1−1−9. INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM (ILS) – further clarifies the ILS Expanded Service Volume (ESV) and includes a new figure that better explains how pilots can identify an ILS ESV when consulting a charted instrument procedure.
1−1−17. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM – The NOTAM subparagraph (g) was deleted so as not to duplicate. There is a specific NOTAM paragraph (5−1−3) that explains NOTAMs in detail. A few paragraphs were moved to supplement the RAIM paragraph. Lastly, in an effort to clarify guidance and to ensure it supports what is currently being charted in regards to the missed approach waypoint (MAWP) and the missed approach holding waypoint (MAHWP), a clearer depiction and a minor correction on how Fly−by (FB) and Fly−over (FO) waypoints are used and depicted on approach charts.
5−4−5. MINIMUM VECTORING ALTITUDE (MVA) – This change rewrites the notes in off route obstruction clearance altitude (OROCA) related paragraphs, to incorporate updated terminology and enable a better understanding of how OROCA is utilized.
5−1−3. NOTICE TO AIRMEN (NOTAM) SYSTEM – GPS NOTAM and receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) information is currently located in the overview section of the AIM/AIP. This change consolidates all of the NOTAM information into one procedures section and updates current NOTAM language. This update references how to report GPS anomalies, as well as edits two tables with example NOTAMS on GPS testing and pseudo−random satellite numbers.
5−1−17. COLD TEMPERATURE OPERATIONS – This change replaces paragraph 5−1−17 Cold Temperature Operations guidance and preflight planning information being updated to reflect the two temperature limitations that may be found on an FAA produced instrument approach procedure (IAP). The new paragraph also directs operators to Chapter 7 to review the information on cold temperature altimetry errors and current procedures for CTA and baro−VNAV temperature limitations.
5−2−7. DEPARTURE RESTRICTIONS, CLEARANCE VOID TIMES, HOLD FOR RELEASE, AND RELEASE TIMES – A recent change to FAA Order JO 7110.65 requires that ATC give a pilot departing from an airport without an operating control tower a departure release, a hold for release, or a release time when issuing the departure clearance. This AIM change reflects the change made to FAA Order JO 7110.65 and clarifies pilot and controller responsibilities.
5−2−9. INSTRUMENT DEPARTURE PROCEDURES (DP) − OBSTACLE DEPARTURE PROCEDURES (ODP), STANDARD INSTRUMENT DEPARTURES (SID), AND DIVERSE VECTOR AREAS (DVA) – Instructions and clarity were added for pilots to remain within the visual climb over airport (VCOA) specified visibility when departing an airport instrument flight rules (IFR) using VCOA.
5−4−20. APPROACH AND LANDING MINIMUMS – Removes outdated and incorrect verbiage and re−aligns AIM/AIP verbiage with FAA Order 8260.58.
7−1−8. INFLIGHT WEATHER ADVISORY BROADCASTS – This change removes Severe Weather Forecast Alerts (AWW) from paragraph 7−1−8, Inflight Weather Advisory Broadcasts, which are not broadcast by Terminal or ARTCC controllers.
9−1−4. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF EACH CHART SERIES – This change updates frequency of chart production. In cases where annually or biannual updates were made, 56 day chart updates replace those longer update periods, and reduce the NOTAM burden and bring NAS changes to aviators in a timely manner.
If you’d like to stump your CFI on your next lesson, ask what the acronym NOTAM stands for. Here’s a hint, it just changed.
FAA recently published Order 7930.2S, Change 2, effective December 2, 2021 for Notices to Air Missions (NOTAM). Yes, these changes include modifying the acronym NOTAM from Notice to Airmen to Notice to Air Missions – a more applicable term per the FAA.
As a brief review, NOTAM information classifications include Domestic (NOTAM D) and Flight Data Center (FDC).
NOTAM (D) information is disseminated for all navigational facilities that are part of the National Airspace System (NAS), all public use aerodromes, seaplane bases, and heliports listed in the Chart Supplement U.S. NOTAM (D) information includes such data as taxiway closures, personnel and equipment near or crossing runways, and airport lighting aids that do not affect instrument approach criteria, such as VASI. There are several types of NOTAM Ds:
Aerodrome activity and conditions, to include field conditions.
Airspace to include CARF, SUA, and general airspace activity like UAS or pyrotechnics.
Visual and radio navigational aids.
Communication and services.
