What a CFI Wants You to Know: Always Check NOTAMs

NOTAM ignorance does not excuse you from being responsible for their contents.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 12:53 PM ET

Verified

NOTAMs can cover everything from ramp closures and navaids out of service to TFRs for VIPS. [Screenshot Courtesy of FAA.gov]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots are legally mandated by FAR 91.103 to check Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) before every flight to be aware of all Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), especially significant Presidential TFRs.
Violating a TFR, particularly a Presidential one, will lead to military interception (e.g., F-16s) and severe consequences from the FAA and Secret Service, with ignorance of the TFR not serving as an excuse.
The Pilot in Command (PIC) is ultimately responsible for TFR compliance; on instructional flights, the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) also bears significant accountability.
Consistent diligence in checking NOTAMs is crucial for all flights, even in familiar airspace or good weather, as TFRs can arise unexpectedly.

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“Everyone gets one. I hope you never need to use it.”

These were my words as I handed out the kneeboard-sized pamphlet on NORAD intercept procedures to my private pilot ground school. The pamphlets—which are also available as a PDF that can be uploaded to a tablet—outline the procedures a pilot should follow in the event they are intercepted by military jets—ostensibly for violating a temporary flight restriction put in place to protect the President of the United States.