Aeronautical Information, Charts, NOTAM and AIP
This domain tests Annex 15 and Annex 4: which product carries which information, how quickly it must be published, and which chart serves which purpose. Questions often present a scenario such as a runway closure or a new obstacle and ask for the correct publication vehicle.
The integrated aeronautical information package
Annex 15 requires each State to provide an AIS. The main products are the AIP (with amendments and supplements), NOTAM, pre-flight information bulletins, aeronautical charts and AIC. The AIP is structured in three parts: GEN (general, including national regulations and differences from ICAO Standards), ENR (en-route) and AD (aerodromes), plus AIP Supplements and the AIC series.
AIRAC and publication timing
The AIRAC cycle is 28 days. Changes of an operational nature requiring chart or database amendment must be issued on an AIRAC effective date and published at least 28 days beforehand so that users can update. NOTAM are used for short-notice or temporary information; message types are NOTAMN (new), NOTAMR (replacing a previous NOTAM) and NOTAMC (cancelling). SNOWTAM reports runway surface conditions and ASHTAM reports volcanic activity. AIC series A carry national notices, series B international notices and series C explanatory material; AIC are not a substitute for NOTAM.
Charts under Annex 4
Aerodrome/Heliport Chart, Aerodrome Ground Movement Chart, Aircraft Parking/Docking Chart, Aerodrome Obstacle Chart Type A (operating limitations) and Type B (flight planning), Precision Approach Terrain Chart, En-route Chart, Area Chart, standard departure and arrival charts, Instrument Approach Chart, the 1:500 000 aeronautical chart and the 1:1 000 000 World Aeronautical Chart. All coordinates are published in WGS-84.
Worked example
A runway will be closed for resurfacing for five months. This is a temporary change of long duration, so it is published by AIP Supplement on an AIRAC date, supported by a trigger NOTAM drawing attention to the supplement. A closure notified two days before it begins, valid for six hours, would instead be a plain NOTAM.
Traps
AIC carry explanatory or administrative information and cannot replace operational NOTAM. A NOTAM replacing another is NOTAMR, not NOTAMC. Obstacle Chart Type A relates to operating limitations; Type B is for flight planning. The AIRAC cycle is 28 days, not 30 or a calendar month.