Airspace NOTAMs

The primary source of NOTAM information is the AIS web site (www.ais.org.uk).

Access to the AIS site is available to all pilots, although on-line registration is required before you can use the site.

The AIS site contains many facilities but it is not always clear how best to obtain the information that you require. The BGA have produced a guide (click here to view/download) which describes how the site can best be used to get at the information that we, as glider pilots, require.

A summarised 'crib sheet' suitable for posting on club notice boards is also available. This describes how to get NOTAM information appropriate to the majority of local flights and short tasks from your club (This document is in MSWord format as you will have to customise it to meet your club's needs). Note that the method specified in this document will NOT be suitable for all flights. If in doubt, refer to the more detailed document above. The crib sheet can be downloaded here.

Pre-prepared Preflight Information Bulletins (PIBs) are also available on the NATS web site. These are updated twice daily and valid for both IFR & VFR flights from the period indicated on the bulletin. NATS stress that these should only be used as a back-up measure in case of difficulty in accessing the real time information from the AIS site. These PIBs can be found as follows:

LONDON FIR & AERODROME IFR/VFR BRIEFING
SCOTTISH FIR & AERODROME IFR/VFR BRIEFING
LONDON FIR IFR/VFR BRIEFING
SCOTTISH FIR IFR/VFR BRIEFING

A useful description of NOTAM formats is at www.telecall.uk.com/ais/Notam_Format.htm

Alternatively, you can obtain briefings by fax as follows:

London FIR VFR Area Briefing: 020 8557 0064
Scottish FIR VFR Area Briefing: 020 8557 0065
London FIR Aerodrome Briefing: 020 8557 0051
Scottish FIR Aerodrome Briefing: 020 8557 0052

However, note that these numbers are intended ONLY for those who do not have Internet access. Each number can only handle one call at a time. Internet access is in any case cheaper as it does not involve long distance call charges and it is usually much faster. Use the polling facility on your fax machine or dial on an attached telephone, pressing the Start button once you have been answered.