What is NOTAM, the FAA system causing nationwide flight delays?

A glitch in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Notice to Air Missions System (NOTAM) today has led to all flights across the US being grounded until at least 9 a.m. EST. But that’s just one part of the picture. NOTAMs affect every user of the national airspace. And this includes drone pilots.

What is NOTAM?

A NOTAM is the primary means to communicate time-sensitive information about the abnormal status of some element in the National Airspace System (NAS). NOTAMs address potential flight hazards such as drone operations, air shows, temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), and information not yet published on aeronautical charts, construction activity, and runway or airport closures. These are critical details for flight planning.

The FAA NOTAM generates around 1.3 million notices each year. This information is targeted to everyone, not individual pilots and their specific flight plans.

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, drone pilots are…