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OCR for page 31
Airport Operations 31
Because local fire codes may vary, fire safety training and inspections should involve the local fire
jurisdiction's personnel.
Notice to Airmen
The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system was established to provide timely information to air-
craft operators to describe conditions on or around the airport that may affect aircraft operations.
Typically, a NOTAM is issued and canceled by the airport owner or operator. (The FAA may also
issue and cancel NOTAMs regarding certain circumstances, such as FAA-owned navigation aids
and temporary flight restrictions.) The NOTAM is issued by calling the local flight service station
(FSS) and identifying the airport affected, person issuing the NOTAM, and information establish-
ing the NOTAM. The NOTAM is then disseminated by the FSS until canceled by the person or
agency originating the NOTAM. Because the intent is to disseminate critical information, proce-
dures must be in place to notify local tenants and coordinate any updates as conditions change.
The NOTAM issuance procedure has been enhanced recently in many states because of a newer
program supported by Lockheed Martin. The airport manager should contact state aeronautics
offices or local FSS offices to verify the procedures for issuing a NOTAM.
A NOTAM log should be used to record the issuing date and time, NOTAM information, ini-
tials of the person issuing the NOTAM, and initials of the FSS individual receiving the informa-
tion. The log should also include the cancellation date and time and initials of the individual
canceling the NOTAM. The NOTAM log should be retained for event documentation and liabil-
ity purposes. Further guidance on using the NOTAM system may be obtained from FAA AC
150/5200-28 (www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/resources/advisory_circulars).
Airfield Data and Communications
Most small airports do not have an air traffic control tower and are therefore considered uncon-
trolled airports. Aircraft communications and airfield advisories are generated through a common
traffic advisory frequency or UNICOM frequency by a local radio operator at the airport. Weather
information is typically provided though an automated system on the airfield, such as an auto-
mated weather observation system or automated surface observation system. Such systems pro-
vide information on wind direction and intensity, visibility, barometric pressure, and precipitation.
Because these systems are so important, the airport owner or operator ensures their correct oper-
ation by monitoring and reporting deficiencies to the proper maintenance personnel. In addition,
a small airport may utilize a ground communications outlet or remote communications outlet.
These communications facilities are unstaffed and enable a pilot to contact air traffic control or the
FSS to obtain flight clearances, close flight plans, and obtain the weather.
Specific information about each airport is found in the FAA Airport Master Record--
Form 5010-1 and the U.S. Airport Facility Directory. Each one contains airport owner contact
information, runway data, communication frequencies, and remarks on potential airfield haz-
ards. The FAA Airport Master Record also provides the number of based aircraft and annual air-
craft operations. It is the responsibility of the airport owner to ensure the information contained
in these records is current. An airport's current Form 5010, and information on how to update
Form 5010, are accessible through the FAA website (www.faa.gov).
Airfield Driving Programs
The airport owner is responsible for ensuring that access to the aircraft movement areas is lim-
ited to what is necessary for airport operations. The airport owner may achieve this through fenc-
ing and access barriers and, in addition, through airport rules and regulations defining who has
access and to what extent.
