Don’t Ignore NOTAMS

Elaine Kauh

Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 04:57 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pre-flight planning in challenging weather requires meticulous checking and interpretation of numerous NOTAMs, including deciphering abbreviations for unserviceable components (e.g., U/S, NOT MNT) which can significantly alter approach minimums and necessitate consulting tables like the Inoperative Components Table.
Unexpected in-flight weather, even after thorough planning, demands dynamic decision-making, such as executing a missed approach when conditions deteriorate on final.
Proactive communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and having pre-planned escape routes or alternative strategies (e.g., holding patterns on the approach side, sidestep to another runway) can drastically reduce pilot workload and enhance safety during complex instrument approaches.

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When conditions are down to 200-½, the search for approaches and alternates with better weather can take some time. Options are few on a day like this, even if you’re comfortable flying down to mins. And even when finally selecting the airport and backup, you’ve gotta check the NOTAMs for the airports, airspace and procedures—and probably dig up the NOTAM-to-English dictionary, or its closest FAA equivalent.

OTS is U/S