Digital information management is key to meeting NextGen’s safety and efficiency objectives, according to FAA officials, who report the agency is transitioning to digital flight operations information and the modernization of Notices to Airmen.

Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, provide timely information about hazards and changes in aeronautical facilities, services and procedures in paper format. This system involves manual validation and coordination with multiple sources, FAA officials note.

By replacing paper reporting, digital NOTAMs should reduce human error; allow more timely and accurate distribution of information; standardize content, policy and procedures; and balance diverse customer needs, officials said.

The FAA will begin to test digital distribution of NOTAMs to air traffic control facilities in January. The test sites are: Southern California TRACON, Denver Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), Amarillo ATCT, Tallahassee ATCT, Las Vegas ATCT and Boise ATCT.

For more information: FAA.gov