The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said it will start moving towards digital flight operations information and also get the ball rolling on the modernisation of notices to airmen (NOTAMs).
The existing paper NOTAMs will be transitioned to a paperless format to help improve accuracy, reduce human error and provide more standardised information.
The existing NOTAM system offers data about hazards and aeronautical facilities, services and procedures in the paper format, and involves manual validation and coordination with multiple sources.
The FAA will begin testing digital NOTAMs in January 2010 at air traffic control facilities at Southern California tracon, Denver air traffic control tower (ATCT), Amarillo ATCT, Tallahassee ATCT, Las Vegas ATCT and Boise ATCT.
The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) regulatory affairs staff and the AAAE Operations Safety and Planning Committee are providing input on behalf of members to help ensure a smooth rollout of the technology.
