fighting capability; or resulting in particular types or categories of aircraft or operators not being allowed into an AD/Airspace.
6.1.3. NOTAM´s restricting operations based on security, political or public health restrictions. Except Executive, Operational Services published NOTAM.
6.1.4. NOTAM´s associated with special activities such as: Unmanned aircraft, balloon, paragliding, sailing, parachuting, calibration….. Unless there is an event or member to use them and said activities take place in the network.
6.1.5. NOTAM´s regarding Laser warnings or firework displays.
6.1.6. NOTAM´s due to ground/sea military exercises/firing.
6.1.7. NOTAM´s regarding availability and accuracy of GNSS (Including SBAS, GBAS).
6.1.8. NOTAM´s requiring the inclusion of additional information in Flightplan item 18.
6.1.9 NOTAM´s mandating marshaller guidance unless this will be actively provided by members.
6.1.10 NOTAM´s cannot be used for publicity about events or other activities.
Do not hesitate to contact HQ ATC Operations Department about any concerns.