Image Credit source: AP
In an advanced country like America, a system fault stopped thousands of flights from flying. This system is called Notam. Let’s know how it works…
What is NOTAM?: You went to the airport from home to catch the flight, but after going there you came to know that due to a fault in the system, the flights cannot take off at all. This is like a bank server down. Exactly the same thing happened in America on Wednesday when thousands of flights were left standing due to a fault in the ‘NOTAM system’. Lakhs of people could not reach their destination and the bustling airports came to a standstill. After all, what is this ‘Notam System’?
If you understand in common language, then this problem that occurred on Wednesday can be called a problem in the computer system. About this America’s aviation regulator ‘US Federal Aviation Administration’ (FAA) Told that the reason for the flights to stand at their place was due to a fault in the ‘Notice to Air Mission’ (NOTAM). However, soon this defect was removed, after which the flights could fly smoothly. Now let’s know what it actually is and how it works.
What is NOTAM?
NOTAM is a notice containing important information for the staff involved in the operation of flights. In the early times i.e. around 1947, it was used for water ships. It was then called ‘Notice to Mariners’. It was used to advise the captain of the ship about the difficulties in sailing the ship during high waves.
National Airspace Systems Affecting NOTAM Every User, According to the FAA (NAS) Shows real time status of. It indicates any change in facility, service, procedure or condition related to NAS.
Notam has a special language. This helps in making communication more efficient. It usually informs about changes in the operation of flights or difficulties in flight. It is directly related to the safety of the aircraft.
What happens in NOTAM information?
Many things can be included in the information delivered by NOTAM. Such as temporary restrictions on flights, changes in air traffic control procedures, information about runway closures, or information that may affect flights in a particular area.
When is NOTAM used?
Notam is generally used for short term. It is used by flight pilots, air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals to stay alert about changes in flight operations.
At the same time, airport operators also use this system. Using this, they remain alert about any obstacle or possible loss in the operation of flights and can plan accordingly.
Whenever NOTAM is issued, it is disseminated through multiple mediums. This includes flight planning software, flight information publications and specialized sites providing aviation information.
Pilot has to check NOTAM before take off. So that they know what changes may happen during the flight or what difficulties may arise which may affect their journey.
