NOTAMs, or Notices to Airmen, are one of the first things pilots check as part of their pre-flight routine. However, as 2 outback operators explain, NOTAMs don’t always tell the full story – meaning a quick phone call or some extra research can make all the difference.
Understanding NOTAMs
Accessible through NAIPS, NOTAMs are broadly split into 2 main categories – Aerodrome NOTAMs and Flight Information Region (FIR) NOTAMs.
Aerodrome NOTAMs are issued for hazards or changes that directly impact operations at a certified, registered, or military aerodrome – typically within a 5 nm radius. Items commonly found on aerodrome NOTAMs include:
- runway and taxiway serviceability, including closures
- temporary hazards, such as seasonal wildlife activity, or aviation events, such as glider competitions
- Changes to availability of services, such as fuel
- Changes to operating or approach procedures, such as a change in the minima for an instrument approach procedure.
Aerodrome NOTAMs are accessed via a location briefing in NAIPS.
FIR NOTAMs, in contrast, cover hazards or changes affecting broader airspace, including:
- Temporary danger, restricted and military operating areas
- Availability of air traffic or other en-route services
- Aerodrome hazards extending beyond local operations
- Changes to procedures, airways or aeronautical information.
FIR NOTAMs are accessed through area forecasts or through the YMMM or YBBB location briefings.
Head office NOTAMs are also issued for information relevant to all pilots in Australian airspace, such as changes to procedures, rules, or operational updates. Head Office NOTAMs are accessed through NAIPS.
On duty in Meekatharra
Mike Cuthbertson wears many hats in the Western Australian town of Meekatharra. In addition to volunteering as an ambulance officer, he serves as the Aerodrome Reporting Officer (ARO), responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the town’s 2 runways, fuel facility and terminal.
Meekatharra is a certified aerodrome and critical fuel stop for general aviation traffic traversing between Perth, the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
‘Given our remoteness and lack of aviation fuel available at other aerodromes in our region, Meekatharra is a fuel stop for many smaller GA aircraft transiting north/south & east/west across the state,’ Mike says.
As a certified aerodrome, NOTAMs are the primary means Mike uses to communicate with pilots.
‘NOTAMs are essential for a safe operating environment at Meekatharra as we are an uncontrolled aerodrome,’ he explains.
‘NOTAMs published at Meekatharra often relate to inclement weather, which may include the unavailability of our gravel runway due to soft wet conditions, or flooding due to severe thunderstorms, with standing water present on movement areas requiring the closure of the aerodrome.’
Despite having a NOTAM service, Mike always encourages GA pilots to reach out to him before visiting, even though it’s not a requirement to use the aerodrome.
‘I believe pilots, particularly of GA aircraft, can benefit from a call prior to planning their flight or departure, as I can provide local information on Meekatharra – especially if they plan on overnighting in town. I am always happy to take a call.’
Service not available at William Creek
On the western side of Lake Eyre, South Australia, lies a tiny town that has become a favourite for outback aviators. Unelected town mayor and passionate aviator Trevor Wright has spent 32 years developing William Creek and its facilities.
At the heart of the town is the airstrip.
‘Originally, when I first moved out here, it was a dirt airstrip,’ Trevor says. ‘We had issues with the quality of the airstrip when it rained, or we had dust storms.’
‘Twelve years ago, we bituminised the main runway, and we’ve seen a big opening up from a commercial point of view, both with tour operators and with the operation we run.’
William Creek sees more than 2,500 aircraft landings each year, with a mix of private pilots touring outback South Australia and commercial operations. However, as an uncertified aerodrome, it does not have a NOTAM service through NAIPS.
Instead, pilots must refer to the William Creek ERSA entry which carries a grey background and states ‘FULL NOTAM SERVICE NOT AVBL.’ Requesting a location briefing in NAIPS for YWMC will invariably return ‘NO CURRENT NOTAM,’ but this can’t be taken as an indication that pilots can land freely.
The ERSA entry also includes 3 crucial words – ‘prior permission required’.
‘We’ve got an ERSA entry, and it notes that landing permission is required. 90% of pilots adhere to this. It’s about the only thing we can do to make sure that people really understand the specific hazards at our strip,’ explains Trevor.
As an accomplished aviator himself, having operated scenic flights over Lake Eyre for most of his time at William Creek, Trevor emphasises the importance of direct communication.
‘Good airmanship means you pre-plan and call the strip you intend to land at, even if you’ve been there 100 times. You might think the strip is okay, but at uncertified aerodromes, you can never guarantee it.’
‘It would be amazing to see a NOTAM service at strips like ours, but at the moment, that’s not possible’, he says, noting that no uncertified aerodromes are currently able to publish NOTAMs through NAIPS.
The takeaway
While NOTAMs are a vital tool for pilots, they don’t always provide the full picture – especially when operating in remote or uncertified locations. As both Mike and Trevor highlight, picking up the phone or checking additional resources can help pilots make better-informed decisions. Whether it’s confirming fuel availability at Meekatharra or understanding hazards at William Creek, a little extra research can go a long way in ensuring a safe flight.
Resources for GA pilots
Plan Before You Land
https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2023/07/plan-before-you-land/
Advisory Circular 91-02 Guidelines for aeroplanes with MTOW not exceeding 5 700 kg – suitable places to take off and land
https://www.casa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/advisory-circular-91-02-guidelines-for-aeroplanes-with-mtow-not-exceeding-5700-kg-suitable-places-to-take-off-and-land_0.pdf
Out N Back Series 2 – Episode 6: NOTAMs and Military restricted airspace
https://www.casa.gov.au/resources-and-education/education-and-training/out-n-back/episode-6-notams-and-military-restricted-airspace#DoyourhomeworkonNOTAMsandmilitaryrestrictedairspace
Further flight planning resources
Flight planning is one of the focus topics of CASA’s ‘Your safety is in your hands’ campaign. For more insights on thorough flight planning, be sure to visit the pilot safety hub.