Pointer NOTAMs. NOTAMs issued to point to additional aeronautical information. When pointing to another NOTAM, the keyword in the pointer NOTAM must match the keyword in the original NOTAM. Pointer NOTAMs should be issued for, but are not limited to, TFRs, Airshows, Temporary SUA, major NAS system interruptions, etc.
FDC NOTAMs. On those occasions when it becomes necessary to disseminate information that is regulatory in nature, an FDC NOTAM is issued. FDC NOTAMs include NOTAMs such as:
Amendments to published IAPs and other current aeronautical charts.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR). Pilots should read NOTAMs in their entirety as some TFRs may allow pilots to fly through the flight restriction should they request permission to do so and subsequently receive it. Pilots are encouraged to use online preflight resources as they provide graphics and plain language interpretations for TFRs.
High barometric pressure warning.
Laser light activity.
ADS-B, TIS-B, and FIS-B service availability.
Satellite-based systems such as WAAS or GPS.
Special Notices.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/05164407/Palm_Springs_International_Airporta_photo_D_Ramey_Logan-1.jpg540960Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2021-12-02 11:30:292021-12-02 11:34:19NOTAM has a new meaning
What is the significance of the star symbol next to the control tower (CT) frequency, 125.6, and the blue circle C at the Jefferson City Airport (KJEF)?
What is the minimum visibility required for a student pilot operating in the airport traffic pattern while in Class G airspace during the daytime?
While the basic VFR weather minimums outlined in § 91.155 specify a minimum flight visibility of 1 statute mile and clear of clouds when 1,200 feet or less above the surface (AGL) in the daytime, the general student pilot limitations of § 61.89 do not permit student pilots to operate with less than 3 miles of flight or surface visibility during daylight hours (5 miles at night); therefore, the answer is 3 miles.
The fact that the student pilot is flying in the traffic pattern is irrelevant in this context; however, for certified pilots, there is an exception to basic VFR weather minimums in Class G airspace that allows a pilot to operate with a minimum of 1 mile of flight visibility in Class G airspace at night as long as the airplane remains within ½ mile of the runway. The standard basic VFR weather minimums at night in Class G airspace are 1 mile of flight visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds when below 1,200 AGL.
Sporty’s CFI Team
—
Interested in the Sporty’s CFI team answering your question? Please submit to [email protected].
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/05182233/pattern.jpg12001600Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2021-11-19 10:00:242021-10-14 15:00:33Ask a CFI – minimum visibility for student pilots
Airplane engines are more sensitive than your typical car engine and require extra attention. This week’s video tip looks at some tips for basic airplane engine operations to help you get years of trouble-free operation from them.
You’ve probably heard that “you can stall an airplane at any airspeed and any attitude.” It’s true, but it sure doesn’t make much sense. In our latest video tip of the week, we tackle angle of attack, a critically important but often misunderstood topic. You’ll learn what it really means, how to visualize it in flight and what the new generation of AoA gauges shows. This is essential information for pilots of any level.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/05180545/Angle-of-Attack-Tip.jpg10801920Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngBret Koebbe2021-11-16 10:00:472022-11-17 10:16:38Video tip: What does angle of attack really mean?
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Change 1 published
/in Regulations, Uncategorized/by Eric RadtkeUpdates include:
1−1−9. INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM (ILS) – further clarifies the ILS Expanded Service Volume (ESV) and includes a new figure that better explains how pilots can identify an ILS ESV when consulting a charted instrument procedure.
1−1−17. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM – The NOTAM subparagraph (g) was deleted so as not to duplicate. There is a specific NOTAM paragraph (5−1−3) that explains NOTAMs in detail. A few paragraphs were moved to supplement the RAIM paragraph. Lastly, in an effort to clarify guidance and to ensure it supports what is currently being charted in regards to the missed approach waypoint (MAWP) and the missed approach holding waypoint (MAHWP), a clearer depiction and a minor correction on how Fly−by (FB) and Fly−over (FO) waypoints are used and depicted on approach charts.
5−4−5. MINIMUM VECTORING ALTITUDE (MVA) – This change rewrites the notes in off route obstruction clearance altitude (OROCA) related paragraphs, to incorporate updated terminology and enable a better understanding of how OROCA is utilized.
