NOTAM's
NOTAM's (Notifications for Airmen) are something that all pilots should be
aware of. We have the advantage for local flying of being advised by BAE if
there is likely to be something in our local area, however it is the
responsibility of each pilot to ensure that we do not infringe any airspace.
This is important and each pilot must personally satisfy themselves that they
understand and are aware of any NOTAMS that may be experienced on any cross
country flight.
The BGA has a web page dedicated to NOTAM's which
should be used as a primary reference site, the link is
http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/airspace/notams.htm and the primary source
of NOTAM information is the NATS web site at
www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php.html)
The BGA document has a document available
at
http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/airspace/aisnotamtipsv3.pdf that gives
full details on how to download a Pre-Flight Information Bulletin from the AIS/NATS
web site. There is a crib sheet at the bottom of this page that shows you how to
download the raw data.
However there is an easier solution that gives a
mapping display of the data and is so much easier to understand. You should be
aware that the producers of this and similar mapping software always warn you
that the NATS NOTAM data is the bible as per the BGA website.
NOTAM
Map is free NOTAM mapping software. It is
very user friendly once you have had a play with the menus and read
the help section. The key feature is that it avoids a training course on how
to read or remembering how to read NOTAMs. The extraction of relevant
information is easy and is done for
you. Click on the icon
to go to it. To
login and download the NATs data use the username Lakes and password Lakes, both
with a capital L. This software works straight from this website as it
is Java based. If your computer decides you need to, download and install
additional software from their website which can be found at
http://www.notam-map.co.uk/launch.html You may need Java software installing
on your PC/Laptop, again free issue genuine software.
To use NOTAM
Map
-
Click on the
NOTAM
Map (NM) icon
-
Click on File then Properties, set home airfield
Barrow
-
Click on File and Download the NATS information
(username Lakes password Lakes)
-
Go to View and open the map
-
Scroll to the flight path on the map or click
and hold left mouse to drag map
-
As you move the mouse across the map colour
changes occur and the info is on the window bottom
-
Or right click on the information points for the
drop down menu
-
Select Detail to see the relevant simple
explanations
-
The right click feature provides
easy understanding of what may be in your flight path so you use mapping
solutions at
To stick with the formal way of doing it, this crib sheet
from the BGA website will probably suit most of our
needs and make finding information easier.
Go to the login page of the AIS website
http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/fwf-natsuk/public/user/account/login.faces
Log in the same way as above, you are drawing information from
the same site
Login Name
..Lakes
Password
.
Lakes
Select .. POINT BRIEF
This brings up a template
Fill in the boxes as follows:
|
Briefing
id : |
Make up your own reference name/
number or leave the default |
|
SNOWTAM/ ASHTAM/ BIRDTAM :
Uncheck the lot of them if necessary |
|
Origin:
our airfield ICAO code or lat/long coords 54N003W |
|
Radius:
set to
the furthest distance (in nautical miles) that you might fly in any
direction from the airfield, default 25 miles |
|
UTC Validity Period :
Dont change! |
|
Traffic :
VFR |
Tips:
-
Copy the coordinates 54N003W to the box, all else is
fairly logical
-
If you leave the traffic box at the default
IFR/VFR, the brief bulks up with airways stuff. Better to select VFR
-
if you are a 500 km pilot, you can work out
your own area
-
the smaller the area, the less crap
Finally, click SUBMIT, print and bring
a copy to the airfield. Now all you have to do is make sure you understand
what it is saying. If in doubt ask.
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