5−1−3. NOTICE TO AIRMEN (NOTAM) SYSTEM – GPS NOTAM and receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) information is currently located in the overview section of the AIM/AIP. This change consolidates all of the NOTAM information into one procedures section and updates current NOTAM language. This update references how to report GPS anomalies, as well as edits two tables with example NOTAMS on GPS testing and pseudo−random satellite numbers.
5−1−17. COLD TEMPERATURE OPERATIONS – This change replaces paragraph 5−1−17 Cold Temperature Operations guidance and preflight planning information being updated to reflect the two temperature limitations that may be found on an FAA produced instrument approach procedure (IAP). The new paragraph also directs operators to Chapter 7 to review the information on cold temperature altimetry errors and current procedures for CTA and baro−VNAV temperature limitations.
5−2−9. INSTRUMENT DEPARTURE PROCEDURES (DP) − OBSTACLE DEPARTURE PROCEDURES (ODP), STANDARD INSTRUMENT DEPARTURES (SID), AND DIVERSE VECTOR AREAS (DVA) – Instructions and clarity were added for pilots to remain within the visual climb over airport (VCOA) specified visibility when departing an airport instrument flight rules (IFR) using VCOA.
5−4−20. APPROACH AND LANDING MINIMUMS – Removes outdated and incorrect verbiage and re−aligns AIM/AIP verbiage with FAA Order 8260.58.
7−1−8. INFLIGHT WEATHER ADVISORY BROADCASTS – This change removes Severe Weather Forecast Alerts (AWW) from paragraph 7−1−8, Inflight Weather Advisory Broadcasts, which are not broadcast by Terminal or ARTCC controllers.
9−1−4. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF EACH CHART SERIES – This change updates frequency of chart production. In cases where annually or biannual updates were made, 56 day chart updates replace those longer update periods, and reduce the NOTAM burden and bring NAS changes to aviators in a timely manner.
Access the complete FAA AIM here.
NOTAM has a new meaning
/in Regulations/by Eric RadtkeFAA recently published Order 7930.2S, Change 2, effective December 2, 2021 for Notices to Air Missions (NOTAM). Yes, these changes include modifying the acronym NOTAM from Notice to Airmen to Notice to Air Missions – a more applicable term per the FAA.
As a brief review, NOTAM information classifications include Domestic (NOTAM D) and Flight Data Center (FDC).
NOTAM (D) information is disseminated for all navigational facilities that are part of the National Airspace System (NAS), all public use aerodromes, seaplane bases, and heliports listed in the Chart Supplement U.S. NOTAM (D) information includes such data as taxiway closures, personnel and equipment near or crossing runways, and airport lighting aids that do not affect instrument approach criteria, such as VASI. There are several types of NOTAM Ds:
FDC NOTAMs. On those occasions when it becomes necessary to disseminate information that is regulatory in nature, an FDC NOTAM is issued. FDC NOTAMs include NOTAMs such as:
Chart Smart: VFR sectional airport information
/in Having fun/by Eric RadtkeWhat is the significance of the star symbol next to the control tower (CT) frequency, 125.6, and the blue circle C at the Jefferson City Airport (KJEF)?
Read the explanation.
Ask a CFI – minimum visibility for student pilots
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeWhat is the minimum visibility required for a student pilot operating in the airport traffic pattern while in Class G airspace during the daytime?
The fact that the student pilot is flying in the traffic pattern is irrelevant in this context; however, for certified pilots, there is an exception to basic VFR weather minimums in Class G airspace that allows a pilot to operate with a minimum of 1 mile of flight visibility in Class G airspace at night as long as the airplane remains within ½ mile of the runway. The standard basic VFR weather minimums at night in Class G airspace are 1 mile of flight visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds when below 1,200 AGL.
Sporty’s CFI Team
—
Interested in the Sporty’s CFI team answering your question? Please submit to [email protected].
Video Tip: Aircraft engine operating tips
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeAirplane engines are more sensitive than your typical car engine and require extra attention. This week’s video tip looks at some tips for basic airplane engine operations to help you get years of trouble-free operation from them.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s 2022 Learn to Fly Course
Video tip: What does angle of attack really mean?
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeYou’ve probably heard that “you can stall an airplane at any airspeed and any attitude.” It’s true, but it sure doesn’t make much sense. In our latest video tip of the week, we tackle angle of attack, a critically important but often misunderstood topic. You’ll learn what it really means, how to visualize it in flight and what the new generation of AoA gauges shows. This is essential information for pilots of any level.
Learn more from Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course – Video Training and Test Prep